Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for depression secondary to a service-connected disability of the cervical spine with associated radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, finding that reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, asthma, tinnitus, chronic headaches, and bilateral knee condition. The evidence received since the final denial is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate sleep disorder and his migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder and other service connection issues due to procedural errors, including failing to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of medical records and clarification of representation issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, lung nodules, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. The claim for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident is remanded.

Service connection was established for PTSD with anxiety disorder with social phobia. A 70 percent disability rating was assigned effective August 3, 2011. However, the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations, including a PTSD examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her psychiatric disability and hypertension was withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran's hypertension does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD, is found to be related to his active duty service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding in-service stressors and verification of diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's injuries were not incurred or aggravated by active military service, ACDUTRA, or IDT. Therefore, her claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, major depression, and anxiety are related to traumatic events during his military service. As a result, the claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of her psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2006 for the award of TDIU benefits. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety is rated at 30 percent since January 14, 2013. His low back disability is rated at 20 percent since November 25, 2009, and his neck disability is also rated at 20 percent since that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA medical records from the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and St. Cloud VA Health Care System.