Anxiety decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on pre-existence and aggravation of service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for anxiety disorder is denied, and the case is remanded to determine if an earlier effective date for TDIU should be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has rendered him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from September 9, 2016 to February 29, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically his PTSD and anxiety-related conditions. The examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteosarcoma, but has remanded several other claims due to lack of evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that his current diagnosis is related to an in-service incident where a tent collapsed on him while he was wearing MOPP gear. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.,The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable disability ratings for chondromalacia patella syndrome (right knee) and tendonitis (left shoulder), as well as an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraines, chronic sinusitis, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood have been remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's GAD and PTSD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board found that the level of impairment does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to inadequate VA opinions and factual inaccuracies in previous decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder is granted a 50 percent disability rating throughout the appeal period, effective April 14, 2015. The Veteran also receives an increased disability rating of 20 percent for her right ankle disability and entitlement to Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) effective April 14, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, are being evaluated again as they were broadened in Clemons v. Shinseki (2009). His back and knee disorders are also being examined.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for further examination to determine if his psychiatric disorder is caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's anxiety and depression. The examiner could not provide a nexus opinion without resorting to speculation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to new theories of service connection and additional medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a right arm disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.,VA will need to provide examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding the nature of the acquired psychiatric disability and the right arm disability, as well as review any outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to recognize J.T. as a helpless child, finding that he was permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,Service connection for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) are remanded due to inadequate examination findings and need further development.,The Veteran’s skin disabilities of the back and ears are remanded due to insufficient exposure basis documentation.,Service connection for a spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's chloracne and PTSD with alcohol dependence are granted as service connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorder, is denied. Service connection for a back disability and neck disability is remanded.