Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is rated at 70 percent, but not total. A TDIU is also granted due to the Veteran's inability to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to new evidence obtained since the last SSOC.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen service connection for anxiety and depression, but denied service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD and has determined that he meets the criteria for this disability. The diagnosis of PTSD is related to a verified stressor during active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, as it is unclear whether the appellant's current diagnoses of sinus disability, facial swelling due to a sinus condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his ACDUTRA service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's migraines, as the previous opinions were inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and anxiety were granted, with an effective date of August 11, 2014. The claim for a higher rating for left foot disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus due to incomplete records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for unspecified anxiety disorder with insomnia disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder prior to August 24, 2018. The TDIU claim was denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam. The VA will need to verify if the Veteran was present within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and that any diagnosed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for various conditions, including a back condition, bilateral feet issues, OSA, varicose veins, eczema, and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of severe symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is found to be causally related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's active duty service from September 2003 to November 2003 is not considered valid due to fraudulent enlistment. The Board also notes that the Veteran had service in the Marine Corps Reserves but there are inconsistencies regarding his periods of INACDUTRA/IADT. The appeal for service connection on these conditions is remanded for further clarification and verification of service records.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected MDD and anxiety disorder, as well as for TDIU based on these conditions, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.