Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is rated at a 30 percent rating, effective from July 17, 2017.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective June 27, 2014. The case is remanded for further action regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's GAD is granted a 70 percent rating, but no greater. The left foot arthritis at talofibular joint, hallux valgus, and flat foot issue has been remanded for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the diagnosis of PTSD and the need to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to July 20, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his anxiety disorder with PTSD and depression due to concerns about the adequacy of the most recent VA examination, which was conducted too long ago. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor and for a new VA examination. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no competent medical evidence to show these conditions are related to any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his time on active service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection as they were submitted on an incorrect form and do not meet the requirements to be reviewed by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD with anxiety due to military sexual trauma, depression, and insomnia) require additional development. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection issues.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. Service connection was denied for the remaining conditions: left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, generalized anxiety disorder, migraine headaches, and sinusitis.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available. The Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating as he does not have total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied. The effective date will be fixed in accordance with the facts and shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the intent to file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a VA examination and issues related to his address of record. The claim will be reconsidered after scheduling an appropriate examination.

The Board has determined that there was no substantial compliance with the April 2019 Board remand directives and has therefore ordered further development to be conducted.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, mood disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and situational phobia, are under review.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, is rated at a 70 percent disability rating since October 29, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder is denied. The claims of service connection for prostatitis, diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy are remanded.