Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a higher evaluation to 70 percent effective February 12, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-existing head injury that existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service. The claim of reopening a psychiatric disorder was also denied as no new evidence related to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his non-service connected physical disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to clarify the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service, particularly given conflicting evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a respiratory disorder, and chronic headaches have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions that are related to service or any in-service stressors. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and anxiety are rated at 70 percent, reflecting total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, and impaired impulse control.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should be remanded for further development, including obtaining VA clinical records and a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service, and he has an acquired psychiatric disorder that is not due to willful misconduct. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as the issue of whether new and material evidence was submitted is still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are related to his service. The claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's current low back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran must also be provided with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders and hypertension.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with an examination and address his claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD was granted on March 27, 2007 based on the findings of an August 2007 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of his 30% disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder was denied as there is no evidence showing a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the June 26, 2007 claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to the RO for additional action, including obtaining morning reports from a specific Army unit and ensuring that all development is completed in accordance with the remand instructions.

The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to his active military service or secondary to, or otherwise aggravated by, his service-connected pterygium. The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, claimed as PTSD, was granted an initial rating of 30 percent. Service connection for a left foot lipoma due to herbicide exposure was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, sexual disorder, and PTSD; and chronic sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service. The Veteran's claims for hemorrhoids, rash, stomach disability, and impotency are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain clarification on his claimed Southwest Asia theater of operations service and to schedule him for VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his psychiatric, neurological, and gastrointestinal disabilities.