Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for a higher level of SMC for loss of use of bilateral hips was denied as he is already receiving the maximum rate of compensation authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) for his loss of use of lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claims of service connection for multiple joint pain, a cervical spine disability, chronic fatigue, major depressive disorder/anxiety disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Board found that while there was no direct evidence linking the injury to his active duty service, the Veteran has provided credible testimony regarding an in-service incident where a generator door fell on him during a Scud missile attack.,The claims of service connection for chronic fatigue and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded as new and material evidence was received.

The Veteran's current PTSD is found to be service-connected, with the Board finding that the weight of evidence supports the claim and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened. The case is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis of PTSD and a need for further development related to the in-service personal assault.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA examination for psychiatric disorders, and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service records show he had depression following an in-service accident, and post-service medical records indicate current diagnoses of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's bronchitis is rated at 30 percent and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 70 percent. Both conditions are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bursitis and arthralgia of multiple joints, CFS, mild obstructive airflow disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder for purposes of eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 due to his withdrawal at a hearing. Service connection was granted for a lumbar spine disorder, rash of the shoulders and armpits, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression). The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial ratings for post-operative scars of the abdomen, residuals of cholecystectomy, hemorrhoids, and adjustment disorder with anxiety are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety and PTSD; and for hypertension. The VA examinations are required to address these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD, GAD, PTSD and insomnia disorder. The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's psychiatric disability is related to her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder NOS, depressive disorder NOS, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The issue of entitlement to service connection for a neck disability was also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for seborrheic dermatitis, a compensable rating for postoperative tonsillitis and pharyngitis, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a fracture of the right thumb with traumatic arthritis and limitation of motion. The Veteran's anxiety disorder was also denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, anxiety, and erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back and cervical disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury due to conflicting evidence regarding the onset and nature of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, a neck condition, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his military service, the neck condition is presumed due to head trauma during service, and the TBI was caused by an incident in 1990.

The Veteran's appeals to increase his disability ratings and establish an effective date for service connection have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (manifested by anxiety and sleep impairment), and sleep apnea as the conditions were not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart condition that resulted in his death, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran’s heart condition was either caused by or aggravated by his service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, manic depression, and bipolar disorder due to new and material evidence. The claim is now remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depressed mood and anxiety has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran met the requirements of PTSD due to fear of hostile military action, which was corroborated by medical opinions.