Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than anxiety with depressive disorder and PTSD. The claim of new and material evidence was granted, but the main issue of service connection remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and issuance of an SOC addressing the issue of initial increased rating for PTSD disability. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse and eating disorder will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service sexual abuse by priests.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder and hypertension, as well as his request for an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of traumatic brain injury, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or symptoms for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disability, hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address the Veteran's reported stressors in service, as well as his current psychiatric disabilities. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleeping problems, was denied. The VA examiner found no evidence of a current mental health disorder related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and Alzheimer's disease. The decision also noted that the Veteran had not specified any in-service stressor for his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acne vulgaris and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been withdrawn. The remaining issues of service connection are addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, with PTSD features and alcohol abuse, is rated at 50 percent since August 5, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the issues related to major depressive disorder, TDIU, knee condition, cervical spine condition, shoulder conditions, anxiety, and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hand tremors and PTSD, but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (to include GAD and MDD). The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is considered a progression of her anxiety disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service, with the exception of a diagnosis of major depression in remission.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM criteria. The Veteran's adjustment disorder and major depression are not related to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the May 2016 SOC. The issue will be re-adjudicated and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) will be provided if necessary.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to his service, including his participation in the crash cleanup. The appeal was denied.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Therefore, service connection for these psychiatric disorders is denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and Anxiety Disorder NOS, has been granted a rating of 70 percent. The issue of TDIU is pending as it is not related to the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition, including anxiety and PTSD. A VA examination is needed to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders are related to active service or service-connected orthopedic injuries.

The Veteran's PTSD with social anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to September 12, 2011, and 70 percent thereafter. The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the entire period on appeal due to total occupational and social impairment.