Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability, but the case is being remanded to obtain additional information and conduct further medical examinations.

The Veteran's overpayment of $1,572.00 in disability compensation benefits is waived due to the circumstances surrounding his incarceration and the apportionment of benefits.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claim for a prostate disorder is being remanded as it was not addressed in the September 2012 remand.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, were preexisting. The VA examinations did not link these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such a nature or severity to prevent him from obtaining or retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with service connection for tinnitus established. The other issues remain on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and insomnia has been granted service connection, but the rating remains at 50 percent since September 29, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including delusional disorder and schizophrenia, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board concluded that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS is found to be related to his active service, but the claim for PTSD remains denied as there was no verified in-service stressor.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and adjudication, including scheduling a videoconference hearing for the Veteran.

The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is related to fear of being trapped in a boiler during active service. He has diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure, hypertension and neuropathy of the hands within one year of separation from active service, but no left ear hearing loss disability or vision problem. Sleep apnea is presumed as within one year of separation from active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed stressors in Thailand and provide notice regarding establishing service connection for PTSD under the revised regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include generalized anxiety disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new information provided by the Veteran regarding an assault in service, and a request should be made to the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI) to obtain a copy of the police report.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, both found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claim of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability is REMANDED due to its inextricably intertwined nature with these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD with depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. The Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating prior to March 24, 2008, and a 70 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Disturbances of Mood and Anxiety, both diagnosed as a result of his military service.