Anxiety decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a follow-up opinion from the November 2009 VA examiner.

For the portion of the appeal period extending from January 25, 2008 to April 6, 2010, the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder have been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,For the portion of the appeal period extending from April 7, 2010 forward, the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with depressive features is rated at 70 percent since March 20, 2003. The effective date for this rating remains to be determined as the claim was originally filed in 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and the acquisition of SSA records associated with an April 2008 decision. The issues of entitlement to increased rating for anxiety disorder and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is as likely as not attributable to a traumatic event during her military service, in particular, a reported sexual assault, or as likely as not was caused or has been exacerbated by her service-connected Diabetes Mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for automobile and adaptive equipment, special home adaptation, and specially adapted housing were denied as he is not service-connected for any conditions that would qualify him under the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The Veteran's mental disorder is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the likelihood of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including adjustment disorder with depressed mood and anxiety and anxiety disorder NOS, are related to her service in the Persian Gulf War. The claim for PTSD is denied due to lack of a diagnosis.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and chronic acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder are all found to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression with anxiety is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The TDIU claim will be deferred until these other claims are addressed.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) with dysthymic disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating beyond 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression with anxiety. The low back disability issue is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression and anxiety, due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his depressive disorder, not otherwise specified with anxiety, has been withdrawn. His service-connected condition is now rated at 70 percent effective July 12, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's case requires further development due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and an incomplete medical record. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information about his claimed stressful experiences, and VA will attempt to verify these events. A psychiatric examination is also required.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The VA will schedule a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, as well as to determine the severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records, as well as providing a VA psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions.

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