Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal of the claim for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. The Board also remanded several other claims, including those for an acquired psychiatric disorder and various musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an unspecified depressive and anxiety disorders with an alcohol use disorder, is rated at 50 percent since October 19, 2017. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to insufficient occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's initial rating for left shoulder disability with degenerative arthritis is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for MDD with generalized anxiety disorder is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and anxiety. The Veteran was diagnosed with bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, which were already service-connected. The VA is required to obtain an examination for an expert opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to July 27, 2017 for service connection of PTSD and TDIU. The claims are being remanded due to procedural errors in notifying the Veteran's representative and incomplete medical records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for hearing loss, back pain, loss of sight, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and nervousness as the Veteran (or his authorized representative) requested withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is found to be related to service, and service connection for this condition is granted.,His left shoulder arthritis is determined to be due to overuse from his work as a warehouse clerk during service, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his psychiatric, right hip, right toe, neck, and headaches disabilities. The VA will provide these examinations and opinions to determine if there is a nexus between each disability and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, are related to his service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary to ensure compliance with prior instructions and obtain a thorough examination to address the Veteran's psychiatric claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, secondary alcohol and substance use disorders, and associated depression and anxiety. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are related to events during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to service. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors or other events.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder with insomnia and alcohol abuse is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in considering evidence of military sexual trauma and a need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a skin condition, and a back condition due to various procedural errors and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's hypertension and generalized anxiety disorder are granted service connection based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange. His right hip joint replacement is granted a rating of 70 percent, which is the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all appeals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder with depressive features and low back disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Unspecified Depressive Disorder are part of his service-connected PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder. Therefore, he is not entitled to separate ratings for these conditions.