Anxiety Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a non-compensable evaluation, effective May 11, 2005. The claim for an increased evaluation for IBS remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Veteran's request is granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals regarding the issues of service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for anxiety neurosis with depression prior to April 3, 2010, and a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, anxiety, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and hypertension were denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period. The Board found that the post-service records do not show a diagnosis or treatment for any of these disabilities until many years after service.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute combined drug toxicity, which resulted from medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the cause of death was related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a supplemental opinion from the November 2007 VA examiner. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

For the entire appellate period, the Veteran's dysthymic disorder with anxiety symptoms has been manifested by severe impairment in social and occupational functioning due to such symptoms as impaired impulse control and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a work like setting), without evidence of total occupational and social impairment. Therefore, the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent are not met.

The Veteran's seizure disorder is rated at 80 percent, and he has service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board granted the claims for these conditions based on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is manifested by symptoms such as frequent anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and impairment in work efficiency. The GAF scores range from 60 to 62, indicating moderate symptoms.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder, claimed as PTSD and mental health condition, is rated at the highest possible level of 70 percent due to significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for anxiety disorder and granted service connection for PTSD with secondary depressive and panic disorders. The evidence now shows that the Veteran experienced in-service stressors, including sexual assault and harassment, which led to her current psychiatric conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and granted service connection for anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing anxiety disorder was likely aggravated by his period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records from Dr. D.E. and Dr. R., as well as a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his military service or secondary to his right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in service due to a personal assault, and thus grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, major depression, adjustment disorder, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to December 6, 2006 and granted a rating of 70 percent from that date onward.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for generalized anxiety disorder was granted, with the effective date set at January 31, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The stressors are being evaluated in light of recent regulations.