Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete information and need for further examination. The Veteran's dates of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA must be verified, and additional examinations are needed.

The Veteran's anxiety and depression warrant a 50 percent disability rating from the time service connection was granted.,As of January 11, 2017, the Veteran’s disability picture associated with his anxiety and depression warranted a 70 percent disability rating.,The Veteran is entitled to TDIU as of January 11, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected right knee disabilities, including back and left knee conditions. The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are found to be related to his military service, specifically his deployment in Vietnam. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and post-traumatic stress disorder with depression and anxiety have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an SSOC considering all evidence of record, including his Vocational Rehabilitation folder.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder because the Veteran did not file a Notice of Disagreement regarding the assigned rating.

The petition to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for depression and anxiety reaction is granted. Entitlement to service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's lumbar fibromyositis remains rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that there are pertinent, outstanding records that have not been obtained and reviewed. The case is REMANDED for the following actions: obtaining SSA disability records; scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of PTSD.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety was denied, as the symptoms did not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating.,Service connection for PTSD was also denied due to lack of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM criteria and insufficient stressor support.,Erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea were both remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their relationship to service-connected adjustment disorder.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for left wrist scars, dermatitis of bilateral lower extremities, a lower abdominal muscle strain, respiratory disorder (rhinitis and sinusitis), and an acquired psychiatric condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to their current occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence, but the case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and private treatment records to be considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The VA needs to verify in-service stressors and obtain additional medical opinions on the nature and etiology of any diagnosed disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are not ready for decision due to a lack of certain records. The VA is instructed to obtain any relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as any private treatment records or lay statements from the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by body aches is denied. The Board found no evidence of current disability attributable to active service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include anxiety disorder with primary insomnia, is granted at a 100% rating effective April 1, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and anxiety disorder, NOS due to insufficient evidence of current severity from previous VA examinations. The Veteran will need new evaluations to determine if his conditions have worsened.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxiety. The Veteran is entitled to new VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the remaining issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.