Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The rating reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected other unspecified anxiety disorder causes occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but generally functions satisfactorily with normal routine behavior, self-care, and conversation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection and evaluation of the Veteran's sleep apnea and anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,The Veteran has no service-connected disabilities, which precludes entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and depressive disorders, finding that the Veteran's allegations of being falsely accused of sexual harassment during military service are credible. The Board concluded that these allegations likely caused his current psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA psychiatric examination to address the Veteran's service connection claim, including his in-service experiences and current symptoms.

The Veteran's rhinosinusitis has been rated at 10 percent since December 4, 2009. Since September 1, 2015, the rating for anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder is 30 percent. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not due to service, specifically his in-service nasal surgery. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim (including PTSD) will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria of being helpless or so nearly helpless that he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an addendum medical opinion and a VA examination to address whether any psychiatric disability is related to active service or specifically related to his reported stressors during service.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and coronary artery disease are currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 18, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including nightmare disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, psychotic disorder, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, did not have their onset during either period of active duty service. The Board also determined that these conditions were not otherwise related to either period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and anxiety is granted as the evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to his Reserve service. The initial compensable rating for residuals of basal cell carcinoma, rated as an excision scar on the neck, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right foot disability, left shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder, left knee disorder and skin disorder have been pending since their initial filing in May 1987. The RO denied these claims in November 1987, but the Veteran perfected an appeal on her own initiative. However, no action was taken by VA to transfer the case to the Board for appellate review. As a result, the effective date of service connection is being determined based on when entitlement arose with respect to the May 1987 claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new psychiatric examination and etiological opinion, as well as additional development of the record.

The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, meet the criteria for a 70% rating since February 26, 2016. Effective August 24, 2010, he is now eligible for TDIU.