Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, has been denied as the new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety) but remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the death of the Veteran's widow, as her appeal is no longer in a jurisdictional state.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, rated at 70 percent since February 10, 2015, is granted with an effective date of January 19, 2015. The Board found that the increase in symptoms occurred as of January 19, 2015, warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder are service-connected as they have been continuously present since her military service.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and dysthymic disorder have been rated at a 70 percent disability level from October 29, 2008 forward. This rating is granted due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as generalized anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his active service. Service connection for this condition is granted. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a link between his claimed conditions and service, or that they began in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder NOS and PTSD. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced psychological trauma during service in Korea, which is considered combat-related. The VA examiners found a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent, which is the maximum available. The Board also found that he meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD was withdrawn. His claim for an increased rating for anxiety disorder, to include insomnia, is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was granted a 70 percent disability rating effective January 28, 2016. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service connected disabilities was also granted from the same date.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder but denied the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder, including panic disorder and PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and anxiety, as well as tinnitus. The Veteran's anxiety disorder was found to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for anxiety and depression, but denied the claim for PTSD. The appeal is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a VA mental disorders examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood due to lack of current diagnoses and insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder NOS, has been granted. Service connection is also granted for thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and GAD, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her in-service military sexual trauma (MST).

The Veteran's initial rating for insomnia with anxiety disorder is granted at a 30 percent level.