Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety reaction is found to have caused or contributed substantially to his death from cardiovascular disease, which resulted in endocarditis and congestive heart failure. As a result, the claim for cause of death has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to verify alleged in-service stressors and obtain a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, colitis, or acid reflux and heartburn attributable to active military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are more likely than not related to his military service. The secondary service connection claims for migraines, breathing problems, and fatigue will be remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA pension documents and medical records from the 1950s, as well as potential additional relevant San Juan VAMC records. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis is rated at the highest possible level of disability (100%), indicating total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete VCAA notice, missing VA treatment records, and a lack of comprehensive rating examination.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the November 1960 decision that severed service connection for psychoneurosis, and restored it. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is moot as the benefit requested (restoration of service connection) has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability, myofascial pain syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine with degenerative disease, and anxiety disorder were all denied by the Board. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, are related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions based on their direct relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder and obtaining outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for adjustment disorder with anxiety and tremors are granted as they are found to be related to his active military service.

The Board found no evidence of a confirmed combat stressor or pre-existing mental disorder, and the Veteran's current diagnosis is generalized anxiety disorder rather than PTSD. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of adjustment disorder with anxiety cannot be granted as there is no evidence in the record prior to February 28, 2005 indicating an intent to apply for such benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds sufficient evidence to support the Veteran's contention that he experienced ringing in his ears during service and has had ongoing issues with tinnitus since then.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and related conditions (anxiety, depression, insomnia) as secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on in-service stressors involving witnessing hostile small arms fire during Vietnam service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, effective March 2007. The left ring and small finger fractures are each rated at noncompensable (0 percent). The lumbar spine strain is rated at 10 percent, effective March 2007. Right foot plantar fasciitis is also rated at 10 percent, effective March 2007. Service connection for an anxiety disorder secondary to headaches was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and examining the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD. However, he is granted service connection for depression and anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a psychiatric evaluation. The TDIU claim is also being developed.