Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder was granted with an effective date of October 16, 1972. This decision overturns a previous denial in November 1967.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bladder condition, depression and anxiety, and sprained right ankle are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The VA will readjudicate these claims with consideration of the new evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for PTSD. The appeals to reopen service connection for sinusitis with headaches, allergic rhinitis, and anemia were granted. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety).

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, bipolar II disorder, anxiety disorder, and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, based on the Veteran's reported military sexual trauma during her active service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 10% rating prior to November 28, 2018. A 30% rating was granted beginning from that date.,For the period before April 11, 2016, the Veteran's right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease resulted in occupational and social impairment warranting a 10% rating. For the period after April 11, 2016, his condition warranted a 20% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, verify the alleged stressor, and provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple scars of the left thigh/leg, knee, and left heel with keratosis are remanded due to insufficient examination findings.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of left femur fracture and right femur fracture require a new VA examination as per Sharp v. Shulkin.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD. The Veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD during the examination and the examiner did not apply the proper standard to determine if his stressor met criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 2, 2014. From April 2, 2014, the disability resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased evaluations assigned for anxiety disorder and thoracic spine disability, as these matters have not been addressed in a higher-level review decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right epididymal cyst, left knee disability, bilateral corneal degeneration, left elbow sprain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeals are dismissed as to these issues.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) explaining the rationale and calculation of attorney fees awarded in July 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and low back disability are found to be related to his military service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is not considered due to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left lower extremity neuropathy, and anxiety due to a lack of current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal before the Board could make a decision on any of the issues raised.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for further development, including obtaining treatment records from the DC Vet Center.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was granted. The issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) and entitlement to TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at a 70 percent since January 5, 2009.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, finding that there was no clear evidence of a preexisting condition and concluding that any current psychiatric disabilities are not related to military service.