Anxiety decisions — 2016

The Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma is found to be at least as likely as not due to exposure to a parasitic organism while serving in Vietnam. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder for VA purposes, and the evidence is not sufficient to demonstrate that he manifested one during the pendency of the appeal. The Veteran's treatment records indicate a history of complaints of anxiety and insomnia but no current Axis I psychiatric disability other than alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeal regarding all issues on appeal, including the claims for a higher initial disability rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder and service connection for chemical burns of both hands. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing at the RO in accordance with the Veteran's request.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge and failed to establish a nexus between his current condition and service. The preponderance of evidence does not support service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, right eye conjunctivitis and vision loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety), and headaches have been granted. The claim for increased rating for right cornea scar has also been granted with a 10% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and verifying in-service stressors. The Veteran will also be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's tinnitus is likely related to his period of active service, and the Board finds service connection for tinnitus is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a hip disability and an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions. The Veteran does not have a current hip disability or any diagnosed psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD secondary to military sexual trauma has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran had an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, and this was related to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain/fatigue. The Veteran's anxiety, depression, and PTSD are related to his service. Service connection is also established for insomnia as it is related to the Veteran's service. However, the claim of reopening the previously denied claim of service connection for depression remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and opinions to address the severity of his service-connected psychiatric and muscle disabilities, as well as claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, hip, knee, or ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for rib fracture residuals was withdrawn. The Board has reopened his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD, as new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for ear pain is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability due to disease or injury incurred in service. The Veteran's complaints of ear pain are associated with upper respiratory disorders and have not been shown to be related to his period of service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected migraines and anxiety disorder with PTSD features. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was previously rated at 30%, but his condition has worsened, leading to a higher rating of 50% effective April 27, 2015. Additionally, he was diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder likely due to vascular issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with the effective date set at the date of claim or prior to that if applicable. The Veteran is receiving the maximum schedular rating for his right little finger disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are related to his pre-existing conditions. The decision grants service connection for these disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorders are not attributable to service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for initial compensable disability ratings for various conditions, as well as service connection for PTSD, anxiety, right ear hearing loss, bilateral chondromalacia of the knees (secondary to periostitis), and bilateral restless leg syndrome. The case is being remanded due to scheduling issues.