Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU based on her service-connected acquired psychiatric disability since May 15, 2001. However, she has been able to maintain substantially gainful employment since June 30, 2015.

The Board found that the Veteran's service from November 28, 2000, to May 28, 2004, was discharged under Other Than Honorable (OTH) conditions due to misconduct. Therefore, this period of service is considered a bar to VA benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and anxiety disorder. The right shoulder condition was rated at 20 percent prior to May 13, 2013, and 40 percent thereafter. The scar on the knee is not compensable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, panic disorder, depression, anxiety), and sleep apnea have been granted. The scar of the right breast is rated at 10%.,Service connection has also been established for anemia with a rating of 10%. A higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's depression was not productive of total occupational and social impairment for the period on appeal prior to September 4, 2014. Therefore, an evaluation in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, an initial rating higher than 70 percent disabling for anxiety disorder, and entitlement to TDIU were denied due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA medical examinations.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's service connection claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified anxiety disorder has resulted in social impairment and reduced reliability but not occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The current rating of 50% is appropriate.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for service connection and a rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and updated treatment records. The initial ratings for his depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and asthma with COPD are under review.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hypertension, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder. As a result, the Board does not have appellate jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder has not been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, resulting in a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to November 8, 2013. The effective date for a TDIU is therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to his in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorders, among others, is warranted. However, the decision also notes that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions directly to service or a personal assault.

The Veteran's initial rating for his anxiety disorder was 30 percent prior to November 2, 2010 and increased to 50 percent as of that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, bilateral eye disorders, gastrointestinal disorder (including acid reflux), and skin disorder are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with conversion symptoms is currently rated at 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a 70% or higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and an anxiety disorder. The claims are therefore denied.