Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and diagnosed as adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder). As a result, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with PTSD and anxiety warrants a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The Board found that his symptoms cannot be distinguished from each other, so all psychiatric symptoms are considered in the adjudication of the claim.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus II is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, or anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran's low back disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and he was found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date prior to July 6, 2001, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with mood disorder.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety was found to be manifested by mild or transient symptoms, including insomnia, which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The current evaluation is 10 percent.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the issues related to this condition have been withdrawn due to the Veteran's desire not to pursue them further.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-IV criteria and finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder NOS, and dysthymic disorder, are etiologically related to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder that is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD disability ratings are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also found that the Veteran's mood disorder is proximately due to her service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the nature of his current diagnoses and the etiology of those diagnoses. The Veteran has not provided verified in-service stressors supporting a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are found to be due to herbicide agent exposure, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a generalized anxiety disorder and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and a mood disorder) as well as service connection for a back disability. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his active service.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has been granted. His herpes simplex and dermatitis have also been rated at the 10% level.

The Veteran requested a hearing on the issue of service connection for anxiety and depression. After his request was withdrawn, the Board dismissed the appeal as there were no allegations of error in the determination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.