Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal regarding the timeliness of his substantive appeal is granted, and the underlying claim for service connection is reinstated.

The Board dismissed the appeal because it is not a case or controversy within the AMA appeal system and there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Veteran's hypertension and unspecified anxiety disorder have been granted with a rating of 10%, but his lumbar spine disability and deviated nasal septum remain denied.

The Board previously denied a TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety, depressed mood and bruxism. The Court has now remanded the case for further development considering new evidence that suggests the Veteran is unable to maintain employment.

The Veteran's heart disease with heart attack and anxiety and depressive disorder were denied. The claim for an increased rating for the service-connected anxiety and depressive disorder was granted, but only effective from May 18, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to further development being required, including obtaining comprehensive medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically unspecified anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his military service and granted for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The cases for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination. The issues include right hip disability, related knee and ankle conditions, depression and anxiety secondary to the hip condition, and IBS secondary to the hip condition.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, and his service-connected neurogenic bladder disability, GERD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for spondylolysis, claimed as a low back condition is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder with anxiety is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to deficiencies in the VA's duty to assist, particularly regarding the PTSD portion of the claim. The Veteran needs to identify specific stressor events and undergo a psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's anxiety and service. The matter is sent back for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that there is no evidence linking the current diagnosis to active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied because the evidence does not show that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected mental disorders.

The Veteran's GERD and acquired psychiatric disorder, including anger management issues with anxiety, are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability level, effective March 31, 2014. The VA determined that the symptoms of PTSD warrant this rating based on severe symptomatology resulting in occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as his mental health conditions were not proximately caused or aggravated by VA care, and the evidence did not show any fault on VA’s part.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent prior to March 8, 2018. From March 8, 2018, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.