Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, anxiety disorder NOS (PTSD spectrum/PTSD features), and depressive disorder NOS are granted. The claim for a back disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 are remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including a copy of the police report and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks and somatic symptom disorder is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the last decision in April 2017. The AOJ will review this new evidence, including VA mental health treatment notes, and readjudicate the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health condition related to service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, as well as his PTSD, are found to be caused by a combination of events occurring during service and the resulting left varicocele. The Veteran's left varicocele is not rated compensably due to its lack of severity.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea (related to service-connected deviated nasal septum and rhinitis), left hand disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) are all granted. The Veteran's deviated nasal septum and rhinitis do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and depressive disorder) is granted, while service connection for arthritis of bilateral hands, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The claim for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for hypertension is also denied.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding the claims of service connection for anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, as well as the increased rating claims for lumbar strain, bilateral shin splints, and bilateral dry eye syndrome.

The Board denied the motion to reverse the RO's decision denying service connection for anxiety due to lack of CUE. The claim was reopened and granted in April 2013, but an effective date prior to that is not warranted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and to verify his dates of Reserve service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, bilateral dry eyes, and headaches is granted. The claims for other acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), left ear hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to July 5, 2017 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for service-connected PTSD and persistent depressive disorder due to a lack of VA examination. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and DEA benefits effective July 8, 2015 due to his service-connected anxiety disorder. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted from this date.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with cognitive disorder is rated at 30 percent, the lowest available rating. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the occurrence of in-service stressors and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety will be reviewed again with additional information and medical evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is remanded for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether the Veteran's current mental health condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and anxiety disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development of his private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder with TBI are granted at a maximum schedular rating of 70 percent, effective May 25, 2014. The appeal is REMANDED for further action on other issues.