Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and updated treatment records. The initial ratings for his depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and asthma with COPD are under review.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hypertension, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder. As a result, the Board does not have appellate jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder has not been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, resulting in a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to November 8, 2013. The effective date for a TDIU is therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to his in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorders, among others, is warranted. However, the decision also notes that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions directly to service or a personal assault.

The Veteran's initial rating for his anxiety disorder was 30 percent prior to November 2, 2010 and increased to 50 percent as of that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, bilateral eye disorders, gastrointestinal disorder (including acid reflux), and skin disorder are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with conversion symptoms is currently rated at 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a 70% or higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and an anxiety disorder. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The remand includes obtaining an updated medical opinion that considers the Veteran's reported in-service experiences and symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, psychotic disorder, mood disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder is being remanded due to insufficient examination reports. The Board will seek a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of a current left leg disorder and denies service connection for this condition. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety, will be remanded to obtain additional development.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service mental health treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is characterized as an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes major depression.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and opinions regarding service connection for various conditions, including benign prostate hyperplasia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, GERD, PUD, chronic colitis, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of both hips, degenerative joint disease of both knees, and degenerative joint disease of both feet.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be reached on the merits of the underlying claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a new VA psychiatric evaluation and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD is caused or aggravated by her service-connected migraines.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and insomnia is rated at 50 percent, while his low back disc herniation is rated at 50 percent prior to March 7, 2012, and 20 percent thereafter. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is not rated higher than 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his anxiety disorder and bilateral hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.