Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Veteran's hypertension is granted on a secondary basis to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. His coronary artery disease and type II diabetes mellitus are both denied initial higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA Vocational Rehabilitation records and determining if he was awarded hazardous duty pay during his service in Saudi Arabia. A psychiatric examination will also be scheduled.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disorder due to further development being required.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the rating for service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including articulation disorder (hip), fatigue and low energy, hyperlipidemia, IBS, or diverticulitis. Therefore, his claims are denied.

The Veteran is found to be permanently housebound by reason of service-connected psychiatric disability, and thus qualifies for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records, as the last evaluation was from over four years ago.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current Anxiety Disorder NOS is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing at his local RO. The issues of entitlement to a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression, and entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea are pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors could not be verified and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was rated at 70 percent from August 1, 2007 to May 4, 2009. The rating was reduced to 30 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the reduction was proper as there is no evidence of actual improvement in the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression or an actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on whether his current psychiatric disabilities are related to military service or a pre-existing condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disabilities, including depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge. The evidence does not support a finding that any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are not related to his service. The personality disorder he had in service is considered a congenital defect and there is no evidence of aggravation during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining statements from third parties and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders that may be present. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after all additional development is completed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, anxiety disorder, status-post PFPS of the left knee, GERD with irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, and psoriatic arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and an increased rating for coronary artery disease.