Anxiety decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected obsessive compulsive disorder with social anxiety disorder is remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder have been granted. The appeal for an initial rating greater than 30 percent prior to July 18, 2018, and greater than 50 percent thereafter, for cluster headaches is still pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia was reopened and granted with an effective date of September 30, 2005. The Board found that new evidence received within one year of the denial supported reopening the claim and granting service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, as well as his mental health conditions in general, have been granted. The other issues related to the left ankle condition, high blood pressure (hypertension), acid reflux, and benign tumor of the neck remain unresolved.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates for his service-connected tinnitus, but has remanded several other issues including service connection for various conditions. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain certain medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for depression and anxiety, coronary artery disease as secondary to service-connected acquired psychiatric condition, and a head injury due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder are denied. Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder and mood disorder related to PTSD. An increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted, effective from March 26, 2014. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for right shoulder and right knee disabilities. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic bronchitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's body rash, presumed due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam, is remanded for further examination and medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder, are being evaluated for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The Board denied an increased evaluation as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities resulting in loss of use of both lower extremities, which qualifies him for specially adapted housing.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The issues of service connection for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder with anxiety features and bilateral knee disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of her condition, and her TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its potential impact on her rating.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to evaluate the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and PTSD. The current evidence does not provide sufficient information for a determination on service connection.

The claim for direct service connection of a back disability is granted. Other claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disability, including PTSD.