Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for unspecified anxiety disorder with features of social anxiety and panic attacks with unspecified depressive disorder was denied, but her TDIU claim was granted. The disability is rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted. The claim for marijuana dependence is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based upon unemployability (TDIU) or special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his age, physical limitations, and lack of evidence showing he is in need of daily assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, Panic Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for asthma as it was clearly and unmistakably pre-existing with no aggravation during service. The psychiatric disorder claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The issue of whether he has any acquired psychological disorders related to his military service is also being remanded.

The Veteran's mental condition, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with anxiety, has not met the criteria for a higher rating. The symptoms have been consistent with those required for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his anxiety disorder was denied, and the claim for TDIU prior to November 1, 2015, was also denied. The Board found that total occupational impairment is shown but not total social impairment as required for a 100% rating.

Service connection for left ear hearing loss and a disability manifested by a left side head knot is denied.,A compensable rating for the Veteran's left heel scar is denied, as there are no scars that meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The hearing loss claim is denied, while tinnitus remains at its maximum rating of 10 percent. Service connection requests are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his education and work history, which includes manual labor experience.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence associated with the file, and a supplemental statement of the case should be issued.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to incomplete service treatment records and untranslated Spanish documents. The Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, left ankle, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depressive disorders), right knee meniscal tear, and hypertension claims are being returned for additional examination and review.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including other specified trauma disorder, major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder, are granted as they are related to in-service stressor events.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a psychiatric disorder, left and right hip disabilities, inguinal hernia, left and right leg numbness, and increases in his low back disability rating. The remand requests additional evidence and examinations to address these claims.

The Board previously denied service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and a new examination to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's anxiety disorder and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left arm radiculopathy and remanded the issues of service connection for anxiety and depression due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information regarding military sexual trauma and a need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to VA's failure to obtain private treatment records from University of Wisconsin Hospital psychiatry ward, which is believed to contain relevant information about the Veteran's psychiatric condition.