Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is currently rated at 50 percent, which grants a higher rating than the initial 10% assigned in 1981. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder as secondary to his service-connected hereditary hemochromatosis, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder with anxiety, did not have its clinical onset during service or until several years thereafter. As a result of the Veteran's failure to report for VA examination as directed in the Board's January 2013 remand, there is no competent medical evidence showing any causal relationship between his military service and his current psychiatric condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence has been presented. The issue of whether service connection is warranted remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, originated in service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected psychiatric and right knee disabilities, which prevent him from performing activities of daily living without assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for this condition. The claim for TDIU remains pending as additional development is required.

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

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and spondylosis, lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating due to limitations in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine.,For anxiety disorder (NOS), the evidence did not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity as required for a 50% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Anxiety Disorder are related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and anxiety disorder are related to his service, while his major depressive disorder and PTSD do not have a direct link to service.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD or an anxiety disorder. The residuals of the cerebrovascular accident were not manifested during his active military service and are not shown to be causally related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows that his current PTSD resulted from combat-related stressors during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, and the Board has determined that these claims are inextricably intertwined with other issues. The case is therefore REMANDED to schedule a videoconference hearing before the undersigned VLJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his service in Vietnam and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a nervous condition and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran's current diagnosis is related to bullying he experienced in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder.