Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and private treatment records from Rothman Orthopedics, Jefferson Hospital, and Bryn Mawr Orthopedic Clinic.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent prior to January 3, 2017.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS, alcohol dependence, traumatic brain injury, is rated at 10 percent prior to April 15, 2013.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent tinnitus and has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lordosis, a psychiatric disability other than generalized anxiety disorder (including PTSD and bipolar disorder), and an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to assess his current level of severity for these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected anxiety and depressive disorder.,The Veteran's appeal is also remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right ankle sprain.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service stressors and his current symptoms related to rhabdomyolysis and shoulder impingement.

The Board has remanded the claims of asthma, cholangiocarcinoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, anxiety disorder, and TMJ for further development. The cause of death claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. Her hypothyroidism is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to report for a VA examination and incomplete stressor verification. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is now pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ADD, PTSD, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, primary insomnia, left knee strain, left shin splint, right knee strain, and right shin splint are all denied. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service experiences during combat duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression (claimed as adjustment disorder), insomnia, and sleep disorder is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as a result of exposure to noise during service. The rating for hemorrhoids is increased to 10 percent, effective from February 18, 2019. The acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety) is rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran contends that his current psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to service. The Board finds evidence has been submitted which supports that the Veteran’s sleep apnea may have had its onset during service.,The Veteran also contends that he has insomnia, a back disorder, sciatic nerve pain, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder all related to service. He was exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there was no confirmed stressor event in service and the onset of his anxiety disorder occurred many years after service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, reopening of diabetes mellitus type II claim, and bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence regarding his claimed exposures and need for further verification. The claims are also inextricably intertwined as a secondary claim for mental disorder is dependent on the outcome of the primary claim.

The Veteran's sinusitis and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and migraines, respectively. He is also granted a 10% disability rating for his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.