Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current anxiety disorder, depression, and panic disorder had their onset in service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected general anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent effective January 15, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is related to service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim for an increased rating for GAD remains pending, as does the claim for service connection for a neurological condition.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be incurred in service, specifically during his deployment in Kuwait/Iraq. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of myotonic dystrophy, a psychiatric disorder (anxiety/depression), gastrointestinal disorder (chronic pancreatitis), dermatological and/or allergic disorder affecting the bilateral hands, and neurological disorder (paralysis agitans). The appeals are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms and their relation to in-service parachute training.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current psychiatric disorder (other than a personality disorder) and therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. The examiner will provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that the condition began during or was otherwise caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and generalized anxiety disorder are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions. The prostate disability and bilateral sacroiliac joint pain issues remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and further appellate review due to outstanding records, including U.S. Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security Administration records, and VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with all other psychiatric conditions being considered as a result of his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and/or anxiety, due to new and material evidence. The Board also granted service connection for this condition as it is likely related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing and unclear appeal scope. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's current diagnosed depression and anxiety are likely secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of stressors, review of VA treatment records, and a new examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for ruptured breast implants secondary to a mammogram conducted in June 2004, finding that there was no legal basis for awarding benefits due to the mammogram not being performed by a VA employee or at a VA facility.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for updated psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded to the AOJ.