Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with alcohol dependence is currently rated at 50 percent, and the appeal for a TDIU based on this condition has been denied due to the current rating already compensating him at the maximum rate.

The Board has characterized the issue on appeal as service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was found to produce no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder does not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GAD with PTSD had its onset in service and his bilateral hearing loss was incurred and/or aggravated by service. As such, both conditions are granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, are related to his service, specifically a physical assault during service.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extra-schedular consideration on the issue of entitlement to a TDIU. The Veteran's claim will be re-adjudicated considering this determination.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder has been found to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and anxiety disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The claims for right knee chondromalacia and cervical spine degenerative disc disease have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, categorized as anxiety and bipolar/cognitive disorder, has been productive of total occupational and social impairment since the initial award of service connection in June 1998. A 100 percent disability rating is granted from June 30, 1998 to May 2, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive and anxiety disorders are related to his military service, including his Vietnam service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder prior to March 31, 2011 is rated at 30 percent based on occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for dysthymia and anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from SSA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to service. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorder and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleep disorder, and a digestive disorder. The adjustment disorder was not incurred in or caused by service, while the sleep impairment is attributed to non-service-connected back pain and adjustment disorders. The mild diverticulum and polyps are not related to service.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence of a TBI during service, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood has been rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.