Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the cases of a rating greater than 30 percent for an anxiety disorder and a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's testimony about frequent suicidal ideation and memory issues affecting his daily tasks is noted. A VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service member's mental state at the time of his offenses and discharge, as well as incomplete personnel records for his Army Reserve service. The Appellant is asked to provide VA Form 21-4142 for treatment related to her deceased grandson's psychiatric conditions, and VA must obtain all relevant service and personnel records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate discussion of evidence and consideration of staged ratings, as well as Bankhead v. Shulkin.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder and anxiety, and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate examinations and lack of medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that his current diagnosed conditions are not related to service and thus denying the claim.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder), and hypertension has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence supports the reopening of these claims. Service connection is granted for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other specified trauma and stressor related disorder). However, service connection for hypertension cannot be established as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service or is otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Anxiety Disorder, finding that the Veteran's conditions began during active service. The appeal for TBI was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been rated at 50 percent since December 6, 2012. The Board has determined that the current rating is appropriate based on symptoms such as difficulty understanding complex commands, impairment of short-term memory, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulties in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorder, as well as residuals of a superficial flesh wound to the left hand. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Board also granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but remanded the issue of increased rating for service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined issue (entitlement to service connection for congestive heart failure) and will address whether service connection is warranted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, however diagnosed, as secondary to ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability and a TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified anxiety disorder with sleep disorder, to include insomnia, as a part of the Veteran’s service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's other specified anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not appropriate as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of healed injury right wrist is denied as the evidence does not show ankylosis or more than limitation of motion.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied because there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support their onset during service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorders is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence and need for clarification on service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.