Anxiety decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia disorder is granted. The Board finds that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues, including a VA examination and review of relevant treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, an eye disability (including cataracts), diabetes mellitus, and anxiety disorder. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for rosacea claimed as facial rash and denied service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as an acquired psychiatric condition). The cervical spine claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent disabling for PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares is dismissed without prejudice as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed stressor and inadequate examination, requiring further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance/housebound status, finding that his service-connected disabilities alone do not render him bedridden or in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TBI with headaches should be remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent disabling effective March 1, 2016 for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and alcohol induced depressive and anxiety disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's anxiety. The matter is being sent back for a new examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, cervical spine disorders, lumbar spine disorders, and peripheral neuropathy do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being reviewed again for increased ratings and a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and adjustment disorder with secondary depressive disorder, claimed as major depression, anxiety disorder, and mood swings render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 5, 2018.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, diagnosed as social anxiety disorder, is granted service connection. The left hip condition remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination regarding his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. However, the claims are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including a VA addendum opinion to determine whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder disability was caused or aggravated by a service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, since February 6, 2017, has been rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to improvements in his occupational and social functioning.