Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are related to his active service, specifically his combat experience in Korea. As such, the Veteran's claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for anxiety disorder with depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a pending claim prior to March 7, 2012. The effective date assigned is March 7, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, Caisson's disease, diabetes mellitus secondary to Caisson's disease, or ear disorder. The diagnoses are attributed to his childhood experiences and personality structure rather than service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied because she did not attend a VA examination scheduled in accordance with her increased rating claim without good cause.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, a right knee disability, and a back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and considering the Veteran's contention that his mental health deteriorated after he had to jump into the water to rescue a friend who had fallen overboard.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as the appellant's current condition is not related to any injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during her periods of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. The claim was also denied for reopening claims for disorders of the thoracolumbar spine and bilateral shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his right eye blindness and mental health disorders, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective July 19, 2012. The Board found the symptoms most nearly approximated a 50% disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, mood disorder, depression, and PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not show any relationship between or aggravation of any current psychiatric disorder and a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since September 30, 2010. Effective from September 30, 2010, the Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability and a TDIU effective July 3, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA Vocational Rehabilitation records, SSA records, and other relevant evidence. The issues include a claim for an increased rating for right shoulder disability, another for anxiety disorder, and one for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and consideration of newly received evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are at least in equipoise with their onset during or shortly after service, thus warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a new VA examination to address service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder and dismissed the appeals of service connection for substance abuse disorder and prostate disorder. The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's anxiety and depression have been rated at 70 percent since September 5, 2012.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was initially rated at 10 percent prior to December 24, 2015 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim remains pending but is not yet decided.