Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's anxiety disorder as of September 2008, finding that her symptoms more nearly approximated those required for a higher rating. Prior to this date, she did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and PTSD, has been granted a 70 percent disability rating since September 15, 2010. The Veteran is currently employed but his mental health condition has caused some occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to outstanding questions regarding current diagnosis and etiology in connection with the claim. Additional attempts are needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor event and obtain VA treatment records.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder did not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to July 8, 2008. The rating assigned was 30 percent for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported symptoms did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and determined that he does not have a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found no causal connection between his current psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, and his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have originated during his military service and granted service connection. The acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood) is also found to be related to service, but the exact nature of the relationship needs further clarification. Service connection for a bilateral knee condition is denied due to lack of evidence showing aggravation or onset in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder, is not related to an in-service military sexual trauma (MST). The preponderance of evidence supports denying service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected dyshidrotic eczema.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is dismissed due to the failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to the claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, hypertension, a prostate disorder, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, a right shoulder disorder, right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. However, the symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the appellant's anxiety disorder, depression, and alcohol use disorder are related to his service during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in March 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder have been manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances including work or a worklike setting; difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships; disturbances of motivation and mood; panic attacks weekly or less often; depressed mood; anxiety; and chronic sleep impairment. The Veteran's service-connected conditions meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's stroke and its residuals are service-connected, but his acquired psychiatric disability is not. The TDIU claim is granted effective September 27, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including IBS and anxiety disorder. The RO granted service connection for IBS but denied all other claims. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of IBS and determine the relationship between the Veteran's claimed disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 6, 2016. The rating was increased from the previous 30 percent prior to that date. Other service connection claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal arteriosclerotic heart disease was etiologically related to his service-connected anxiety disorder, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves his bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary, including obtaining updated VA examinations for both conditions.