Anxiety decisions — 2018

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's anxiety disorder was found to be productive of occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating. For the bilateral hearing loss claim, the Board determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for current hearing loss as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, effective date of service connection for his psychiatric disorder, and initial rating for his psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is also being asked to provide medical records related to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye condition, sleep disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, colon polyp, prostate condition, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reopened. Service connection is granted for the right eye condition due to new evidence linking it to military service. The other claims remain denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, are related to her military service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his anxiety disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an additional VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent since March 29, 2018. The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if he needs higher level of care due to his disability and for clarification on SMC eligibility.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's eczema was also not granted an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's claim is also being remanded for increased ratings on various conditions and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was incurred during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for unspecified bipolar disorder with alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's dysthymia with anxiety disorder is granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent.,The Veteran's right knee sprain, status post plica excision with menisci degeneration, has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted by the Veteran, which requires a review of all evidence received since the August 2017 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and GAD were not rated higher than the assigned disability ratings due to lack of evidence showing more severe impairment.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, left and right arm numbness and tingling, and psychiatric disability due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for anxiety was dismissed. The Board found that the preexisting bilateral knee conditions were not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for lower back disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's anxiety disorder was granted service connection with an effective date of November 15, 2012.

The Board has determined that the VA examination conducted in August 2013 is inadequate for evaluation purposes and that further evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. The Board also notes conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran had a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD prior to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding no valid diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV or DSM-5 by any qualified medical examiner. The evidence did not support a nexus between current mental health conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current mental health conditions.