Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension claim, specifically addressing his in-service nosebleed and blood pressure reading.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder with anxiety is not currently manifested by symptoms that more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to January 13, 2015. From January 13, 2015, the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's claim for authorization of VA special mode transportation benefits is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a medical opinion regarding whether he needs specialized transportation.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine if he received proper notice of a VA examination and for other indicated development.

The appellant is not recognized as a helpless child due to his ability to attend high school and later pursue higher education, indicating he was capable of self-support prior to age 18.,He does not meet the criteria for DIC benefits or VA death pension benefits based on his father's service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD in August 2003. The Veteran did not appeal this decision, making it final. A new claim was filed on October 8, 2015, seeking service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (previously claimed as nervous condition and PTSD). The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at October 8, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to specially adapted housing due to service-connected disabilities that preclude locomotion without the aid of canes or a rolling walker. However, he is denied entitlement to special home adaptation grant as his eligibility for specially adapted housing precludes him from receiving this benefit.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected mood disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied. The Veteran's current disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability related to his active duty service, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence is against a finding of such a connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disability was withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and PTSD.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, manifested by anxiety and depression, is related to service. The other claims are addressed below.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 2, 1969, for the award of service connection for PTSD and related symptoms including anxiety and depression is granted. The earliest possible effective date is based on when he initially filed his claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative prior to the Board making a decision.

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 additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorders and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including as due to service-connected anemia. The initial disability rating for anemia remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and generalized anxiety. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.