Anxiety decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of the Veteran's claims file, including obtaining VA treatment records from 1999 to June 2007 and reviewing these records with a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including an attempt to corroborate the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors. The claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, and an anxiety disorder, are found to be related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, is currently rated at 30 percent and denied for an increased rating. The claim for PTSD was not considered as part of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to service-connected migraines or PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is causally related to an incident of his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. However, there is no evidence of a current disability of dysentery, so service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his diagnoses and additional evidence, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hearing loss, chronic bronchitis, or hypertension. The claims of service connection for psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), neck condition, COPD, sinus and allergy problems, left knee condition, right knee condition, right shoulder condition, skin disorder, and hypertension are denied.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for psychoneurosis, anxiety and conversion disorder (claimed as nerves) due to lack of new and material evidence. The heart disability claim was also denied.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent from May 1, 2006 to December 30, 2007 and at 50 percent beginning December 31, 2007.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are found to be aggravated by his service-connected back disability, right and left knee disabilities, and diabetes mellitus. The claim for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service in Vietnam and finds that he is entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder resulted in a demonstrable inability to obtain or retain employment from January 28, 1994 through November 2, 2004, warranting the highest possible initial rating of 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of an anxiety disorder, claimed as PTSD, should be set at January 5, 1996.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA audiological examination and notification of the Veteran's right to a hearing on his claim for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, psychosis and anxiety was denied. The issue of service connection for arthritis was also denied.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim for residuals of a back injury was granted. Service connection for the condition was also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, is related to an inservice personal assault. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting mild symptoms that decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks during periods of significant stress. The GAF score remains within the 61-70 range, indicating mild symptoms.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is as likely as not related to his active service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.

The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD that is related to her military service. The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses are more likely due to stressors occurring after service, such as family issues and financial difficulties.