Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a request for a video conference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD are service-connected due to their in-service aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The Veteran is also granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida on December 12, 2009 are now covered by VA as it meets all criteria for emergency treatment of a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and current tinnitus are found to be related to service. The case is remanded for a VA examination regarding the etiology of his back disability, which may be related to an in-service fall from a truck.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has been rated at 20 percent since November 20, 2008. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and peripheral neuropathy remains pending.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's service records do not contain information about his in-service stressors, so further development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder has been granted. The claim for TDIU is also pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for an opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 10 percent prior to January 11, 2008 and 30 percent as of that date. The claim was reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's initial rating for his psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder) was granted at a 30 percent level, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include anxiety and depression, cannot be granted as there is no credible supporting evidence of a verified in-service stressor or any link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and finds that new evidence received since the April 2010 rating decision is sufficient to reopen the claim. The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression are related to her in-service rapes.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder NOS and nightmare disorder. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder arose prior to December 30, 2005, and granted service connection for these conditions effective from that date.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right shoulder shrapnel injury during service and the Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining records from the VA Vocational Rehabilitation program and updated employment information.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and granted a TDIU. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for additional development.