Anxiety Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during service or within one year of separation and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or an anxiety disorder, NOS. The VA examiner concluded that there is no evidence supporting these diagnoses.,Regarding erectile dysfunction, the Board noted that it could not be determined if this condition was related to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depression were rated at 10 percent prior to April 13, 2015. From that date, the rating was increased to 50 percent. The Board found no evidence of total disability due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and additional records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner must address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are directly due to military service based on in-service stressors provided by the Veteran and his buddy statement.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left foot disability, dental trauma, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia, depression, anxiety, PTSD). He also seeks increased ratings for his lower back and right shoulder disabilities. Additionally, he requests TDIU.,The Veteran has filed a claim for service connection due to a dental trauma in service. The VA treatment records from the Perkins Dental Clinic and Dr. Kim's office have not been obtained yet.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia, depression, anxiety, PTSD). He also seeks increased ratings for his lower back and right shoulder disabilities. Additionally, he requests TDIU.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for a neck disability. The VA treatment records from Dr. Kim have not been obtained yet.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his lower back disability. An additional examination is needed to determine the extent of pain and loss of function during motion.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his right shoulder disability. An additional examination is needed to determine the extent of pain and loss of function during motion. The examiner should also consider whether there are any flare-ups that cause additional functional loss.,The Veteran is seeking TDIU. He has not provided updated information on his employment status since the last VA adjudication.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting an addendum to the August 2015 VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, and his social phobia disorder results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. His anxiety does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion and considering new private medical opinions. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is still pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has also remanded several issues, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA psychiatric examination to address whether any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to October 14, 2010 did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety and depressive disorders have been found to result in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service periods and additional medical examinations to determine if hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder are related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran that corroborates his reported in-service stressors. The VA will schedule a psychiatric examination and provide an opinion on whether any identified psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's right ankle degenerative joint disease and acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, are found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating for acquired psychiatric disorders prior to February 9, 2013 have been granted. The Veteran is currently rated at the highest possible percentage (100%) due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations. The TDIU claim may also be impacted by the outcome of these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and anxiety disorder NOS are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that a new examination and medical opinion are necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his service. The Veteran participated in combat during active duty in Vietnam.