Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder NOS and dysthymic disorder, are related to his military service due to aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, cervical muscle strain on the right side, bruxism, and headaches were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, neck disability, and psychiatric disability are service-connected. The claims for a TDIU rating have been withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, but denied service connection for anxiety disorder NOS and mood disorder NOS. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and other issues needing clarification.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, NOS, based on continuous post-service symptoms that are presumed to have been incurred during active service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent since May 31, 2002. The effective date for the TDIU claim remains pending as it was previously dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the exception of the claim for an increased rating for left ear tympanic membrane perforation which was denied. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's bipolar disorder began in service. The other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include consideration of whether service connection is warranted for any acquired psychiatric disability. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent combined. The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU from September 7, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to her service. The VA must obtain a copy of an addendum opinion and any mental health evaluations from her service, as well as lay statements supporting her claim.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for anxiety disorder NOS, and the Board finds that this condition is related to his active service. The issue of a compensable rating for hearing loss remains pending as does the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a supplemental opinion from the March 2014 VA examiner to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, nor does she meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, mood disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of service connection based on inservice sexual assault.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression) is pending.

The Board has determined that the record is incomplete and needs to be supplemented with private psychiatric records from Dr. SZK, and then the claim will be readjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and securing the Veteran's complete service personnel records. The VA examiner will provide an opinion on the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, dysthymia, depression, complicated bereavement), to include PTSD.