Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided and the need to address a pre-existing anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back and left knee disabilities, as well as service connection for a right knee disorder. The claim to reopen a right knee disorder was also denied. The decision did not address the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to January 31, 2013 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent effective November 15, 2007. His coronary artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm were both rated at 100 percent effective the same date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including generalized anxiety disorder, hidradenitis, right ankle injury with degenerative changes, and anal fistula) are deemed to be the primary basis for his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His combined rating is 80 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted, with diabetes mellitus type II being presumed due to herbicide exposure and bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus established as a result of in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's claims for reimbursement of unauthorized pharmacy medications obtained from non-VA pharmacies during the periods from October 12, 1998 to September 3, 2003 and November 15, 2003 to September 9, 2005 were denied due to lack of timely filing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disorder are being addressed.

The Veteran's major depression/severe anxiety has been productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting an initial rating of 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder, including a specific phobia of snakes, as it is related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his claims from appellate status, and the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of service connection for PTSD and right leg shorter than the left; higher ratings for left hip replacement, left hip scar, and adjustment disorder with anxiety; and TDIU.

The Board found that the current psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with memory loss, depressive disorder, and anxiety not otherwise specified resulted in reduced reliability and productivity prior to June 29, 2011. Beginning June 29, 2011, the Veteran experienced deficiencies in most areas due to his mental health conditions.