Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorders have resulted in a 70% disability rating since October 12, 2018. The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) has been granted a TDIU from April 28, 2009 to May 26, 2015. The initial rating of 70 percent for the acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) is granted prior to June 4, 2017 and thereafter. However, the issue of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent remains pending.

Your service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, depression, and anxiety, has already been granted. The rating assigned is 30 percent and effective from January 17, 2012.

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension, left hip limitation of extension, anxiety disorder, and PTSD were dismissed. The rating for PTSD was restored to 70 percent effective January 9, 2018.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The initial compensable rating for lumbar spine DJD prior to June 26, 2019 is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the lumbar spine DJD from June 26, 2019 onwards and for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination in March 2022. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to clarify her acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, MDD, and GAD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the validity of his claimed stressors. The case will need further development to verify or corroborate the reported incidents.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder, has been rated at 70 percent from September 24, 2008, to July 13, 2011. The rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder with anxiety, are related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has found that the remand directives have not been substantially complied with and thus an additional remand is warranted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including antisocial personality disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's GAD and PDWOA have been rated at a 30% since September 20, 2012. The VA has now granted a 70% rating effective January 10, 2014, for the symptoms of his service-connected GAD and PDWOA that more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported onset of her psychiatric disability and the need for a new examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and situational phobia are related to service, including his in-service vehicle accidents. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for a psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss, due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 29, 2009 for the 50% rating for service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's rationale and the need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder. The claims for lumbar spine disability, hypertension, left knee disability, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development.