Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain, post-concussive headaches, and PTSD with anxiety and depressive disorder were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, which is related to his in-service combat stressor. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether he meets the criteria for these diagnoses.

The Veteran's death is found to be caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically organic anxiety syndrome secondary to brain trauma with PTSD and history of alcohol abuse. The appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression and mood disorder, is granted as these conditions are found to be proximately due to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for ischemic stroke was denied as there were no current residuals or diagnoses related to such incident.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is service connected, but his PTSD claim was denied as the symptoms do not meet DSM-IV criteria. The left hip disability and other conditions are not service connected.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD due to his combat experience in Vietnam. His symptoms include depression and adjustment disorder with anxiety.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, a respiratory disorder including asthma, and urethral pain. Service connection for hemorrhoids is granted with an initial rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The claim will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety is being remanded due to a scheduling issue. The Board will reschedule the Veteran for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his service. Service connection for hypertension is granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of her claimed conditions and scheduling a VA examination to assess her acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability has rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability, with the exception of alcohol abuse for the psychiatric claim. For the hearing loss claim, there was no objective evidence showing it met VA compensation criteria.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 10, 2011 at CRMC were reimbursed due to the emergent nature of his back pain and other conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new medical examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service or other conditions.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD and anxiety disorder was granted, with a rating of 30 percent from May 2, 2009 to June 3, 2012. The RO then increased the rating to 70 percent effective June 4, 2012. However, the case is now being remanded due to missing VA treatment records and a need for further development regarding total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric disability. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability remains in dispute.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the November 2011 VA examiner and providing appropriate notice regarding new PTSD provisions. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and anxiety will be reconsidered.