Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for unspecified anxiety disorder was denied as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied because his hearing loss disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are related to his active service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted. The Board finds that the new and material evidence received since the last final rating decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim, thus reopening the claim.

Effective dates of April 13, 2009 for service connection of generalized anxiety disorder and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected multiple sclerosis.,Effective dates of April 13, 2009 for service connection of right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected multiple sclerosis.,Effective dates of April 13, 2009 for service connection of right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's acquired mental condition, diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran’s lumbosacral sprain with lumbar degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent. The Board denied an increased rating as his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety. The claims are being returned to the RO/AMC for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals, removal of soft tissue sarcoma was denied. His anxiety disorder was granted service connection. The issues regarding a psychiatric disorder and brain damage secondary to diabetes mellitus were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a lumbar strain.

The Veteran's PTSD, characterized as anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, dysthymia, unspecified anxiety disorder, and general anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear service records and a need for clarification on the Veteran's National Guard status. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression (claimed as bipolar disorder), which he asserts occurred during his reserve service.

The Board denied service connection for acne with scarring and unspecified anxiety/depressive disorders, finding that the Veteran's conditions existed prior to his military service and did not undergo an increase in severity during service.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $5,393.09 for tuition/fees and a housing allowance is valid based on the appellant's reduction in credit hours and withdrawal from classes during her education term. The appeal is REMANDED to determine if a waiver of recovery is warranted.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for PTSD, MDD, and Anxiety related to military sexual trauma during service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran not having hearing loss for VA purposes. The claims for service connection of other conditions are remanded as there is insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, including MDD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder are denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD due to lack of corroborated in-service stressors. The Veteran has been diagnosed with MDD and OCD, which the Board considered as encompassing the other diagnoses.

The appeal of entitlement to service connection for headaches is dismissed.,Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive and anxiety disorders, is granted.,Entitlement to service connection for muscle aches, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is denied.,Entitlement to service connection for joint pain manifesting in the knees, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, is remanded.,Entitlement to service connection for a gastrointestinal disability manifesting in diarrhea, to include as due to a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness or an undiagnosed illness, is remanded.

The Veteran's current anxiety disorder is related to service, as evidenced by his in-service history of nervous trouble and treatment for heroin and cocaine use. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if the anxiety disorder is caused or aggravated by substance use.