Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video-conference hearing due to his request and the need to provide proper administrative procedures.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition has been rated at 50 percent since September 14, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as his symptoms have not manifested to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration of his claims, including a supplemental statement of the case on his service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is attributable to his active military service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 4, 2013.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 20 percent prior to September 19, 2013, and 20 percent on and after that date. The Veteran is also entitled to a staged rating for this disability.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for right and left knee disabilities or vision problems secondary to MS.,The Veteran's memory problems are considered as secondary to his service-connected multiple sclerosis (MS).,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is rated at 20 percent each, effective March 4, 2013.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue is currently rated at 10 percent, effective March 4, 2013.,The reduction in the initial rating for seizures from 20 to 10 percent was proper and supported by evidence of record.,The Veteran's left lower leg sensory paresthesias are rated at 20 percent, effective March 4, 2013.,The Veteran's service-connected MS is considered the primary cause for his seizures.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, are found to have their onset during active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is presumed to have been incurred during his service in the Republic of Vietnam, and he has a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and anxiety, is not related to his service. The examiner opined that his depressive symptoms during service were alcohol-related and resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disability, and therefore service connection cannot be established.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The diagnoses made were anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and pain disorder. There is no direct evidence linking these disorders to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical information regarding whether any acquired psychiatric disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The Veteran's claim for service connection is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Veteran's claims file must be reviewed by the examiner in conjunction with the examination.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, character and behavior disorder, and suicidal ideation. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is found to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.,The Veteran's vertigo is related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is related to his service and grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, including an anxiety disorder and schizophrenia. The decision is based on the merits of the claim without invoking any specific presumption or exposure basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, special monthly pension, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case (SOC) regarding his initial rating claim. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether his anxiety disorder renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's variously diagnosed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and panic disorder without agoraphobia, are found to be related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety is denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis related to his active service or any service-connected condition. His erectile dysfunction was not determined to be secondary to his service-connected prostatitis. As such, the Veteran's SMC claim based on loss of use of a creative organ is also denied.