Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is granted. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric condition had its onset during his military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric residuals of a traumatic brain injury, characterized as depressive disorder with anxiety, are granted at a 70% disability rating effective March 29, 2013. Other TBI residuals remain rated at 10%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his psychiatric conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for psychosis or mental illness and TDIU, as they are moot due to the grant of PTSD. The claims for alcohol abuse disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD remain pending and need further development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and an unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD due to MST) and denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is related to in-service sexual assault, while her obstructive sleep apnea does not have a link to service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and a pre-decisional due process error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychotic features, and substance dependence in remission.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a stressor and for an addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with depression has been granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective May 3, 2019. The condition is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction due to potential issues with the examination provided. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to military service or if they are caused by medications taken for a psychiatric condition.

The Board dismissed all appeals seeking service connection for various conditions, including heart disorder, liver disorder, and psychiatric disorders. The appeals were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left ankle disability, and low back disabilities are all granted. However, the Veteran's secondary service connection claims for knee disabilities remain pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning and lack of proper consideration of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly her borderline personality disorder (BPD). The Court found that the Board did not adequately address whether BPD represents a progression or development of prior diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of medical opinions.,Specifically, the Board is directed to obtain a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s claimed gynecological disorders.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depressive disorder with anxiety to include bipolar disorder. The claims for reopening of service connection for congestive heart failure and kidney failure have been granted due to new evidence submitted after the March 2015 denial. However, the Board has denied the secondary service connection claims as there is no established in-service event or injury for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are not related to military service or noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for recognition of J.H. III as the helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age 18 is being remanded because further development, including a VA medical opinion, is needed.