Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence regarding a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability, and a new examination is needed to determine the etiology of any such condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's anxiety is related to service. A VA examination is required to provide a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder was previously denied in 1959. The Board has reopened the claim and remanded it for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for anxiety and remanded his claims for Parkinson's disease and acquired psychiatric disorder due to exposure in Korea. The Veteran is also requested to provide more specific information regarding incidents that occurred during service, including proximity to enemy fire and escorting dead bodies.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from February 8, 2016.

The Veteran's rating for unspecified anxiety disorder was reduced from 50 percent to 30 percent, effective April 1, 2016. The Board has determined that the reduction was improper and has ordered a remand to address the issue of an increased rating.

The Veteran's initial rating for unspecified anxiety disorder is granted at a 50 percent level, effective from the date of the August 2017 decision. The evidence shows that his symptoms have caused reduced reliability and productivity but not deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has denied the service connection claim for a psychiatric disability and remanded the remaining issues of service connection for CAD, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and severance of diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to the need for updated VA treatment records and further investigation of a newly-reported in-service stressor.

The Veteran's current anxiety disorder is related to his service, specifically his active duty experience treating and caring for casualties and the wounded during Operation Hurricane Katrina. The Board granted service connection based on this evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, which includes the use of a CPAP machine. The appeal for COPD and thoracic spine disability is dismissed as service connection has already been established. Lumbar strain and radiculopathy are denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. Blepharitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis and his treatment for anxiety. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, dysthymic disorder, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder is remanded due to the inability to verify a claimed stressor. A VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric diagnoses are related to service.

Service connection for an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood has been granted.,A compensable rating of 10 percent is granted for the left hand fourth finger strain status post injury (left finger disability).,A higher than 10 percent rating is denied for the left wrist condition status post fracture (left wrist disability).

The Veteran's initial increased rating for anxiety disorder is denied, and his right hip replacement with osteoarthritis claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence, and insomnia are being remanded for further evaluation due to a possible increase in symptoms. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the anxiety disorder claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The initial rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety remains denied, as does the request for a higher rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The claim is reopened based on new evidence received since the May 2008 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disorder and residuals of neck injury, as secondary to service-connected disabilities, have been dismissed due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.