Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no current evidence of a disability and noting that his symptoms are more likely related to his alcohol use disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new credible testimony regarding military sexual trauma during service, which was not considered in the May 2015 VA examination. The claims of service connection for PTSD and chronic anxiety are reopened.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records from Dr. M-Q and Dr. G.S., which are necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's myxoid liposarcoma and its relationship to her secondary conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding records that need to be obtained and reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and needs to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 100 percent effective November 25, 2019. The Board has determined that the effective date should be set at November 25, 2018.,Effective November 25, 2018, the Veteran is eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of anxiety disorder is dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death and that the cause of death was not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression and anxiety may be related to his military service, but a VA examination is needed to confirm this.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (claimed as PTSD) is granted with an effective date of February 29, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a separate disability rating for insomnia disorder is denied because the symptoms of his insomnia disorder are already encompassed in his existing service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for eligibility for a special home adaptation grant. The Board also granted eligibility for specially adapted housing due to her service-connected multiple sclerosis and related lower extremity weakness.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine disability and his TDIU claim have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to functional loss, and the Veteran was deemed capable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service experiences.

The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a psychiatric disorder have been reopened, but the merits of these claims are still pending. The Board has ordered new VA examinations to address the Veteran's assertions regarding in-service noise exposure and effectiveness of available hearing protection.

The appeal to establish service connection for anemia is dismissed. The petition to reopen the claim of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, PTSD, and unspecified anxiety disorder are granted. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and unspecified anxiety disorder are granted; however, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his generalized anxiety disorder and recurrent major depression from October 1, 2012 was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating. The Veteran also had an existing TDIU rating granted effective October 1, 2012.

The Board denied service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service. The claim for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depressive disorder, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.