Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, has been rated at 50 percent disabling since the appeal period began. The symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional Social Security Administration records relevant to his mental health.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, characterized as posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar II/panic disorder, alcohol/opioid use disorder, and anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic use disorder, was found to be less than total in severity prior to November 30, 2016. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if any current psychiatric disabilities are related to service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's personnel records and treatment records from his time in service will be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder remains pending.

The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder related to service, including PTSD. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder precluded her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to November 4, 2016. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on this condition.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and tinnitus have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Major Depressive Disorder with anxious distress, is service connected on a secondary basis due to aggravation by her service-connected cervical spine disability and associated neuropathy.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is related to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder and migraine headaches were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of more disabling symptoms than currently evaluated.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his service, including any in-service stressors. The claim is denied.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for psychological disorders. A new VA examination is required to address the Veteran's stressors and determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, but it remains unclear whether these conditions are related to his military service. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected low back disability, finding that his current employment does not meet the criteria for unemployability.