Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for cervical dysplasia was denied as there is no current disability within the appellate period.,An initial compensable disability rating for service-connected pityriasis versicolor and an updated VA examination are required to determine the severity of this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of Generalized Anxiety Disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a separate diagnosis and therefore, service connection cannot be established.,For his PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, the Veteran received an increased rating to 70 percent effective January 31, 2014. He also received entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with osteoarthritis, lumbosacral strain, and scoliosis are granted service connection. The respiratory disorder (asthma) and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety) claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, and additional evidence is needed.

The Veteran's death was caused by liver cirrhosis, which the Board finds may be related to his alcohol abuse disorder. The cause of death claim is REMANDED for a new VA opinion on whether PTSD with anxiety led to or aggravated the alcohol abuse disorder and thus contributed to the Veteran’s death. For the lower and upper extremities conditions, the claims are also REMANDED as they are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of death claim.

The Board dismissed the appeals for all listed conditions as the Veteran withdrew her appeal through her attorney prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings was granted, with a rating of 20 percent. Attorney fees are not awarded as the claim is not about service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for gastrointestinal disability and acquired psychiatric disability due to conflicting opinions in the medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee conditions, as well as a psychiatric disorder including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety, are being REMANDED due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Prostatitis, and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder. The claim for increased rating of Heart Disability is remanded. Further development is needed to determine the etiology of Pancreatitis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, low back condition, cervical spine condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorder), and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also being remanded as it may be secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent effective January 1, 2018. This rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of being struck by lightning other than PVD, CVA, hypertension, constipation, and headaches, to include poor circulation in the arms and/or damage to most internal organs.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected dysthymic disorder with anxiety was denied because she failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety disorder, right shin splints, and left shin splints have been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as he continued to work full-time or receive leave benefits.

The Board dismissed the issue of service connection for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy due to a full grant of benefits. The increased rating claims were denied, and the reduction of disability rating from August 3, 2017 to June 5, 2019 was found to be void ab initio.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of current bilateral hearing loss disability.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected sinusitis with headaches is granted. The Board resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The appeal to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a mental condition is reopened.