Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claim was not based on previously unadjudicated evidence and that the STRs were not relevant to the matter at issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been reopened, but the case is remanded to determine if OSA is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion. The issue of whether his other diagnosed conditions are related to service is also pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a stroke, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected GAD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it began during active duty.,Bilateral hearing loss is not considered a disability for VA purposes due to the presence of normal auditory thresholds in all tested frequencies.,Service connection for major depressive and anxiety disorder remains denied, with an increased rating of 70% being granted. The Veteran's current condition does not meet criteria for total social impairment.,TDIU prior to May 9, 2014 was granted based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of lung cancer, including as due to asbestos exposure, is granted. The claim for service connection for anxiety, secondary to lung cancer, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right knee strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection claim for depression is granted. The claims of service connection for asbestosis, PTSD, and anxiety are dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal request. The issues of service connection for PTSD and anxiety are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further medical examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and GAD. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's request to reopen the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and anger issues, is granted. The Board has also remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran’s claimed stressors and for a clarification of his current diagnosis.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a 50 percent or higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired anxiety disorder, residuals of frostbite of the upper extremities, and residuals of frostbite of the lower extremities during a hearing before the Board.,VA denied the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence showing that he had hearing loss within one year after separation from active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected anxiety disorder, TDIU, and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) under Title 38, United States Code, Chapter 35. The Veteran needs to be afforded a VA psychiatric examination to address the current level of severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder with depressive features.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an anxiety disorder, a right knee disability, and fibromyalgia. However, it denied these claims as there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between her current conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right retropatellar pain syndrome, post concussive syndrome with anxiety and depression, mild neurocognitive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder, and residuals of a closed head injury with occipital fracture are being remanded due to inadequate medical examinations.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for post concussive syndrome with anxiety and depression is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with his sleep disorder claim, which was previously remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety. The cervical spine disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection due to new and material evidence, and granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, and Anxiety.