Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of bilateral upper and lower extremities did not manifest in service, within one year of service, or is related to service. The Board also found that her gout was not incurred in service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, was incurred in active service.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection was denied. His anxiety disorder NOS is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9413. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also not granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for anxiety disorder, NOS, prior to June 1, 2011, and in excess of 50 percent from then on; service connection for PTSD; service connection for depression; service connection for bilateral hearing loss; and service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and work background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified are granted, based on medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety disorder warrants a 30 percent rating prior to July 6, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and his adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is not related to service. His bilateral hearing loss is also not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and the need to verify alleged stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder did not have its onset during service and is not etiologically related to service. The claim for migraine headaches was remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address the outstanding questions of diagnosis and nexus pertaining to the Veteran's claim, including whether his PTSD is related to his in-service traumatic injury to his right eye.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as unspecified depression and anxiety, is found to be etiologically linked to his active duty service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have been rated at 30 percent since March 25, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder NOS, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his in-service stressors and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and therefore service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with recurrent anxiety and lumbar spine facet joint arthritis have been granted increased ratings, but the specific details of the rating decisions are not provided in this excerpt.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 7, 2009 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital are not eligible for reimbursement under VA regulations because the emergency treatment was not rendered in response to a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to his life or health.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hypertension and TDIU claim.

The Board found no evidence of a left shoulder disorder, bilateral knee or hip disorders, head injury, or scar on head incurred during service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied as the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service.