Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Veteran's surviving spouse was granted SMC at the (l) level based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, with all reasonable doubts resolved in favor of the Veteran.

Service connection is granted for chronic kidney disease and anxiety disorder, with a 10 percent rating assigned for residuals of a right fibula fracture. Service connection is denied for left ankle, right ankle, left foot, and right foot disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, currently characterized as social anxiety disorder with recurrent major depressive disorder. The effective date for the grant of a 70 percent rating is fixed based on factual findings and cannot be earlier than October 26, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chest wall condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cognitive and/or acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current bipolar disorder, type II, to disease or injury in service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support other diagnoses such as major depression/depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, or ADHD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea. Diabetes mellitus is now considered service-connected as secondary to herbicide exposure. The psychiatric claim has also been reopened.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and unclear employment status. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are expected to be evaluated for their impact on his ability to work, with a focus on whether his current job constitutes 'marginal' employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and remanded it for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder and a nervous condition, is granted. The appeal is granted in this limited scope.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance have been dismissed.,Service connection was denied for a lumbar spine disability, COPD, and anxiety disorder with dysthymic disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to unclear evidence regarding his current diagnosis and etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case is now pending for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety are remanded due to incomplete medical records and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, initial rating for anxiety disorder, and TDIU due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, began during active service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nervous disorder was reopened and granted. He is also granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, depressive type, and generalized anxiety disorder.,Service connection has been established for left hip disability, hypertension, and kidney disability (conceded exposure to tetrachloride).