Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence establishing a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric, left knee, and headache conditions and his military service. The Veteran's claims for these disabilities are therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are service-connected, but his lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are not. The Board granted a TDIU effective April 1, 2013.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, which includes anxiety disorder with depressive features and claustrophobia. The Veteran's history of mental health treatment in service is consistent with his current symptoms, raising a reasonable possibility of establishing service connection.

The Veteran's asthma and COPD are rated at a maximum of 100 percent, effective from January 30, 2002.,His MDD with generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that none of the service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's cause of death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been granted. The remaining claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records since June 2009. The TDIU issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as non-compensable due to the lack of documented diastolic pressure predominantly 100 mmHg or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 mmHg or more, or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 mmHg or more with blood pressure controlled by continuous medication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety neurosis, schizoaffective disorder, and hiatal hernia have been granted. The initial rating of 10% for hiatal hernia has also been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's first communication seeking service connection for a psychiatric disability was on August 14, 2015. Therefore, an effective date prior to this date is not warranted.

The August 2005 rating decision granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a 100% evaluation, effective April 29, 1992. This decision is now considered effective and binding on VA.

The Board denied service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-IV. The case was remanded multiple times but ultimately remained in denial.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum to a VA medical opinion and ensuring that all requested information is provided. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability will be evaluated in relation to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for a traumatic brain injury and anxiety disorder has been reopened, and the claim is granted. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to her military service and has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD and his current diagnoses, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, are not related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (specifically unspecified anxiety disorder) is also found to be related to service. The Board grants the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS is found to be related to in-service events.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.