Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines and an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD) were denied. The rating for migraines remains at 30 percent, while the rating for the psychiatric disorder is also at 50 percent.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for herniated disc; cervical spine, with degenerative disc disorder is granted. The Board finds that there is new and material evidence to support reopening of this claim. However, the claim remains remanded as further development is needed regarding both conditions.

The appeal of the issue of service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia is dismissed.,A total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from June 20, 2015.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a TDIU have been dismissed as he has requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's mild left elbow tendonitis and anxiety disorder were denied. The right shoulder surgery was granted at a 30% rating, but not higher than the current 20%. The thoracolumbar spine condition with degenerative changes was granted at a 20% rating from June 18, 2015 to November 27, 2018. DEA benefits were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are related to his service or secondary to his service-connected Parkinson's disease.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition manifested by hypervigilance and anxiety, finding no current diagnosed disability.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's anxiety disorder and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for migraine headaches, ulcer disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, dizziness and fainting spells, degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine, and osteoarthritis. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of any diagnosed mental health disabilities, including PTSD.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule him for an examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for an acquired mental health disorder, trigeminal neuralgia, and a right ankle sprain have been dismissed due to the Appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of psychiatric disabilities and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA examination and new evidence of PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically his anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence of a continuity of symptoms since service or that the conditions began in service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss and an increased rating for residuals of fractured right index, long, ring and little fingers, to include arthritis was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal request.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other related conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination using DSM-5 criteria. The current examination under DSM-IV was inadequate.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.