Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have a separate psychiatric disorder other than his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds insufficient evidence to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety, is rated at 70 percent. However, his claim for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the criteria for individual unemployability.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent, as the symptoms indicate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia, and major depression have been granted a disability rating of 50 percent effective from August 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to service and has granted service connection for this condition. Additionally, the Board found that the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected loss of use of the left hand results in needing aid and attendance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was rated at 50 percent prior to March 24, 2010. Since then, the rating has been increased to 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, has been rated at 10 percent since May 4, 2009. The issue of service connection for chronic nasal obstruction and a deviated septum disability due to residuals of a nose fracture is granted.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder, did not have their onset during his period of active service. The VA examiner opined that these conditions are more likely related to post-service stressors and a personality disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is asked to address whether the conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's asthma, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), back disability, cervical spine disability, heart disability, bilateral ankle disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral shoulder disability are not service connected. The Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss were found to be aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including searching for outpatient mental health records from Ireland Army Hospital at Fort Knox and the 209th General Dispensary in Germany. The case will also be reviewed to determine if a VA examination is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder with aggravation of bipolar disorder, and the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's mental health disabilities, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and ensuring that all relevant treatment records are obtained. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and his claim for TDIU will be considered in light of this additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development, including consideration of new evidence and an updated VA examination.