Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent since October 22, 2009. The appeal for a higher rating or TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to June 5, 2015. After that date, the disability was not shown to be productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.,Prior to June 20, 2019, the Veteran's back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher than 40 percent rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees. From June 20, 2019 onwards, the disability was shown to have been functionally limited to 30 degrees or less.,Prior to March 21, 2016, the Veteran's neck disability was manifested by complaints of pain and flexion of the cervical spine at 40 degrees with a combined range of motion greater than 170 degrees. Effective March 21, 2016, the disability is shown to have been functionally limited to 15 degrees of flexion.,The Veteran's left knee disability was manifested by complaints of pain and forward flexion ending at 120 degrees with no recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The right knee disability was also manifested by complaints of pain and forward flexion ending at 120 degrees with no recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.,The Veteran's digestive system disability included symptoms such as persistently recurrent epigastric distress, nausea, pyrosis (heartburn), reflux, and regurgitation.

The Veteran's application for a grant of specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations, specifically due to his service-connected sarcoidosis not being caused by an inhalation injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors, and the Veteran's representative requested an in-person VA examination for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability, including MDD and anxiety disorder, due to new evidence submitted. The claims are being reviewed on their merits.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder claim was withdrawn. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were granted, with the latter being secondary to the former.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include an antisocial personality disorder, should be remanded due to inadequate VA examination and medical opinions. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations and opinions covering all relevant time periods.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new medical evidence. The AOJ will also review his service-connected IBS and other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and a nervous disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety and insomnia), as well as the claim for TDIU due to conflicting medical evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various psychiatric, left leg, and gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination of his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and missing records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's Gulf War Syndrome and related psychiatric condition have been granted service connection, with the latter being secondary to the former. The case is remanded for further consideration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed again as part of a broader claim.

The Veteran is competent to handle the disbursement of VA funds due to their service-connected mental health condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for skin cancer and sinus disorder as they have been withdrawn by the Veteran. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, but an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, agoraphobia, alcohol use disorder, and cocaine use disorder, has been rated at 100 percent since August 14, 2017. The issue of entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated with updated medical records and a comprehensive opinion from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the appellant died before a decision could be made.