Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder and did not grant a retroactive effective date.

The Veteran died from septic shock with contributing causes of diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The cause of death is not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety with depression and cannabis abuse disorder, is found to be etiologically related to his active service.,Service connection for migraine headaches has been established as the Veteran first experienced these symptoms during his period of active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is granted service connection. The appeal for alcohol and drug addiction was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing. Service connection for radiation exposure and prostate cancer are remanded.

The Veteran's right wrist, ankle, and knee disabilities are found to be related to service. Her acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining Veteran's psychiatric treatment records from a Vet Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. The appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder NOS, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and major depressive disorder. The effective date is not specified as the claim was reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 50 percent since January 11, 2011. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his combat service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety disorder. The effective date for service connection will be determined based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an adjustment disorder with anxiety that is related to his service-connected tinnitus. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there were no in-service or post-service diagnoses of this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, which is currently rated at 50 percent, warrants a rating of 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as secondary to his service-connected headaches, is being remanded due to the need for clarification of diagnoses and etiology.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent effective October 18, 2016. The Board found that the severity of his disability more nearly approximated a 30 percent rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion. The examiner must determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder is related to military service or if it was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathies, or erectile dysfunction.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety is not related to her service. Her hypertension was also not shown to be caused by or aggravated by her service. The Board denied both claims.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but generally functioning satisfactorily. He is currently rated at 50% for this condition.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective April 2, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation prior to that date.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left leg disability, finding that the Veteran's actions on the day of the accident were willful misconduct resulting in his current disabilities.