Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder was dismissed as the appeal had already been activated into the Board’s Legacy appeals system.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The June 2019 audiometric test results showed that the Veteran met criteria for a 10 percent disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under DC 6100.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was denied as it already received the maximum schedular rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus was denied. The June 2019 audiometric test results showed that the Veteran met criteria for a 10 percent disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under DC 7913.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 9, 2019 for the award of an increased 100 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease status post myocardial infraction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery was denied. The increase in disability did not meet the one-year criteria.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 9, 2019 for basic eligibility for Dependents’ Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was denied as he had a permanent and total service-connected disability from May 9, 2019.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 9, 2019 for the grant of special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria was denied as his disabilities did not meet the percentage requirements prior to that date.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's vertigo is rated at 10 percent, with the possibility of a higher rating if he experiences dizziness and occasional staggering.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's appeals regarding depression, PTSD, sleep disturbances as secondary to PTSD, anxiety condition as secondary to PTSD, stress as secondary to erectile dysfunction, and the ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (previously rated as lumbar strain), radiculopathy of the lower left extremity due to degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, and radiculopathy, right lower extremity have been dismissed.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for an anxiety disorder is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective March 31, 2011.,An earlier effective date of March 16, 2011 for the grant of an increased 70 percent rating for the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety disorder and depression were rated at 100% from July 30, 1981 to September 30, 1983. From October 1, 1983 to July 31, 1988, the Veteran's disability warranted a rating of 70%. The Board found that the Veteran was not entitled to a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depression disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder, was granted a 70 percent rating prior to November 7, 2017. From that date, the claim for an increased rating greater than 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service symptoms and current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and moderate anxiety disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his incarceration, requiring an audiological and psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his tinnitus and mental health conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, is being reviewed again as it may be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression (claimed as anxiety and nervous condition) has been reopened, but the Board is remanding the case to obtain a new VA medical opinion regarding whether his current major depressive disorder is related to his military service or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for Raynaud's phenomenon, multiple sclerosis with adjustment disorder, and lumbar strain due to service-connected multiple sclerosis. The Veteran needs new examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions and an addendum opinion regarding whether his back condition is related to his service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right knee disorders are denied. Service connection for anxiety disorder is granted with a 50% rating effective the date of claim filing, but denied for higher ratings after August 6, 2019.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims regarding his acquired psychiatric disorders and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's service connection claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for anxiety, depression, anger issues, sleep disturbance, and paresthesia conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.