Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, asthma, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and anxiety), finding new and material evidence. The appeals are granted to this limited extent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding the verification of a stressor and additional examination.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability and denied an increased rating for anxiety disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of causation or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and whether it is related to service or caused by his service-connected cold injury residuals.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA mental health examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new addendum opinion is needed from the examiner.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have an acquired psychiatric disability in service or for many years thereafter, and there was no credible evidence linking his current condition to service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available.,The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as service connection was established due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.,His adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is granted as it is proximately due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for post-operative residuals of uterine fibroids. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD based on personal assault, is being remanded as the evidence does not support a grant at this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are related to his service, particularly his time in combat in Vietnam. The decision grants this claim by resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for aid and attendance, which meets the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his military service. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder NOS. The Veteran's current depression is found to be proximately due to his service-connected disabilities of left hand and forearm atrophy, right shoulder arthritis, and cervical spine arthritis.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with depressive features has been productive of no more than sleep impairment, occasional suicidal ideation, irritability, avoidant behavior, decreased energy, anger, near continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now granted as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability. The effective date remains pending further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety has caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder including personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's pre-existing personality disorder may have been aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records from 1980 to 2000 and scheduling a VA examination. The appeal will be considered again after these actions are completed.