Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including a claim for increased ratings, service connection claims, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, has been granted service connection.,Service connection for a sinus condition is also granted.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD anxiety and major depression, that had its clinical onset in or is otherwise related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder has been rated at 30 percent since September 16, 2015, effective from July 27, 2011. The rating is based on the criteria for chronic adjustment disorder with occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation greater than 30 percent for anxiety disorder, and entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.,Service connection for chronic ear infections is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or etiology related to service. The Veteran's claim for lymph node disorder is also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for anxiety disorder, and the Board finds that his current psychiatric disorders are related to his active service. The claim of service connection for PTSD, psychotic disorder, and schizoaffective disorder is denied as there was no evidence provided to support these claims.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and bruxism were both denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 10% for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and dysthymic disorder have been granted, with a 30% evaluation effective from April 30, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, singly or jointly with some other condition, were not the immediate or underlying cause of death or etiologically related thereto; nor did they contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's cause of death.,Cancer was first shown years post-service and is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 12, 2013 for service connection of an adjustment disorder was granted. The Veteran is currently assigned a 70 percent disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, categorized as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder with alcohol dependence, is rated at 70 percent since December 21, 2015. The claim for higher ratings on the right and left knee disorders, and earlier effective date for TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The VA examiner found that his symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability during the Veteran's service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion and considering the TDIU claim in light of any service connection decisions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to decide the case.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, vertigo (dizziness), recurrent headaches due to head injuries, and hypertension. These conditions are all considered service-connected as they are deemed to have originated during his active duty.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, vertigo, recurrent headaches, and hypertension.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder, as his symptoms are related to combat stressors during his service.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are related to his service. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service, granting service connection for this condition. The claim for pruritus diaphoresis was not supported by evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and major depression are aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and quadruple bypass surgery. Therefore, secondary service connection is granted.