Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Board has restored the 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder and granted restoration of the 30 percent rating for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The ratings were reduced in March 2015, but the Board found that there was not sustained improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted secondary service connection for migraine headaches. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and memory loss, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome/insomnia disorder, were both remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder prior to July 2012 was granted, with the current rating of 50% being maintained.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and a skin disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for insomnia with generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for a scheduled VA examination. The RO must schedule another examination and notify the Veteran of the consequences of not reporting.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for an anxiety disorder was granted. His claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction (reopened) is remanded.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted as service connected. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder is denied, but he is granted a 30 percent rating for other specified anxiety disorder and trauma-and stressor-related disorder. The right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, and left knee condition are remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for neurobehavioral effects, including depression and anxiety, is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The case requires a new VA examination to determine if the conditions are related to Camp Lejeune water exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and a reported incident during service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety was granted. Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and anxiety. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and a stroke are remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee condition is granted. The Veteran is awarded an increased rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for his service-connected GAD and a TDIU due to GAD effective November 1, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotions (depression/anxiety), finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an inversion injury to the left ankle, anxiety disorder, hypertension secondary to anxiety disorder, and a kidney condition due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The appeals are pending until further action is taken.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is now rated at 70% effective from August 16, 2012. The previous rating of 50% remains in effect.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher evaluation have been withdrawn by his representative. The Board has dismissed these issues as the appeal was withdrawn before any decision could be made.

The Board has remanded the cases of PTSD, glaucoma, and hypertensive retinopathy due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities are currently diagnosed as major neurocognitive disorder, chronic PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 30 percent, but no higher, for anxiety disorder and PTSD is granted. The Board also finds that the VA examination regarding hepatitis C did not adequately address the specific remand questions and requires additional development.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with persistent depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to May 23, 2017 and denied for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral foot condition and an acquired psychiatric condition due to insufficient evidence on whether these conditions are related to service.