Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder were granted service connection, with a rating of 50 percent from April 20, 2006 to May 31, 2010, and increased to 70 percent since June 1, 2010.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD features is currently rated at 70 percent effective July 20, 2011. The disability causes significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's current personality disorder is a congenital or developmental defect and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim was not granted as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease leading to his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA medical opinion to address service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with effective dates set at November 30, 2012.

The Veteran's death was caused by inflicted sharp wounds due to severe corporal trauma, but there is no evidence linking any psychiatric disability, including PTSD, to his service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of June 23, 2010 for the assignment of a 70 percent disability evaluation for his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations and to obtain relevant medical records. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for a herpes condition are pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and an anxiety disorder, are related to a personal assault during his military service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated evaluations of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and determine if he qualifies for vocational rehabilitation benefits. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warranted a 70 percent rating effective March 1, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his anxiety disorder. The issue will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and verification of his military service.

The Board denied service connection for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD as not established. The Veteran's back disability claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as she does not have a ratable disability. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and for a higher rating for PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new psychiatric examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA examination reports and treatment records. His increased rating claims for PTSD with generalized anxiety and multiple lipomas will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of credible in-service stressor. The anxiety disorder claim is reopened as new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from a Vet Center and scheduling the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ganglion cyst of the left wrist, tinnitus, and right foot disability was denied. The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with PTSD has been granted a rating of 30% prior to July 7, 2009.