Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with depression and sleep condition associated with bladder cancer was rated as 50 percent disabling. The appeal was denied.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction associated with bladder cancer was not granted a compensable rating. The appeal was denied.,The Veteran's bladder cancer, status post radical cystoprostatectomy from April 1, 2015 to include restoration of a 100 percent disability rating was not granted. The appeal was denied.,Service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with depression and sleep condition associated with bladder cancer was granted prior to September 2, 2014. The effective date was denied.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction associated with bladder cancer was granted prior to November 21, 2011. The effective date was denied.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Anxiety, and unspecified depressive disorder. The previous opinions were inadequate as they did not consider prior diagnoses or evidence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.

A rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spondylosis is denied.,The application to reopen the claim of service connection for prostate cancer is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and LLE and RLE radiculopathy are not granted due to lack of evidence or insufficient evidence.,Entitlement to TDIU is inextricably intertwined with other claims and cannot be decided at this time.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing the presence of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes. The Veteran's claims for right hip disability, right ankle condition, bronchitis, skin disfigurement due to surgical scars, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including affective disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder) are remanded as there is insufficient evidence on file.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (excluding PTSD) is granted, as are his claims for headaches and a small finger disability of the right hand. The claim for a thoracolumbar spine disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, specifically her claims of military sexual trauma (MST). The case is being returned for further development and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of his depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms, earlier effective date for increase of his depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms, and service connection for hypertension due to secondary service-connected conditions. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, cervical spine condition, thoracolumbar spine condition, digestive system condition, bilateral foot condition, right shoulder condition, and right knee condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are not related to service. The claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a nexus between any in-service stressors and his current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service, particularly her in-service sexual trauma.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder during the appeal period, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, multiple orthopedic conditions, glaucoma, tinnitus, and anxiety with insomnia, have not rendered her unemployable since she retired from the Army in April 2013.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depressive disorders) has been reduced from 70% to 50%. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and missing information. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Insomnia Disorder, are being reviewed for a determination of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board has also remanded the cases of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and her residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe rating is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 28, 2015 and an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent from January 28, 2015 for anxiety disorder. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (unspecified anxiety disorder) is granted.