Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen claims for service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction, right bundle branch block, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and a psychiatric disability (PTSD and anxiety).

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder, depression, and dementia. The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his period of active service, and his depression and dementia are caused by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying wartime service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's alleged in-service stressor and to provide him with an examination regarding his non-PTSD acquired psychiatric disorders. The appeal is currently on hold.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and related phobias, were incurred during his military service. The claim for depressive disorder is denied as there is no evidence of pre-service onset or service connection. The claim for PTSD is also denied due to lack of in-service occurrence and no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for all psychiatric disorders other than PTSD is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion and further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and GAD were not service-connected prior to August 15, 2009. The effective date for service connection was set at August 15, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and whether they were aggravated by events in active service. The Veteran's chemical dependency is also being considered as secondary to her PTSD.

The Veteran's anxiety reaction has been rated at 70 percent since July 7, 2010. The VA examiner noted that the Veteran works full-time and experiences severe depression and irritability.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety has been rated at 30 percent since March 6, 2007. The Board finds that the symptoms warrant a higher rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and anxiety disorder are etiologically related to her service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and attempting to corroborate claimed stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for any psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of all submitted evidence. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, left shoulder injury, neck injury, right knee injury, and left knee injury were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, mood disorder, adjustment disorder, personality disorder and bipolar disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private mental health records. The case will be reviewed after the completion of this development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for borderline personality disorder with histrionic personality disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder with panic attack, bipolar disorder, and major depression. The evidence received since the January 1983 rating decision includes mental health treatment records from Griffiss Air Force Base that provide a link between the Veteran's service and her current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claimed psychiatric and gastrointestinal conditions are not service-connected as they were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.