Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and to determine if he currently has a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder has increased in severity since her last VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine the current level of disability. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, which began in service and was aggravated by his alcohol abuse, caused or contributed substantially to his death from liver cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, depressed mood and headaches warrants a disability rating of 70 percent effective April 7, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his reported in-service sexual trauma.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, PTSD, and depressive disorder, has been characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, problems sleeping, social avoidance, nightmares, and flashbacks. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher disability rating have not been met.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be causally related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression are due to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressor for PTSD. The appellant is asked to provide additional details and complete a PTSD questionnaire, and VA will attempt to verify the stressor with the JSRRC.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and service treatment records, as well as verify the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to March 29, 2002, when he received his original service connection award. His right hand/finger injury and PTSD with depression, bipolar features, anxiety and nervousness have been granted effective from March 29, 2002.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA/privately held treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety and depression, are not attributable to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and records in order to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service, including her personal assault during service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations to evaluate his lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, anxiety disorder, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including verification of an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination and opinion.