Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 13, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and nightmare disorder as these conditions are found to be at least as likely as not related to military experiences. The claim was reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder were restored to a 70 percent rating effective August 1, 2017. Additionally, the Board granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart condition and granted an effective date of January 30, 2013, for service-connected bipolar disorder. The Veteran's initial claim was implicitly denied in October 1999 due to her failure to appear for a VA examination. Her second informal claim was not developed until January 2014 when she applied again and received the grant of service connection for bipolar disorder. The Board has also remanded the issues of an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected bipolar disorder and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor. The VA will attempt to obtain records from the CID and review them before making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to May 27, 2003 is denied. The earliest possible effective dates are the current ones.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that he did not have total social and occupational impairment due to his PTSD. Therefore, a higher rating of 100 percent was denied.

The Veteran's anxiety has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for several issues, including an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for ischemic heart disease, and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The missing November 2013 VA examination report is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his active service, but additional evidence is needed for other conditions. The Veteran will need to provide updated treatment records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim itself due to lack of evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to service.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiac arrest, which the VA examiner opined was not related to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to determine whether the Veteran’s service-connected coronary artery disease contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and an addendum opinion regarding service connection for heat stroke, acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, and right foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The condition was consistently manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, past homicidal ideation, and impaired impulse control.

The claim to reopen the previously denied psychiatric disability claim is granted. The Board finds that remand is necessary for further development and examination regarding both the psychiatric disability and sleep apnea claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner is required to determine if any diagnosed disorders are related to in-service stressors and other reported stressors.

Service connection for myofascial pain syndrome is granted.,Service connection for anxiety disorder is granted. The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been found to have separate and distinct symptoms from his already service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his sleep disorder, PTSD, chronic left ankle strain, and unspecified anxiety disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and severity. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information about stressors related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's right eye blindness was not incurred in the line of duty and is denied.,The Veteran's right-hand scar preexisted service and is not aggravated by service, thus denial.,The acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to service and are denied.,Bilateral knee osteoarthritis did not manifest during or within one year after service and is denied.,Bilateral hand osteoarthritis was not shown to be chronic during service and is denied.,Low back disability is not shown to exist currently and is denied.,Neuropathy is not shown to exist currently and is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration by the RO and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's right shoulder condition is still rated at 20 percent, but the issue remains on appeal.