Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae, whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), and the underlying issue of entitlement to service connection for an anxiety disorder. The appeals were dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of a June 2014 VA neuropsychological evaluation. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate review if otherwise in order.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD) and assigned a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective the date of initial grant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for an updated medical opinion and consideration of all evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a rheumatoid arthritis examination and opinion that addresses all periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA). The issues of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and anxiety are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher initial disability rating for erectile dysfunction and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of deformity of the penis or other physical impairment warranting a compensable evaluation. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his claimed anxiety and depression were not shown to be related to his service-connected erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment of $74,940.00 is against equity and good conscience due to financial hardship caused by the Veteran's inability to pay his debts.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder with panic attacks, and depressive disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The claim for a dental disability was not addressed as it is considered part of the VA outpatient dental treatment process.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury and any psychiatric disorder. The claims will be adjudicated again after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his in-service experiences and grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a bipolar disorder and an anxiety disorder with a functional/psychogenic gastrointestinal disorder, effective as of March 15, 2001.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records. The issues of increased initial rating for anxiety disorder with depression, and entitlement to TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an anxiety disorder and the evidence does not support service connection for this condition. The claim for initial compensable rating for asthma prior to February 28, 2011 is denied as there was no established disability at that time. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for asthma since February 28, 2011 is also denied.

The Veteran's headaches, as a residual of his TBI in service, are granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current anxiety disorder began during or was caused by his service, specifically his service period in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and adjudication, including reconsideration of the initial rating assigned for service-connected bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder, and a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding her ability to work.

Service connection is granted for a psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and sleep apnea. A 50% disability rating is assigned for migraine headaches.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as it includes the newly-granted service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be so disabling as to prevent him from dressing himself and result in physical incapacity which requires care or assistance on a regular basis. The Board finds that the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to symptoms of diffuse bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness and dysphagia resulting in an inability to ambulate and difficulty with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, personal hygiene, and medication management.

The Board denied service connection for an innocently-acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorder. The claims for respiratory disorder (emphysema and bronchitis) and dental disorder were also denied. The Veteran's request to reopen these claims was not successful.