Anxiety decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for additional development. The claims for service connection for anxiety, depressive disorder, and irregular heartbeat are all pending.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and updated VA treatment records are necessary to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his generalized anxiety disorder and hemorrhoids. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability from the other claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, was rated at 30 percent prior to December 4, 2014. From December 4, 2014, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cocaine addiction is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has expanded the issue to include all acquired psychiatric disabilities and is remanding the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was granted, and he is now entitled to a rating of 60 percent for his coronary artery disease since March 29, 2012.,Service connection has been established for depression, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran is currently rated at 60 percent for his coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders, knee and ankle injuries, a muscle disorder, diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an anxiety disorder. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 20 percent. The issue of service connection for a skin disability has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

Service connection for anxiety disorder was granted, with an initial rating of 30 percent effective December 3, 2004.,An increased rating to 50 percent for anxiety disorder prior to August 24, 2015, and a higher 50 percent rating thereafter.

Service connection for otitis media, chronic anxiety (PTSD), ischemic heart disease, gastroparesis, skin lesions on the feet bilaterally, and diabetes mellitus has been granted.,Effective dates have been assigned for each condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to scheduling issues, and further review is required.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted and rated at 70 percent since January 25, 2014. The initial rating of 30 percent prior to March 22, 2012, and the increased rating from 50 percent to 70 percent are maintained.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board or videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. Relevant treatment records must also be obtained.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to an effective date earlier than June 1, 2010, for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to statements submitted by the Veteran and his representative that could be construed as notices of disagreement.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported stressor event during service did not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Board has determined that the current VA examination is inadequate and remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his migraine headaches, hypertension, and anxiety disorder.