Anxiety decisions — 2020

The appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's request. The remaining issues of increased ratings for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right ankle disabilities; service connection for lower extremity pain and numbness, left ankle disorder, headaches, sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, and fibromyalgia are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (PTSD), alcohol abuse, drug abuse, cannabis dependency, and bipolar disorder is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his bad conduct discharge, thus removing any statutory or regulatory bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD service connection, an increased rating for anxiety disorder NOS, and a TBI were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for anxiety disorder NOS or service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.,Service connection for GERD and Hiatal Hernia is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from September 2014 to January 2016 is granted. The right shoulder disability and anxiety disorder are remanded for further examination and rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether his current acquired psychiatric disorder and cervical spine disability are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record and a need for further review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and headaches/dizziness due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's attorney provided additional information about his alleged stressors during service aboard USS Jesse L. Brown, which will be used by VA to corroborate these allegations.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other trauma- and stressor-related disorder. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was denied a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia and unspecified anxiety disorder prior to April 21, 2017 are granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD or lumbar spine disorder) and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all of his pending claims, including those related to plantar fasciitis, radiculopathy, headaches, and anxiety disorder. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The Veteran's claim of entitlement to SSA disability benefits is based on his service-connected conditions, and these records are necessary to properly evaluate his claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective February 23, 2011. The Board has granted a higher rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The scar of the left femur was not found to meet criteria for a compensable rating, and his depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder prior to September 25, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter after that date were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and personality disorder, are being evaluated in light of his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with Generalized Anxiety Disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective May 13, 2010. Effective the same date, his individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the onset of these conditions occurred during his military service.