Anxiety decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, is not related to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include anxiety disorder. The Veteran's testimony and medical evidence have been considered in establishing this connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no evidence to support these claims. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened but not granted as there is no clear evidence that any current conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the current medical evidence is insufficient to fully and fairly evaluate the Veteran's appeal as it is unclear if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder during the appeal period. Therefore, the case is being remanded to obtain an updated VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for an eye disability and GERD, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The claim for anxiety reaction was also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and mood disorder, are secondary to his service-connected pterygium. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to December 5, 2011 did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent. Since December 5, 2011, his PTSD has met the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is not entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was partially withdrawn, and the remaining issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), tinnitus, and ear condition were remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and considering whether additional evidence is needed. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing VCAA notice regarding PTSD based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety reaction has been rated at 50 percent since July 25, 2001. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder, a chronic disorder characterized by chest tightness with a loss of blood circulation, or an acquired psychiatric disorder that had its onset during his period of active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing and consolidating evidence into claims files.

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge from his period of service was not under dishonorable conditions, thus allowing him to receive VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, dysthymia with anxiety features, and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and readjudication under both old and revised rating criteria.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus, and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.