Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with anxiety disorder, NOS is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding whether it is possible to separate the symptoms of nonservice-connected bipolar disorder from those of service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder NOS, and an anxiety disorder with psychosis, are attributable to service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA audiology examination and an updated VCAA notice letter to inform the Veteran of the evidence necessary to substantiate his claims. The Veteran will be asked to provide any further information or evidence as may serve to support alleged stressors in service supportive of his PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to corroborate alleged stressor events in service and determine if any psychiatric disability is related to such events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety (panic), are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran was exposed to combat in Iraq, which is sufficient evidence for service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).

The Board finds that the Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified has been productive of no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to depressed mood, chronic anxiety, suspiciousness, and chronic sleep impairment along with social isolation.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various psychiatric conditions, an ulcer, and hemorrhoids. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain Social Security Administration records, arrange for a VA examination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The claim for reopening of his headache claim was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder have been rated at 30 percent combined since January 16, 2008. The Board finds that the current symptomatology does not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and Anxiety Disorder NOS, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal regarding lumbosacral disc derangement. The claim for an increased rating for sciatic nerve involvement with sensory loss of the left second toe is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder with depression, including obtaining his personnel records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination, including consideration of whether the Veteran's claimed stressors are consistent with his service and whether he meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. As such, secondary service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety disorder and PTSD, was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a major depressive disorder and an anxiety disorder NOS, was incurred during active military service. Service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Veteran's current major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to his service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc disease. The Board grants these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of the added medical evidence.