Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with speech and sleep problems resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was not incurred in service and is not presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to any specific agent or environment. The Board found no evidence linking the current condition to his active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service and therefore denied his claims.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional records, arrange for a VA examination, and consider the Veteran's claim in its entirety. The Veteran is entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but further development is needed before a final determination can be made.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, are found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability was not incurred in active service and denied his claim. The psychiatric disability, specifically adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, is considered to be related to post-service stressors rather than service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from August 13, 2008.

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

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder was granted a disability rating of 50 percent effective October 28, 2010. The temporary total rating for treatment due to participation in the PPH program from November 7, 2011 to November 28, 2011 is also granted.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional examinations and to associate any outstanding VA treatment records. The initial disability ratings for his service-connected anxiety disorder and thoracolumbar spine sprain will need to be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's cause of death, aortic stenosis, was not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder did not substantially or materially contribute to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disability, a compensable rating for right wrist arthralgia before December 27, 2012, and an increased rating for GAD and MDD after that date. The Board found no evidence linking any current stomach or wrist conditions to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence received since the last final decision does not relate specifically to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is granted. The claims of service connection for left leg and back disabilities are denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder was found to have its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nicotine dependence is as likely as not related to his service-connected anxiety disorder, and thus grants service connection for nicotine dependence secondary to anxiety.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder was denied as there is no indication of a pending claim prior to July 31, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of each currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service in Vietnam and reported symptoms during service will be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.