Anxiety decisions — 2018

Your appeal for an increased rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and for TDIU has been dismissed because you did not file a timely notice of disagreement or a substantive appeal on either issue.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his anterior mandibular ostectomy was denied. His depression with pain disorder and generalized anxiety disorder received an initial increased rating to 70 percent effective May 3, 2014.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety and undifferentiated somatoform disorder, effective August 31, 2010. The decision also addresses an earlier effective date claim for the increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and his diagnosed psychiatric disorders are not etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder and migraine headaches. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is also inextricably intertwined with the other issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine DJD was granted. However, the claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine DJD was denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left shoulder condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, has been granted. The Veteran was diagnosed with labral tear with degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder during his military service and continues to experience symptoms related to this diagnosis. His other mental health conditions are also considered as part of his claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, which is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disorder, and nightmares is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the claims file.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids are found to be related to his active service.,PTSD has not been diagnosed, and the evidence does not support a finding of PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 12, 2005.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 16, 2015. From April 16, 2015 forward, the Veteran experienced deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking and mood.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent since July 10, 2008. The Board found that the symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD with anxiety disorder, caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to April 29, 2016. The disability did not meet the criteria for a rating of 100 percent due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to outstanding treatment records and other issues. The Veteran's request for service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, as well as his claim for TDIU, are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and substance abuse disorder are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under the applicable laws and regulations.