Anxiety decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability and left thumb disability, combine to a rating of 70 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran is likely prevented from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection due to new evidence received during the appeal period, and because of concerns regarding the diagnosis and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, dysthymia, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and their relationship to service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination for an opinion on the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed anxiety disorder had its onset during his active military service and grants entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, is related to her service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his left knee disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for a low back disorder, PTSD, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, splenectomy, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for bilateral leg disorders, anxiety disorder, sleep apnea, and hypertension. Further development is required for resolution of the underlying service connection claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is presumed to have existed prior to service, but was incurred during active duty. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, primarily diagnosed as anxiety and depression, are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was manifested by feelings of anxiety and depression, with symptoms controlled by continuous medication prior to April 27, 2005. The effective date for the 10 percent evaluation is December 13, 2000.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, were caused or aggravated by his military service. The claim for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is characterized by mild symptoms that do not significantly impair his occupational or social functioning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues regarding service connection and reopening of a foot condition claim are currently unknown.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, finding no evidence of a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood has been rated at 30 percent since June 1, 2006. The rating is based on the current level of impairment due to symptoms such as lack of concentration, decreased motivation, and loss of interest in social activities.

The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, anxiety and alcohol abuse.,Service connection is denied for hearing loss as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or any other compensable level of hearing loss within one year after separation from service.,Service connection is denied for tinnitus as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or any other compensable level of hearing loss within one year after separation from service.,Service connection is denied for a respiratory/lung disorder (to include COPD and lung nodules) due to lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred in or caused by service.