Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety have been found to warrant a 100 percent rating.,Due to the Veteran's permanent housebound status as a result of his service-connected conditions, he is now entitled to special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 70 percent since September 9, 2015. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50% since April 17, 2013. Effective January 20, 2017, the Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, variously diagnosed as anxiety disorder, NOS, adjustment disorder with mixed mood, depressive disorder NOS, mood disorder, NOS with depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder, is service-connected. However, there was no credible supporting evidence for PTSD related to any in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and left ear hearing loss were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorders that are related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional records and determine if new evidence supports reopening the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disability, and bilateral tinnitus as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and verifying in-service stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD and the preponderance of the evidence weighs against a relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA and Social Security Administration records, as well as for obtaining any relevant private or Commonwealth of Massachusetts records. The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU will be reconsidered after all available evidence is obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability and an acquired mental disorder, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection was also granted for low back disability secondary to right knee disability.

The Board finds the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder related to his military service and denies the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune and anxiety disorder, is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative in a March 2017 statement, thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, requires further development due to conflicting medical opinions and unverified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The earliest possible effective date is November 12, 2013, as that is the date the Veteran first filed a claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder and a claim for TDIU. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining updated treatment records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the severity of his anxiety symptoms, and giving him another opportunity to substantiate his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and a 10 percent rating was assigned. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings and earlier effective dates are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is related to his active service, and the Board grants this claim. The other mental health claims are denied.