Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, to include anxiety, was rated at 50 percent prior to December 22, 2010. Effective from December 22, 2010, the Veteran is granted a 100 percent rating for his service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other diagnosed conditions. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD or any other condition, and that the stressor related to his employment in firearms sales did not meet the requirements for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and anxiety disorder, has been granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders, as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and the clinical records do not establish an in-service onset.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including General Anxiety Disorder and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression. The decision is based on the reopening of the claim due to new evidence.

The Board is unable to make a final determination on the service connection claims due to insufficient evidence, and has therefore remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and SSA records, and will consider service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and genital herpes.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 30 percent evaluation effective December 6, 2011.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as secondary to his service-connected back disability. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a proper medical opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric condition and whether it is related to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 25, 2011 at Baptist Medical Center South were denied as there was no showing of a medical emergency necessitating immediate treatment and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and to consider new evidence, including private and VA treatment records, lay statements, and social security records. The Veteran was also requested to provide a hearing request.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's bowel and bladder disabilities were not incurred during active service and are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) on a secondary basis to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The evidence did not support a finding of chronic sinusitis or GERD in service or within one year of separation from service, nor did it support a finding that the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis caused or aggravated these conditions.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's unauthorized emergency treatment for anxiety and nervousness on June 29, 2012 is eligible for reimbursement due to the nature of his symptoms and the lack of feasible VA options.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and insomnia are found to be related to his service-connected PTSD.