Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The case is now to be readjudicated with a supplemental VA medical opinion addressing whether any current psychiatric disability was aggravated by the service-connected hysterectomy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is not service-connected as his symptoms existed prior to service and were aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder NOS and polysubstance abuse, is related to his active duty service. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since April 8, 2010.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating effective from April 8, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, associated with schizophrenia, undifferentiated type, was granted. The current disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is found to be related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including panic disorder with agoraphobia, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence in remission, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete compliance with previous directives and need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Board granted a higher disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, effective September 24, 2015. The Veteran's COPD was also found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's major depression and anxiety disorder are rated at 70 percent since August 24, 2010 due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and medical opinions regarding his acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder, NOS (also claimed as anxiety and depression) has been rated at 70 percent since August 10, 2010. The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for her service-connected right greater trochanter bursitis and piriformis pain syndrome and TDIU. However, the Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeal as to issues of service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda, and higher ratings for ischemic heart disease, residuals of a right clavicle fracture, bilateral hearing loss, and a surgical scar. The earlier effective date issue is still pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety disorder NOS, is at least as likely as not related to his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board finds that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing on all issues, including service connection and reduction in evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety, as well as hypertension that is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of diagnoses other than PTSD and a need for another VA examination.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS and found that he is entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected anxiety disorder.