Anxiety decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity as required for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder with anxiety, is granted. However, his claims for a compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and left knee instability are denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves the issue of whether he has a sleep disorder that is related to his service-connected GERD or TBI with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and mood disorder. The Board finds additional development is needed as there may be an undiagnosed illness component.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, peptic ulcer disease, radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities, degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and anxiety has been reopened, with new evidence indicating the conditions may be related to service. The Board finds that there is at least a 50% probability that any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder had its onset in service or is otherwise causally related to service.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding an initial disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service psychiatric symptoms. The claim will be further developed and adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Video Conference hearing before the Board.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of this case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability, specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

The Board has determined that service connection for PFB is not warranted, and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and migraine headaches are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating and TDIU prior to May 25, 2009.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS results in significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for this disability effective from September 13, 2012.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral lower extremity neurological disability, and there is no evidence to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the issues of an increased rating for the right knee disability and entitlement to a TDIU due to noncompliance with remand directives. The remaining claims have been addressed, but no SOC has been issued.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified is related to his active service in Korea. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension are denied as they are not linked to his service or exposure to herbicides/chemicals. Prostate cancer was diagnosed after separation from service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective November 16, 2010. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the disability.

The Board found that the reduction of the evaluation for left knee disability from 20 percent to 10 percent effective January 1, 2015 was not proper. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded due to insufficient development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder, is related to service and he was granted service connection for this condition. His claims for migraine headaches were not supported by the evidence presented.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The claims will be reconsidered after all necessary development is completed.