Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and Chapter 35 (DEA) benefits, finding that service connection was not in effect prior to January 10, 2013 for her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as it was not factually ascertainable that her service-connected disability rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation within one year prior to December 21, 2018.

The Board has determined that VA examinations are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his claimed conditions, which include gastrointestinal issues and varicose veins. The examinations will also assess whether any of these conditions are related to herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression and PTSD is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for memory loss is denied because it is a manifestation of his service-connected PTSD with minor neurocognitive disorder and mild memory loss.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including the completion of a VA Form 21-8940 to assess her employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the spine and remanded his claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, a left arm disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD, anxiety and depression).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are found to be related to his service due to personal assaults during active duty. The claim is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, right upper extremity neuropathy, and anxiety as there is no current disability in any of these conditions that meets VA criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tear and acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and insomnia. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is found to have begun during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal must be remanded due to incomplete development and verification of his National Guard service periods.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete records and a need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder, as the evidence did not show it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential missing service treatment records and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD or any other diagnosed acquired psychiatric diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various foot, ankle, knee, shoulder, and anxiety conditions due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The issues have been reopened.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are each granted a 10 percent rating, and her right shoulder sprain is granted a 40 percent rating. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart condition, hypertension, right arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), left arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), dizziness, pain/tenderness on jaw, cheek bones and forehead (myalgia), headaches, sinusitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip, trochanteric pain syndrome of the left hip, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle with ankle strain and calcaneal spur, left ankle strain, cervical spondylosis, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction (Gulf War Syndrome), and tonsillitis have all been denied.,The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart condition, hypertension, right arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), left arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), dizziness, pain/tenderness on jaw, cheek bones and forehead (myalgia), headaches, sinusitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip, trochanteric pain syndrome of the left hip, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle with ankle strain and calcaneal spur, left ankle strain, cervical spondylosis, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction (Gulf War Syndrome), and tonsillitis have all been denied.