Anxiety decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure, and glaucoma as secondary to diabetes are all denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam and thus could not grant presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure. Diabetes was not present during service or within one year after discharge, and there is no medical evidence linking it to service. Glaucoma was also not shown to be related to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective from June 17, 2013. The Veteran's DM now requires insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying stressors and obtaining a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Service connection was also denied for a skin disorder, low back disorder, sleep disorder, stomach disorder, penis deformity, prostate disorder, and heart disease.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA examiner did not find any stressors sufficient to meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, and the private physician's opinion was outweighed by the VA examiner's findings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, requesting authorization to obtain additional treatment records from Dr. Kessler and other providers, and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking his current psychiatric disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is attributable to service. The Board finds that the Veteran incurred a psychiatric disability in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims file, including obtaining recent treatment records and clarifying a discrepancy in her mental health assessment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's current diagnosed psychiatric disorders were not incurred in service. The evidence does not show any complaints, symptoms, or diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder during his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and separate evaluations have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support additional convalescence benefits or higher ratings for his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and a depressive disorder with mixed anxiety features, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and his service, including anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.

Prior to April 2, 2013, the Veteran's anxiety disorder was manifested by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depression, irritability, nightmares, and alcohol dependence.,Since April 2, 2013, the Veteran's anxiety disorder has been characterized by significant impairment in most areas including work, social interactions, judgment, and mood. He experiences suicidal ideation, neglect of personal appearance, and near continuous panic or depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to his service and have denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining Social Security records, VA treatment records, and an addendum opinion from a medical professional. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional VA medical records, as well as potential adjustment of his initial rating.