Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's symptoms prior to November 14, 2018 did not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating for her adjustment disorder with anxiety. The appeal is now remanded for further development and re-adjudication.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal as to all issues except for the acquired psychiatric disorder, which was remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of hypertension, stroke, loss of use of both upper extremities and weakness of both upper limbs, loss of use of lower extremities (also claimed as weakness of both feet), automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood due to the need for further development and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, type 2 diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea), acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder), right knee degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, right hip degenerative joint disease, left hip degenerative joint disease, right foot degenerative joint disease, and hypertension.,The Board found no evidence of in-service noise exposure for hearing loss or Agent Orange exposure for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's service records did not document Vietnam service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's OSA was not incurred during service, and his lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent disabling. The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for LLE radiculopathy from May 31, 2018 onwards and denied ratings in excess of 40 percent. For RLE radiculopathy, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating prior to December 18, 2012, and a 20 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with prior remand directives and the Veteran's inability to receive a VA examination. The examiner is requested to determine if any of the claimed psychiatric disorders are related to military service.

The Veteran's anxiety reaction is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board denied an increased rating greater than 70 percent. The TDIU claim was granted effective from July 26, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, skin disorder, and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran's current skin disorders are being evaluated again without a discussion of his in-service diagnoses or his lay contentions about rashes during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, was reopened. The Board found that the evidence is at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection for bilateral bicep condition to include tendonitis and bilateral foot disorder including plantar fasciitis are remanded due to lack of a VA opinion. Service connection for anemia and hypertension are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for further medical examination. The appellant's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be scheduled for a VA examination in relation to his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The examination should consider all relevant medical evidence and determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, headaches, basal cell carcinoma of the right eyelid, and Asperger’s syndrome with anxiety and depression. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to insufficient evidence regarding whether his psychiatric disability and bilateral hearing loss are related to VA treatment, specifically ECT and transtympanic gentamicin injections.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea and psychiatric disability to include PTSD has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disability including glaucoma and a right eye injury, a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, anemia, bilateral foot disabilities, and insomnia. The Veteran's hearing loss disability remains at Level I in each ear.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders. The issues are service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential new evidence and further development is needed.,The claim for increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine remains pending. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of the condition.,The claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to potential new evidence from the Veteran's hearing and need further development.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The examiner must also attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s reported stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and ADHD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 21, 2015. From August 21, 2015 through February 22, 2017, the rating was denied for a higher disability rating. Beginning February 23, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, and ADHD is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in a previous VA examination report and the need for further clarification of the Veteran's service connection claim.