Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's speech fluency disability and acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as anxiety disorder) are related to his service-connected speech fluency disability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is considered secondary to his now service-connected speech fluency disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disability, hallux valgus of the feet, tendonitis of the knees, and pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment and thinking. The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for the period from February 14, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and unobtained records. The Veteran's cardiovascular disease or disorder may be related to Agent Orange exposure, while his acquired psychiatric disorders are not clearly linked to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, and prostatitis are under review.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's remaining claims on appeal can be decided.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are insufficient to decide the claim and has ordered a new examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, need to be evaluated in detail.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development due to the oldness of his VA examination records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA and private treatment records, including those from the EAP in April 2009. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his cervical spine condition and anxiety and depression, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left ankle disabilities, and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and a proper examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues on appeal are service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD, anxiety, and a sleep disorder.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal, including service connection for heart disability, hearing loss, anxiety, depression, special monthly pension based on being housebound, and nonservice-connected pension.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD were not incurred in service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder and finds that a current disability is related to active service. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not service connected.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disorder are not related to his military service. The psychiatric disorder is also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoids did not meet criteria for a compensable rating, and her GAD was rated appropriately at 30 percent. Service connection for hysterectomy residuals could not be established.