Anxiety decisions — 2013

The Veteran's chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood has been characterized by symptoms resulting in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed, including VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected mental disorder renders him incapable of employment.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 11, 2010 were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was necessary due to a serious threat to his health and delay in seeking immediate care would have been hazardous.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorder, and nervous disorder, are related to his service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, characterized as depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is related to his military service. The headaches are also considered to be directly related to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, concluding that there is no link between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as he does not currently have a diagnosed condition during the appeal period. The other claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a videoconference hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for PTSD and a left knee disability are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was granted effective June 15, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date due to his employment status and medical conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The issue is now before the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at their regional office. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including mood disorder not otherwise specified, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, and hypochondriasis, were incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) and found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is as likely as not to have had its clinical onset during his period of active duty for training. The Board also found that the irritable bowel syndrome is a manifestation of the service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board found that there is clear and unmistakable evidence showing the Veteran's anxiety disorder pre-existed active service, and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include generalized anxiety disorder, has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 30 percent, as her symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his previously diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service or any in-service disease, event, or injury. The examiner is also asked to address whether these conditions are due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.