Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of a total evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) in December 2015, which constitutes a full award of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder with anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, is granted as the evidence supports that these conditions began in service.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal regarding the reopening and service connection for PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, insomnia, and drug dependency. As a result, the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains in dispute.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder with anxiety is related to stressful events and incidents of his military service in Korea, as a heavy anti-armor weapons infantryman from 1987 to 1989. Resolving any doubt in favor of the Veteran, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's chronic anxiety disorder has been rated at 70 percent since July 25, 2005.

The Board denied increased ratings for an anxiety disorder and right and left foot cold injury residuals. The Veteran appealed these denials to the Court, which granted a joint motion for remand, vacating the Board's decision as to those issues, and remanding them back to the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to schedule a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU rating prior to June 14, 2011 has been withdrawn. As such, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal and it is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his left shoulder, left elbow, cervical spine disabilities and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, as well as reopening of several previously denied claims. The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric and psychological examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorders) and low back disability are currently on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board has determined that a hearing should be scheduled at the earliest opportunity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated examination to assess the severity of his depressive disorder with anxiety and asthma/COPD. His TDIU claim prior to July 2009 remains pending.

The Veteran's current major depressive disorder is an additional disability that was superimposed on his congenital avoidant personality disorder during military service, and the Board finds service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, are caused by his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has not been productive of more than occupational and social impact with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as impairment of short-term memory; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining social relationships; slow motor skills; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; sleep impairment; and anxiety. The current rating of 50% is therefore appropriate.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The symptoms include depression, anger, irritability, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, and sleep impairment due to nightmares.

The Veteran's cervical degenerative joint disease and acquired psychiatric disability were not found to be related to his military service.