Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder NOS was granted at a 50 percent level, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, was aggravated by his service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, are related to his military service. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined and will be addressed after the psychiatric claim is resolved.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and records, but the appeal is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the issue of an effective date prior to May 13, 2014, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, was granted an initial 50 percent rating prior to February 5, 2019. The evidence showed significant symptoms of anxiety associated with memories of Vietnam, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD) is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found no medical nexus between the Veteran’s current psychiatric disability and his military service, and determined that he is not unemployable.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and conflicting diagnoses. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a sleep disorder is being reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Board has decided that a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety. The examiner should assess whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives, specifically obtaining a medical opinion. The Veteran's representative stated that he is unable to attend an in-person VA examination due to declining health and moved into a long-term care facility.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder due to insufficient information provided by the VA to corroborate the claimed stressor events. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence or have their claim reviewed further.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an increased rating for anxiety disorder and TDIU due to the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's anxiety disorder throughout the appeal period, as well as referral to VA’s Compensation Service for consideration of whether a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, but his claim for acquired anxiety disorder with PTSD symptoms is granted. The claim for PTSD has been reopened and the evidence now raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development and examination due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including providing proper VCAA notice, obtaining VA examinations, and updating the Veteran's mailing address.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence and a need for further examination regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of his misconduct.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he is currently employed and his service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any currently endured acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, major depression, and PTSD. Additionally, a polysomnogram report for obstructive sleep apnea must be obtained.