Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, insomnia, and a neuropsychiatric disorder as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.,Service connection was denied because there is no credible evidence linking any of these conditions to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder or seizures that are attributable to his service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety disorder has been rated at 70 percent since March 31, 2016. Prior to that date, the disability was rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's appeal as they have been deemed untimely due to his withdrawal of claims. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for memory difficulties, anxiety and depression with adjustment disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues, including a need for a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation folder. The Veteran's claims for anxiety, headaches, breathing problems, and hypertension are also being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and his other psychiatric diagnoses are not shown to be related to an in-service event or injury. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, affective disorder, depressive disorder, NOS, and anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his diagnoses and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's mental health condition, specifically depression and anxiety disorder NOS, is being remanded for additional development as the service treatment records related to his in-service symptoms are missing. A new VA examination will be scheduled to determine if these conditions were incurred during service or are related to in-service treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for seizures and anxiety are being remanded due to the inability to locate his service treatment records. He is asked to provide copies of any service treatment records in his possession, as well as identify all VA and private treatment records related to these conditions since discharge from service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is due to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's asbestosis and acquired psychiatric disability are service-connected due to their relationship with his service-connected asbestosis. The subpleural pulmonary nodules are not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed stressors could not be verified and his statements were inconsistent. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's psychiatric conditions are more likely related to personal trauma, such as a mining accident and loss of his father, rather than service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development, including a need for another VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities and insomnia are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of a verified in-service stressor and insufficient medical evidence linking current symptoms to military service.

The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to attend a videoconference hearing and for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee replacements and other conditions such as anxiety disorder, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 31, 2005 for the grant of service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is granted. The earliest possible effective date is October 19, 1945.