Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other specified anxiety disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 and insufficient evidence linking his current psychiatric condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has remanded them for further development. The issues include service connection for psychiatric disorders (MDD, PTSD, and anxiety), a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 7, 2010 for a 10% rating for the Veteran's scar. The case is being remanded for further development regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased evaluation for anxiety disorder and cognitive disorder. Additional VA examinations are needed, and the AOJ should secure any outstanding records.

The Board has denied service connection for back, neck, left hip, right hip, sleep disorder, and anxiety and depression disabilities as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Board has remanded the claim for an extraschedular rating due to incomplete development. The claim will be reconsidered after the necessary development is completed.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for chronic fatigue syndrome is dismissed. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for depressive disorder with anxiety features and migraines, as well as TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder has been granted service connection.,Multiple Sclerosis, right wrist disorders (including carpal tunnel syndrome), and other conditions are remanded for further examination.

The claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened, and the case of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD) is remanded due to insufficient evidence to decide the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD) were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective January 2, 2017. The Board denied an earlier effective date due to lack of formal or informal claims prior to March 24, 2015.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50% and his hypertension, though not service-connected, was found to have contributed to his death. Service connection for the cause of death due to hypertension has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for costochondritis, right shoulder disorder, and hyperventilation/anxiety syndrome were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronic condition related to his period of active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly his PTSD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to clarify these issues.

The Board has found that remand is necessary due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including verification of in-service stressors and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims in a December 2018 written statement.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, an unspecified anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder are found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for a TBI and initial ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 70 percent. Initial ratings for his shoulder strains, wrist tendonitis, little finger strain, lumbar degenerative joint disease, knee patellofemoral syndrome, left ankle strain, right ankle strain, and tinnitus are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, need further development due to incomplete medical records and unverified stressors. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to address these issues.