Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including mood disorder with depression and anxiety, is found to have originated during his period of active duty.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a low back disability with associated sciatica, but new evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to January 27, 2010. The rating was increased to 30 percent effective April 8, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current sleep impairment and mental health issues are related to his military service. The claim for a sleep disorder is reopened.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as depression or anxiety, are not related to service or any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Veteran's Vet Center records and scheduling a VA examination. The claim will be adjudicated based on the evidence in the claims file if the Veteran does not report for the scheduled examinations.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors, while anxiety disorder is linked to personal history of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his psychiatric disorder, including whether any change in diagnosis represents progression or development of a new condition. The examiner should also assess the impact of both service-connected and non-service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability and psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both secondary to the residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service, including his fear of working around nuclear and atomic warheads during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after all necessary steps are taken.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor and his acquired psychiatric disorders are not directly related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder with agoraphobia and panic attacks has been rated at 30 percent since March 16, 2006. The disability is currently evaluated as a direct result of the service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD to include anxiety and depression disorders is currently rated at 50 percent, effective July 9, 2014. The appeal for a higher initial rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder are related to his active military service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not file an earlier effective date claim for anxiety disorder prior to May 27, 2011. The RO granted service connection for anxiety disorder on this date and assigned a retroactive effective date of May 27, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of VA treatment records.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 11, 1980 for the award of service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.