Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, with the former being granted. The claim for sleep apnea remains closed as no new and material evidence has been received.,Service connection is denied for a bilateral foot condition (heel spurs and plantar fasciitis), as there is insufficient evidence to establish that the condition had its onset in service or is causally related to any incident of service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation and TDIU due to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with history of panic disorder is remanded as the current severity of his disability needs to be assessed, and a determination on whether he is unemployable due to this condition must also be made.

The petition to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions has been granted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for anemia, a heart disability (claimed as angina), and dry eye disability are remanded.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is granted service connection due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. Service connection for a dental disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) as secondary to service-connected disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, a new VA examination, and consideration of the inextricably intertwined issue of TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and psychiatric conditions. The issues include seeking higher ratings for these conditions and determining if the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include eye disability, acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety), back disability, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar disability and psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 28, 2018 was denied as he was not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches and acquired psychiatric disability other than bipolar disorder due to insufficient examination reports, lack of consideration of lay statements, and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are granted a rating of 70 percent, effective March 29, 2013. He is also awarded TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety and personality disorder with alcohol abuse, as well as PTSD and alcohol use disorder, has been reopened. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD on a direct basis and for alcohol use disorder secondary to the now service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder in early remission, is rated at a 70 percent disability level beginning January 22, 2016. The claim for TDIU has been withdrawn.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in previous decisions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The matter is now being reviewed on a direct basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. The VA is instructed to obtain National Guard medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records and personnel records, as well as his VA treatment records from Las Vegas. The claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, pain disorder, and alcohol dependence in remission, are service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee, lumbar spine, and radiculopathy disabilities. Service connection for PTSD is denied.