Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated as noncompensable, with the Board finding that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for a neurological condition (syncopal episodes, dizzy spells, and headaches) is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of such conditions.

The Board has remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to August 27, 2007. The TDIU claim for the period from August 27, 2007, to November 1, 2013, is also pending and requires referral to the Director of Compensation for an opinion on whether the Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's GAD is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The evidence shows that his symptoms include occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, claimed as PTSD. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health condition related to military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence that she submitted a valid claim prior to May 5, 2015.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition, low back condition, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are all granted. The rating for the psychiatric conditions is increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression), tinnitus, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, benign prostate hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU. The remand also includes a request for VA examination to determine if the Veteran has diagnoses of diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower limbs.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is denied as the evidence does not show a current disability or relate to service.,PTSD was not diagnosed during service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms. The Veteran's tinnitus is also not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea and anxiety disorder make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety disorder. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted showing a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim, and that the Veteran’s anxiety disorder is secondary to pain associated with her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and whether withholding compensation benefits to recoup disability severance pay was proper. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, alcohol use disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and mood disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as specific phobia panic disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, and sleep apnea. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board has vacated its decision and remanded the case due to a VLJ who conducted the hearing not participating in the November 13, 2018, Board remand. The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several conditions is being reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to November 30, 2016 for service connection and a higher initial evaluation for his right hand disability were denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date was November 30, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically his unspecified depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder were found to be manifested by symptoms comparable to a 70 percent disability rating, warranting an increased rating from the date of claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to her mental and physical impairments.

Service connection for Persistent Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is granted.,Service connection for a skin condition other than PFB, including Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis, is denied.