Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating and earlier effective date for service connection of Generalized Anxiety Disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date than May 9, 2011, when the Veteran filed his request to reopen his previously denied claims. The current 70 percent disability rating is upheld.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as the condition is subsumed in the 100 percent schedular rating for Meniere’s Disease.,For the period prior to June 17, 2019, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. However, these symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for skin disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and anxiety) is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of prostate cancer is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of facial and posterior scalp scars, painful scars on the posterior scalp, and PTSD with depression and anxiety have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities because additional development is needed. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, but his TDIU application remains pending as he did not submit the required VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety and depression due to a lack of SPRs and inadequate VA medical opinions. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety and depression. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired mental disorder and for an increased rating for epididymitis, left testicle. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions had onset during active service or were otherwise causally connected to active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 70 percent, but the symptoms do not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an additional acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of such a condition and concluding that any symptoms are related to his already service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder (OTSD), recurrent major depressive disorder with anxious distress (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military stress in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of proper notification and scheduling of VA examinations. The Veteran is required to report for scheduled examinations or face potential denial of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was granted, but only up to a 50% disability rating. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is no longer in appeal as it has been resolved.

The Veteran's anxiety and insomnia were granted service connection, with a 10% rating effective October 7, 2014. Service connection for metatarsalgia and bilateral pes planus remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, including a vocational rehabilitation evaluation that assesses the Veteran's current limitations and their effect on his ability to perform in his occupational field. The issue of entitlement to VR&E benefits is still pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations or evidence.,Specifically, the Veteran needs VA examinations for sinus issues, prostate issues, sleep apnea, acid reflux condition, acquired psychiatric disability (depression and/or anxiety), and gout.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically his psychiatric condition. The appellant contends that the Veteran suffered from major depression, anxiety, and PTSD during service which contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for TBI and headaches due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided that the effective dates for service connection of tinnitus and right ear hearing loss should be earlier than January 16, 2014. The Veteran's other claims are being remanded due to new evidence.