Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his sleep apnea and psychiatric conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantial gainful occupation since October 1, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have been rated from October 23, 2010 to January 2, 2013 at a 50 percent rating. From January 3, 2013 to February 19, 2019, the rating was increased to 70 percent. Since then, a higher rating in excess of 50 percent has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder has been granted a disability rating of 50 percent since the inception of the appeal, and 70 percent from December 1, 2016. The claim is based on new evidence that reopened his case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination. The issues include low back disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and TDIU due to issues with compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for syncope, increased disability evaluation for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and PTSD, and TDIU. The Veteran's medical records need to be updated, and additional opinions are requested regarding the nature and etiology of her syncope and the severity of her psychiatric condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran was entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance prior to his death. The examiner is requested to consider the specific impairing attributes associated with each of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability has rendered him unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records show multiple psychological complaints, but a definitive link between these conditions and his current diagnoses is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted. The Board finds that remand is necessary to address his claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nightmare disorder and anxiety disorder as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the evidence does not establish a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder, is now rated at 70% effective September 24, 2004. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective the same date.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, insomnia, and anxiety was rated at 50 percent prior to August 22, 2019. The claim for a higher rating is denied. A TDIU was granted from August 22, 2019 but the case is dismissed as moot due to his current schedular rating of 100 percent and other service-connected disabilities not meeting the required combined total rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to review newly submitted evidence, including a VA examination for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a rating in excess of 10 percent for his heart disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with the other issues.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development and to provide the Veteran with adequate VA medical opinions regarding his claimed psychiatric disorders and sexual dysfunction condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is granted as service-connected.,A 20 percent rating for left sciatic nerve is granted. The effective date of this grant is October 23, 2020.