Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to the claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, hypertension, a prostate disorder, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, a right shoulder disorder, right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. However, the symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the appellant's anxiety disorder, depression, and alcohol use disorder are related to his service during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in March 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder have been manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances including work or a worklike setting; difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships; disturbances of motivation and mood; panic attacks weekly or less often; depressed mood; anxiety; and chronic sleep impairment. The Veteran's service-connected conditions meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's stroke and its residuals are service-connected, but his acquired psychiatric disability is not. The TDIU claim is granted effective September 27, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including IBS and anxiety disorder. The RO granted service connection for IBS but denied all other claims. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of IBS and determine the relationship between the Veteran's claimed disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 6, 2016. The rating was increased from the previous 30 percent prior to that date. Other service connection claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal arteriosclerotic heart disease was etiologically related to his service-connected anxiety disorder, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves his bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary, including obtaining updated VA examinations for both conditions.

The Board determined that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and found no causal relationship between his current psychiatric disorders and his in-service stressors. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether a psychiatric disability existed prior to service and if it is related to active military service or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are related to his military service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to reconcile previous psychiatric diagnoses and determine if service connection is warranted for PTSD and anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder, are related to her service. As a result, she is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current psychiatric symptoms and service. The claims for prostate condition and sleep apnea are also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70% since October 1, 2015. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met prior to March 16, 2012 and from March 16, 2012 onwards.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, was not found to warrant an increased rating prior to April 20, 2009 or a TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, acute stress disorder, and a psychotic disorder. The evidence submitted since the last final denial suggests that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,For his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depressive features, the Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating from July 5, 2007.