Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a mental health condition, including depression and anxiety with substance abuse, is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a low back condition, respiratory conditions (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, migraines, left knee condition, right shoulder bursitis, and memory loss. The claims are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes and diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been dismissed.,New evidence has reopened the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder, which is now remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and anxiety due to pending development of the claims.

The Veteran's initial rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and chronic depressed mood is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in its January 2019 decision and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU prior to May 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders related to a conceded stressor.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's breast cancer, breast scar, hip scar, and anxiety disorder, all of which are related to her exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not arise from his military service and were more likely related to employment issues after discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and anxiety disorder, are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not show a link between any current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, along with varicose veins on both legs, did not render him unemployable. The Board found that his disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board also granted the reopening of his previously denied claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety, PTSD and MDD), bilateral frostbite residuals, and sleep apnea secondary to a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his anxiety disorder is remanded due to the failure to provide notice of the missed VA examination and lack of evidence regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. The Veteran will be rescheduled for another VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder renders him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for Special Monthly Compensation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for nerve damage is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current nerve condition is related to active duty service.,Service connection for anxiety and panic attacks is granted as they are found to be symptoms of service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD, including unspecified anxiety disorder and depression, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has ordered additional development to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for schizoid personality disorder, major depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder due to incomplete examination reports and need for further development.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has worsened, and he is unable to keep a job due to his symptoms. The Board finds remand necessary for the Veteran to be examined to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current anxiety disorder separate and distinct from her service-connected PTSD, thus denying her claim for service connection.