Anxiety decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities have been denied. Her lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for left hand CMC joint arthritis, back disorder, skin disorder (psoriasis), anxiety disorder, right ankle disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and seizure disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Further examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran’s current diagnoses.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his active duty service. The decision is based on evidence of a verified in-service stressor event.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is manifested by occupational and social impairment in most areas, resulting in an initial rating of 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder and an increased rating for insomnia with restless leg syndrome. The Veteran was also unable to establish a new effective date for his service-connected insomnia.,The Veteran’s anxiety symptoms are attributed to his service-connected insomnia, which is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for elevated cholesterol. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, and headaches have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hemorrhoids, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate previous VA examinations and inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability prior to November 24, 2009 was denied. The Board found that the symptoms associated with the Veteran’s service-connected psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 50 percent or higher during this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not currently have a disability. The claim for tinnitus is granted based on credible evidence of in-service exposure to loud noises.,Service connection for the deviated septum, right hand pain, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and sleep disorder are all remanded due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder and remanded his claims for service connection for Barrett’s esophagus and for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depressive Disorder was denied. The appeal period is from September 30, 2013 to June [REDACTED], 2016.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent since November 23, 2007.,Beginning June 1, 2008, the Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's ADHD, adjustment disorder, and anxiety are rated at 50 percent effective October 3, 2016. The right fifth finger disability is not compensable. Bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disability and an acne disability, but granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder.,Service connection was not established for the right elbow disability due to lack of in-service injury or diagnosis. The acne disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of pre-existing condition prior to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective January 23, 2019. The other claims have been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, and will consider whether new evidence was submitted to reopen a claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 16, 2006 for the grant of a 100 percent disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder is dismissed as there was no valid assertion of clear and unmistakable error in the December 2008 rating decision.