Anxiety decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and evaluation due to new evidence indicating a possible change in the severity of the Veteran's anxiety disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is related to the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and anxiety have been reopened. The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for somatoform pain disorder due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no service connection was granted or denied.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder with depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling, and his other service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable. Therefore, the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted and rendered moot due to the grant of service connection for right ankle disorder in April 2020. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder with subthreshold PTSD symptoms, finding that his current condition is at least as likely as not related to his service in Vietnam. The decision was based on a positive nexus opinion provided by the Veteran's treating VA psychologist and supported by consistent statements of the Veteran regarding his experiences in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability. However, service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired mental disorder and memory problems due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for anxiety and PTSD was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include a generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to her in-service experiences.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression, anxiety, and PTSD, finding that his current symptoms were not related to his military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with insomnia symptoms has rendered him unemployable, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no effective dates are granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and because of his heightened risk of illness and severe hearing loss during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The case will be returned for another medical opinion on the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is rated at 70 percent prior to March 10, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and the presence of outstanding records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for anxiety with depressive disorder has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher disability rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left-hand disability, an acquired psychiatric condition (including anxiety and depression), and a right hand disability due to lack of evidence showing a current diagnosis or relationship to service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, panic, and adjustment disorder. The issue of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) secondary to sleep apnea/respiratory condition is remanded, as is the TDIU claim.