Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to internal inconsistencies in the VA examination report and for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board found no valid diagnosis of PTSD related to military service, and the evidence did not establish a link between any diagnosed psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) and the Veteran's military service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verification of service dates and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD with depressive and anxiety symptoms as a result of military service. Her right hand laceration injury is rated at 30 percent from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016.,The Veteran's right hand laceration has been manifested by complaints including pain, numbness, and weakness; objectively, it has been manifested in mild symptoms prior to February 15, 2014, moderate symptoms from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016, and mild symptoms thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for chronic adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression was denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.,Service connection for sleep apnea, claimed as secondary to service-connected chronic adjustment disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depression, was also denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anorexia nervosa, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The left knee disability is secondary to the right knee condition. Service connection for the initial rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement right knee, status post partial lateral meniscectomy, is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination for his right knee disability and consideration of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, bilateral eye disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board previously granted service connection for anxiety disorder. As the issue of an acquired psychiatric disorder is encompassed by this grant, and a full grant of benefits has been implemented, no case or controversy remains within the Board's jurisdiction.

The Veteran's PTSD and primary insomnia were granted increased ratings, with the effective date set at July 13, 2015. A TDIU was also granted prior to this date.

The Veteran's anxiety neurosis with PTSD has been characterized by moderate occupational and social impairment, but neither deficiencies in most areas nor total occupational and social impairment is shown or more nearly approximated. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating of in excess of 50 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected heart disease, and anxiety disorder from service contributed substantially to the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, and found that it is related to the Veteran's military sexual trauma (MST).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of PTSD and a higher rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is being remanded due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal for PTSD. The case will be further adjudicated regarding the adjustment disorder claim.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability, and his anxiety and depression are not shown to be related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's insomnia is considered a symptom of his service-connected adjustment/anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU as he has other disabilities rated at or above 40%.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety does not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, nor is he permanently bedridden or confined to his dwelling due to a service-connected disability. The Board finds the claim must be denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD and depression is currently rated at 70 percent, but not higher, throughout the claims period.,The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and verifying his reported stressors. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.