Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of a claimed in-service stressor and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder and PTSD. The VA examiner did not adequately address relevant treatment records and failed to provide a clear opinion on whether the weight gain was caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a substance-induced mood disorder, depression, and anxiety as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's TBI causing major neurocognitive disorder, behavioral disturbances including obsessive compulsive disorder with depressive and anxiety features and ventricular to parietal shunt is rated at 70 percent. The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected condition. The claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disorder. The Board finds the previous VA opinions inadequate and requires an updated opinion that considers the Veteran's lay statements about his in-service activities.

The Veteran's cerebral subdural hematoma with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is rated at a 70 percent rating since December 1, 2018. The issue of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance remains remanded.

The Veteran's ratings for migraines, left knee instability, right knee instability, limitation of left knee extension, and limitation of right knee extension are being remanded due to the need for new examinations. The rating for anxiety disorder is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for right foot hallux valgus and psychiatric disability due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The VA needs to schedule a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any such disorders present during the current appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to his service-connected disabilities. A new VA medical opinion is needed to address these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified depressive and generalized anxiety disorder, finding it is proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service-connected mixed type headache disability.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. Service connection for rhinitis and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and anxiety disorder) are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, and depression NOS, is being remanded for further evaluation as it may be related to his service-connected lichen planus. The Board also finds that the Veteran's hypertension should be evaluated in relation to his service-connected lichen planus.

The Board has remanded the claims for a psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as service connection is not established.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete service personnel records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to errors in weighing medical opinions and addressing the Veteran's contentions.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and her claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric conditions pre-existed her military service and if they are related to her active duty.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder prior to April 9, 2013 have been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is already established, and the current psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression) are considered part of his existing disability rating.