Anxiety decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than anxiety and depression, to include PTSD, was denied as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of such condition.

The Board has expanded the issue of service connection for PTSD to include all psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to inadequate notification and development, including obtaining unit records and addressing memory issues related to claimed stressors.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder, and these conditions are now considered to be service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. This includes obtaining a new VA examination to determine if the current psychiatric conditions are related to service, particularly the alleged rape in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA clinical records and scheduling an examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not provide credible evidence of a personal assault in service and thus could not establish a stressor. The diagnosis of current psychiatric disorders was post-service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted. The claims for PTSD, TBI residuals, and eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1702 are remanded.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of PTSD and depressive features is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 30, 2008. The Board found that the disability results in reduced reliability and productivity but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to the appellant, through his authorized representative, requesting withdrawal of the appeals in July 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder with depression is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including his experiences in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, dissociative disorder, dysthymia, and affective disorder. The Veteran's statements, post-service medical records, and behavior are consistent with those factors as found in 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent disabling effective May 12, 2010. The VA examiner noted significant impairment in memory and concentration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, are related to service. The claim is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not causally or etiologically related to her military service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, depressed mood, and headaches has been granted. The effective date of the increased rating is April 7, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.