Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a lack of a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's attorney provided additional information about his service and post-service substance abuse.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, obsessive compulsive behavior, depression, mood disorder, suicidal tendencies and anxiety was denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Board has vacated the March 14, 2019 decision denying a higher rating for anxiety disorder and has determined that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is not manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies such as work, family relations, judgment, or mood due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, speech intermittently illogical, or near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently. The Board has determined that a 50 percent rating is appropriate for anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate discussion of current rating criteria and failure to consider evidence post-dating 1988 that may warrant a higher initial rating. The Veteran's mental disabilities must be evaluated under all applicable rating criteria, including older criteria in effect prior to February 3, 1988.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and anxiety disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the symptoms associated with his anxiety disorder do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, Adjustment disorder with depressed mood, Depressive disorder, and Anxiety as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

Service connection for anxiety disorder and depression is denied.,An initial increased rating of 10 percent for hepatitis C is granted before February 21, 2013. A higher rating is not warranted during this period.,Since January 13, 2014, a 60 percent rating for hepatitis C is granted. The Veteran's symptoms have resulted in substantial weight loss and hepatomegaly.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder was denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his stressor claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder) are related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders have been found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to her military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders found to be present, including depression and anxiety.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder with anxiety and depressed mood.,Tinnitus is remanded for a VA audiometric examination to determine its etiology.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for an updated VA examination and medical opinion considering the Veteran’s specific medical history.,Heart condition and high blood pressure are remanded for a VA examination and medical opinion addressing their relationship with service-connected conditions.,Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood remains at issue, requiring an updated VA psychiatric examination.,Right knee instability and degenerative changes with internal derangement remain at issue, requiring an updated VA examination.,Left thigh scar and right hand scarring are remanded for increased ratings based on the Veteran's current medical records.,TDIU is remanded due to the Veteran’s service-connected conditions impacting his employment.,Whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for any lung disorder remains at issue.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain an opinion on whether any current psychiatric disability is related to in-service stressors and if it is caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that his service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.