Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for anxiety disorder was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10 percent evaluation. The appeal regarding the issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his anxiety disorder remains pending.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the appellant's current psychiatric disorder(s) and its/their relationship to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his left knee disability claim. The psychiatric disorder and acid reflux claims were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by symptoms such as depression, impaired concentration and focus, lack of motivation, and social isolation, which most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD through May 12, 2010.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, variously diagnosed. The Board also granted service connection for major depression, dysthymic disorder, and anxiety disorder, NOS, with alcohol abuse related thereto.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for verification of stressor events and further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety during active duty, including his experiences aboard USS CAPE COD in Southwest Asia, is etiologically related to his current acquired psychiatric disorders. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mild neurocognitive disorder is not related to his service or any service-connected condition, including minimal inactive pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchiectasis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, are found to be at least as likely as not related to his service. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is found to be related to his service-connected Crohn's disease.,Chronic fatigue was not diagnosed or attributed to any specific condition in the medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 8, 2008 and at 70 percent from that date. The effective date for TDIU is not earlier than April 8, 2008.,PTSD symptoms included anxiety, intermittent nightmares, restricted affect, difficulty concentrating, avoidance, exaggerated startle response, social isolation, and suicidal thoughts.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder), diabetes mellitus type II, tachycardia, atrioventricular nodal re-entry, and degenerative arthrosis of the lumbar spine. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or any other compensable exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The examiner did not diagnose PTSD and found other diagnoses such as depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and evaluation of his service-connected head injury with post-concussion syndrome and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, sleep problems, irritability, concentration problems, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. The Board found that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent were not met.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to address the etiology of any and all diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including alcohol dependence. The Veteran's service connection claim remains pending.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder during the periods of active duty for training in the Florida Army National Guard. The Appellant's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, as well as any other psychiatric disorders. The VA examiner will also provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to service events.