Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Veteran's gynecological disorder, including uterine fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding, is found to have been incurred during active service.,New evidence has been submitted that supports reopening the claims for right and left knee disabilities. The Board will now consider these claims.

The Veteran's skin disability, characterized as lipomatosis and residuals thereof, including scars, has been granted a 30 percent rating. His claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted, with the rating assigned based on new evidence that reopened his previous claim.

The Veteran's left hip fracture was not reasonably foreseeable, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the left hip fracture is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, warrants a 100% rating effective September 12, 2013. The claim for TDIU was implicitly denied in March 2011 due to lack of formal or informal claim within one year of any increased rating claims filed after the last final decision.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating from October 3, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety has been rated at 70 percent since April 17, 2012. The Board finds that the rating of 50 percent prior to this date is warranted due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has ordered another VA examination and opinion to clarify the Veteran's diagnoses and determine if his current acquired psychiatric disabilities are related to service, specifically an in-service military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder warrants a rating of 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available. The claims for service connection for colorectal cancer and liver cancer have been remanded as additional medical opinions are needed to address their etiology. The claim for TDIU remains inapplicable due to lack of evidence regarding employment status.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to internal inconsistencies in the VA examination report and for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board found no valid diagnosis of PTSD related to military service, and the evidence did not establish a link between any diagnosed psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) and the Veteran's military service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verification of service dates and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD with depressive and anxiety symptoms as a result of military service. Her right hand laceration injury is rated at 30 percent from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016.,The Veteran's right hand laceration has been manifested by complaints including pain, numbness, and weakness; objectively, it has been manifested in mild symptoms prior to February 15, 2014, moderate symptoms from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016, and mild symptoms thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression was denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.,Service connection for sleep apnea, claimed as secondary to service-connected chronic adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression, was also denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anorexia nervosa, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The left knee disability is secondary to the right knee condition. Service connection for the initial rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement right knee, status post partial lateral meniscectomy, is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination for his right knee disability and consideration of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, bilateral eye disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board previously granted service connection for anxiety disorder. As the issue of an acquired psychiatric disorder is encompassed by this grant, and a full grant of benefits has been implemented, no case or controversy remains within the Board's jurisdiction.