Anxiety decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The rating for lumbar strain with spondylolisthesis and right knee strain is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for PTSD, MDD, and GAD was denied as there is no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to the January 18, 2016 effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for a psychiatric disorder due to insufficient reasons and basis provided by the Board, as well as the need for further development including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to his acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and anxiety. The remand requires a new examination to address the etiology of these conditions and their relationship to his service-connected knee or back disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, while the hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a stroke due to VA's failure to assist in obtaining necessary medical examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of schizoaffective disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis as they were improperly filed in the legacy appeal system.

The Board has granted readjudication for the claims related to residuals of pneumonia, scars on the legs, tinnitus, and anxiety and depression based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran. Service connection is now established for these conditions.

The Veteran's chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is restored to a 50 percent rating, effective June 16, 2020. The claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is requested to provide additional records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible corroborating evidence of a verified stressor and concluding that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, and the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding his income, expenses, and net worth. The Board requires additional forms from the Veteran to ensure proper evaluation of his eligibility.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional opinions regarding his claimed conditions, specifically headaches, vertigo/dizziness, and an acquired psychiatric condition. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been withdrawn.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety and depression) is granted.

The Board has granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate since September 30, 2015 due to service-connected anxiety disorder with depressive symptoms. The Veteran's other service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for separate ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a compression fracture of the thoracic spine with IVDS and arthritis was denied. Service connection was granted for an adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, but denied for other conditions including left hip, ankle, foot, and dermatitis disorders.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with panic disorder is related to service and has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and incomplete treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Personality Disorder, need further examination to determine their etiology and whether they are related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety disorder, and a left knee disability due to new and material evidence. The claims are now pending before the Board.