Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service records and scheduling a VA examination to address the diagnoses and etiology of all acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete supplemental statements of the case.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was granted service connection. The initial rating for tinnitus remains at 10%, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Effective dates for both conditions are not granted.

The Veteran's left hip strain is rated at 20 percent since March 26, 2015.,The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS with anxiety disorder NOS is rated at 70 percent since February 28, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board also granted TDIU benefits.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for a higher rating and TDIU as their decisions were final.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, cervical spine disorder, right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain medical records, verify periods of active duty, and schedule examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and verifying service records.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as secondary to rhabdomyolysis, and she is assigned a 70 percent rating for her adjustment disorder with PTSD, mixed depression, and anxiety.,Her rhabdomyolysis is also granted, and she receives an initial 60 percent rating.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability rating, service connection, earlier effective date, and TDIU due to withdrawal of appeal by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as claustrophobia and generalized anxiety disorder), and hypertension due to exposure to environmental hazards in the Gulf War. The claims are being returned for additional examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, type II, and generalized anxiety disorder with dysthymic disorder are all currently rated at their maximum levels. The Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new and material evidence received by the RO in the first post-decision year, as well as inadequate development of the claim for service connection. The Veteran's mental health conditions are now being considered under a broader scope.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need to determine if the Veteran now has a current hearing loss disability related to service, and whether he has an acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and anxiety) that is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent since September 23, 2014. Before that date, he was not service-connected for any mental health condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for anxiety disorder NOS is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran should be provided with a VA examination to determine if his hypertension is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder with panic attacks is related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The decision on depression and cognitive impairment remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, and Depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left thumb condition was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service.,Service connection for drug and alcohol abuse was denied as it is considered willful misconduct. The Veteran's anxiety disorder claim has been reopened.