Anxiety decisions — 2012

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been received. The Board also determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claims of service connection for CAD, respiratory condition, and bilateral hearing loss are not addressed as the Veteran did not request a hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety and depression, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain in-patient hospitalization records from Womack Army Hospital, the 3rd Field Hospital in Vietnam, and the 106th General Hospital in Japan. Additionally, his treatment records from Dr. Heffelfinger, Dermatology, LTD., and other identified locations are also required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and arthritis need further development to ensure all relevant evidence is considered. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and separate evaluations for his diabetes mellitus. The case will be returned to the RO for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is causally related to service, but his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral thumb disorder are not due to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, other than anxiety and depression, are related to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The appeal is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a psychiatric disability related to his active service, and thus denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD symptoms are related to service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, PTSD, and anxiety disorder due to personal trauma. The appeal is currently pending as the RO has not issued a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as due to a traumatic brain injury, is being remanded for additional development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, including any confirmed or claimed stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and private treatment records. The appellant's status is unclear due to his claimed veteran status.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying a stressor related to the Veteran's motor vehicle accident in service and obtaining VA and private treatment records. The Veteran will also be afforded a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a controversy regarding the benefits sought, as the funds for attorney fees have been distributed to the appellant.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining service personnel records and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.