Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Board has restored the Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition at the time of the reduction.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for an unspecified anxiety disorder, service connection for tinnitus, and service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9413 or any other code. Service connection for tinnitus was also denied due to lack of current evidence of tinnitus. Service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied as there is no competent evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder with an effective date of February 28, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the diagnoses and resulting impairment of PTSD, as well as a lack of clarity regarding the impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board granted his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including panic disorder with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal. A TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an adjustment reaction with mixed anxiety and depression, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from July 25, 2005 through December 30, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claims for right knee condition, left foot disorder, left knee disorder, and right foot disorder are remanded due to duty to assist errors prior to the February 2020 rating decision. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right inguinal hernia and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide a VA examination for N.C. regarding her permanent incapacity for self-support before and after reaching the age of 18.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination findings and a need for further clarification of diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and depression do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nerve pain and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no causal relationship between these conditions and his service or service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions regarding service connection for various conditions, particularly hearing loss and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain VA treatment records and an adequate examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, hypertension, left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and SMC claims are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected psychiatric condition is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the November 2015 statement of the case.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to April 20, 2009.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and inadequate personality. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include bipolar disorder and anxiety due to inadequate medical opinions addressing secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. The VA must obtain a new opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to an in-service stressor, including a personal assault.