Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and trichotillomania. These conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, previously characterized as PTSD. The new evidence shows that he currently suffers from anxiety disorder NOS and depression NOS, which are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), and low back disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder prior to August 30, 2019 were denied.,The Veteran's initial evaluation of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder not otherwise on or after August 30, 2019 was also denied.,The Veteran is currently granted TDIU effective from August 30, 2019. The issue remains in appellate status as the full grant of benefits has not been made for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's prior diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The examiner must address these previous diagnoses in their opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The Veteran had a history of depression and anxiety during her service but current diagnoses are not clear.

The Board has determined that a 50 percent initial disability rating is warranted for the Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder for the period prior to November 16, 2017. The benefit sought on appeal is granted to this extent.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed features of depression and anxiety, effective from September 11, 2015. The decision finds that his symptoms most closely approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hip disorder, low back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the current disabilities are related to in-service stressors and other factors.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted service connection as it was incurred in service. The Veteran's anxiety disorder, however, is not found to be related to his service.

The appeal for service connection of adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, along with alcohol use disorder, is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are granted, with a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The acquired psychiatric disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further medical opinions regarding his low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral knees due to incomplete development. The Veteran's sister stated that his behavior changed after returning from overseas during active duty, but this evidence was not considered in previous opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions began during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether his psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and other conditions, finding that her current symptoms are linked to military sexual trauma experienced during service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The decision is based on the need to obtain missing medical records from his active duty service.