Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an adequate opinion on the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder), and chest pain. The decision found that the Veteran's current conditions did not manifest during service or were caused by any illness or event during service.

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

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to his service. Service connection for hypertension secondary to a service-connected back disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected IBS and post-operative rectal/anal stricture. The Board also granted a 30 percent initial rating for IBS, effective from December 18, 2012.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were evaluated at a 70 percent rating from March 23, 2011 to December 25, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a sleep disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide another VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's GAD is rated at 100 percent, and his right knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The appeal for increased ratings has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, mood disorder and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the inability of the Veteran to complete a VA examination due to an outstanding warrant. The Veteran will be given another opportunity to appear for a VA medical examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is not productive of total occupational and social impairment. The current 50 percent rating for the condition remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain a full copy of his divorce decree and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology and progress of his cognitive disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety disorder, as secondary to his service-connected acquired skin disorder is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the presence of a current mental health diagnosis and the need for additional VA examination.

The Board has determined that service connection for anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified is granted.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability and neurologic disorder (including headaches and seizure disorder) are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder and respiratory disorders did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings were granted, with the exception of his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral tinea pedis. The rating assigned was 10 percent for ischemic heart disease and anxiety disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent disabling, the highest possible rating. The Board also found that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to clarify all current psychiatric disabilities and their relationship to service.