Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and anxiety disorder) and the claim for entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being remanded because the examiner who conducted the December 2016 initial PTSD Disability Benefits Questionnaire did not consider whether the Veteran met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-IV.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability, residuals of a head injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the Veteran's reported assault at Fort Dix in 1972. The VA is instructed to obtain Social Security Administration records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination regarding his cervical spine condition, another for his head injuries, and a third for his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathies of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment since February 6, 2006. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, umbilical hernia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, depression) as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD with MDD as secondary to PTSD, is now rated at 50 percent from November 29, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right knee disability, a psychiatric disorder including PTSD and an adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, and alcohol dependence due to new evidence added to the record after the May 2016 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's right elbow, left knee, and right knee conditions. The rating for anxiety disorder remains unchanged.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and traumatic brain injury have been characterized by depression, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideation, a few suicide attempts, social and occupational impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has determined that the current rating of 70% adequately reflects his social and work impairment.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS), is found to be related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and his TDIU claim are both remanded due to the need for additional development, including a more recent VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's consistent statements regarding her in-service sexual trauma have been corroborated by other evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and has also granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The issues of service connection for these conditions are now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders were denied for ratings higher than the currently assigned 30 percent prior to April 9, 2013, and 50 percent on or after that date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be examined by VA clinicians to determine the nature, etiology, and severity of his psychiatric conditions and hearing loss.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, depression, and dental phobia have been granted a rating of 50 percent effective May 1, 2015. The disability is currently rated under the general rating formula for mental disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder and dyssomnia, are related to his active duty service and thus service connection is granted.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including OCD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, as well as alcohol abuse. The case is being returned to the RO for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.