Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and medical opinions regarding his acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder, NOS (also claimed as anxiety and depression) has been rated at 70 percent since August 10, 2010. The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for her service-connected right greater trochanter bursitis and piriformis pain syndrome and TDIU. However, the Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeal as to issues of service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda, and higher ratings for ischemic heart disease, residuals of a right clavicle fracture, bilateral hearing loss, and a surgical scar. The earlier effective date issue is still pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety disorder NOS, is at least as likely as not related to his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board finds that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing on all issues, including service connection and reduction in evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety, as well as hypertension that is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of diagnoses other than PTSD and a need for another VA examination.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS and found that he is entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety have been found to warrant a 100 percent rating.,Due to the Veteran's permanent housebound status as a result of his service-connected conditions, he is now entitled to special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 70 percent since September 9, 2015. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50% since April 17, 2013. Effective January 20, 2017, the Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, variously diagnosed as anxiety disorder, NOS, adjustment disorder with mixed mood, depressive disorder NOS, mood disorder, NOS with depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder, is service-connected. However, there was no credible supporting evidence for PTSD related to any in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and left ear hearing loss were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorders that are related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional records and determine if new evidence supports reopening the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disability, and bilateral tinnitus as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and verifying in-service stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD and the preponderance of the evidence weighs against a relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA and Social Security Administration records, as well as for obtaining any relevant private or Commonwealth of Massachusetts records. The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU will be reconsidered after all available evidence is obtained.