Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was not manifest in service or related to service. The evidence did not establish a link between any current psychiatric condition and service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS, is currently rated at 50 percent since September 14, 2016. Prior to that date, the rating was 10 percent.

The Board found no current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The psychiatric conditions were not related to service, and fibromyalgia was not related to service either.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection established for PTSD and anxiety disorder NOS. The decision also noted that the Veteran wanted to withdraw his appeal regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left leg and groin nerve injury.

The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran's complaints of breathing difficulties during service may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records.

The Board has determined that the issue of service connection for PTSD with insomnia, anxiety and adjustment disorder is moot as it has already been granted in a January 2017 rating decision.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The fertility condition was found to be unrelated to service.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence shows significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, is granted as service connected. The claim for PTSD is denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence and inconsistency with the circumstances of his service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, pain disorder, and generalized anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records, specifically those from his Reserve unit. The VA also needs to obtain private mental health treatment records and provide a VA psychiatric examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional procedural and substantive development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for ocular histoplasmosis, bilateral nephrolithiasis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), renal disease, and mediastinal obstructive syndrome as secondary to exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum on active duty.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia was denied as the condition is not a disability for VA compensation purposes. The claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder were also addressed but are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing a supplemental opinion from an appropriate subject matter expert regarding the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to July 28, 2014 and increased to 70 percent on or after that date. The rating for the thoracolumbar spine sprain remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disorders, headaches, cervical spine disorders, lumbar spine disorders, acquired psychiatric/mental disorders (including PTSD, depression, anxiety), and sleep disorders. The Board found no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and service.