Anxiety decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder based on the Veteran's reported in-service combat experiences.

The Veteran's HIV with anxiety and major depressive disorder has been rated at the highest available level of disability, a 70 percent evaluation, effective from November 22, 2010.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of PTSD does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood has been rated at 10 percent since March 30, 2004. The disability is currently manifested by occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform tasks only during periods of significant stress.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as back disorder are still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hip and low back disabilities did not have onset in service or were not caused by his active military service. The right shoulder, headaches, and anxiety conditions are also denied.

The Board found no evidence linking the Appellant's diagnosed psychiatric conditions to her military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety attacks, nightmares, and violent outbursts is rated at 70 percent since August 2, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on service-connected PTSD alone from August 2, 2006.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically schizo-affective disorder. The right foot disability issue will be addressed in the Remand following this decision.

Service connection has been granted for anxiety as secondary to service-connected situational depression and left knee disability. The initial evaluation for situational depression with anxiety is set at 10 percent.

The Board found no verified stressor for the Veteran's claimed PTSD and denied service connection due to lack of credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a fractured nose, is granted. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant's anxiety disorder, diagnosed as Anxiety Disorder NOS, was permanently aggravated by his military service. The Board finds in favor of the appellant on this issue.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus denied his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, left knee disability, arthritis of hands and fingers, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were related to service.

The Veteran's mixed depression and anxiety disorder with associated alcohol dependence more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety and undifferentiated somatoform disorders, is related to her service. The claim for PTSD was not granted as there were no corroborated stressors. The issue of an increased rating for low back strain remains pending.

The Veteran's lung disorder and anxiety disorder were incurred or aggravated by service.,Residuals of a bilateral eye injury and residuals of a head injury are not shown to be causally related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, related to his active duty service.