Anxiety decisions — 2013

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, which is manifested by symptoms such as depression, irritability, panic attacks, concentration and memory problems, some impairment of relationships with others, reports of suicidal ideation, and difficulty adapting to stressful situations, results in deficiencies in most areas but less than total social and occupational impairment. The criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent have been met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder. The evidence shows that these conditions had their onset during his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral Achilles tendonitis and a low back disorder, combine to provide him with at least a 60 percent rating. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, based on the Veteran's reported stressors in Korea and a diagnosis of PTSD by a VA psychiatrist.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to myocardial infarction, finding that the Veteran's anxiety and malaria did not contribute substantially or materially to his death. The cardiovascular disease was not found to be related to service.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include consideration of whether service-connection is warranted for any acquired psychiatric disability. The case is REMANDED so that a VA examination can be scheduled and a comprehensive medical opinion obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's seizure disorder, memory impairment, high blood pressure, asthma, and headaches for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD (now characterized as anxiety disorder) is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 13, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since July 14, 2004 and the Board has granted a TDIU throughout the rating period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including securing VA and private psychiatric treatment records. The Veteran is advised to provide releases for any missing records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's reported stressor event occurred and to obtain any necessary treatment records. The Veteran is also requested to provide more specific information about his claimed stressor.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claim is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is granted as service connected due to in-service stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred or aggravated in service, and thus denied his claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, dementia, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD (and associated depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) that has been medically attributed to a verified stressor he experienced during his active military service. The Board finds the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including an anxiety disorder NOS, as a result or consequence of his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the nature of his service-connected right wrist disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.