Anxiety decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and social anxiety is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and information from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The non-service-connected pension claim is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, were found to warrant a rating of 70 percent since May 22, 2012. The decision also addressed the issue of TDIU.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed psychiatric, heart, glaucoma, and hypertension disabilities are not related to his active service. The evidence does not show any in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and he has been granted TDIU prior to January 8, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is denied. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and mental health treatment records. A new VA examination will be scheduled to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The Board will also seek a medical opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent since July 24, 2009. The Board finds that the current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to active duty or ACDUTRA. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the pending service connection claim.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, is found to be related to his active service. However, there is no evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to herbicide exposure or service.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for asthma, right upper extremity periostitis, left upper extremity periostitis, major depression with anxiety (psychiatric disability), and left knee strain with iliotibial band syndrome. The initial ratings were all increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new allegations from the Veteran regarding in-service stressors and a need for an addendum opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his anxiety, malaria, and filariasis did not contribute to his myocardial infarction.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety disorder and Hepatitis B with IBS were denied. The current disability ratings of 30 percent are maintained.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of chronic adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety secondary to arrested pulmonary tuberculosis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates in connection with the grant of service connection for anxiety disorder, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, and compression fracture, L1 were denied.,There was no pending claim for these conditions prior to the grants. The claims were filed on April 9, 2010 (anxiety disorder), May 7, 2010 (total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy), and May 7, 2010 (compression fracture, L1).,The claim for anxiety disorder was reopened in July 2008 after the denial of a PTSD application. The Veteran did not submit new and material evidence within one year.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder, and thus denied service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to verify his in-service stressor. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.