Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD with anxiety disorder, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, and right lower extremity sciatica were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address all diagnoses of record.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder renders him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, while his asthma alone does not. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his anxiety disorder from July 14, 2008.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and generalized anxiety, was granted effective February 26, 2013. Service connection for tinnitus is denied. Higher initial ratings for diarrhea (IBS) and left knee patellofemoral syndrome are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more current VA examination of his service-connected anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (claimed as PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of records and an examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of medical evidence related to his service-connected psychiatric disability and left leg disability/ies, including records of VA treatment and a private mental status examination. The AOJ will also arrange for an orthopedic surgeon to examine the Veteran and provide opinions on the nature and likely etiology of any left leg disabilities found.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA psychiatric examination and additional development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric conditions were not aggravated by service and granted her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his verified in-service stressors and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is service-connected, and the initial rating for migraine headaches has been granted at 50 percent. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD, Major depressive disorder, and Generalized anxiety disorder are found to be related to his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD. The evidence shows an anxiety disorder, but no diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 15, 2013. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher evaluation are not met prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability and headaches.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder are at least as likely as not related to service, warranting service connection.