Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and primary insomnia were granted increased ratings, with the effective date set at July 13, 2015. A TDIU was also granted prior to this date.

The Veteran's anxiety neurosis with PTSD has been characterized by moderate occupational and social impairment, but neither deficiencies in most areas nor total occupational and social impairment is shown or more nearly approximated. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating of in excess of 50 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected heart disease, and anxiety disorder from service contributed substantially to the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, and found that it is related to the Veteran's military sexual trauma (MST).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of PTSD and a higher rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is being remanded due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal for PTSD. The case will be further adjudicated regarding the adjustment disorder claim.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability, and his anxiety and depression are not shown to be related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's insomnia is considered a symptom of his service-connected adjustment/anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU as he has other disabilities rated at or above 40%.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety does not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, nor is he permanently bedridden or confined to his dwelling due to a service-connected disability. The Board finds the claim must be denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD and depression is currently rated at 70 percent, but not higher, throughout the claims period.,The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and verifying his reported stressors. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance, is related to in-service military sexual trauma. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, diagnosed as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent prior to February 23, 2016, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, and the claim is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's death was not determined to be due to a service-connected disability, including those presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to evaluate his anxiety disorder and nerve condition. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for an anxiety disorder and entitlement to service connection for a nerve condition are being addressed.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and from January 4, 2011 to January 30, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to her service-connected PTSD, and thus she is granted service connection for this condition.