Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders will be evaluated again by a medical professional.

The Veteran is granted a higher 70 percent rating for PTSD and associated disorders, effective from November 28, 2015. A higher 60 percent rating is also granted for IBS and GERD. The case of service connection for OSA and the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for asthma are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for left inguinal herniorrhaphy with mesh was denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for left inguinal herniorrhaphy scar secondary to service-connected left inguinal herniorrhaphy with mesh and acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) were granted.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of left ankle injury, left heel spur as secondary to the service-connected disability of residuals of left ankle injury or GERD, and psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder) have been granted.,Service connection has also been granted for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD is granted. The case is remanded as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a direct service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his generalized anxiety disorder, right ankle fracture, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran will be provided with a VA Form 21-8940 for completion regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development of issues including service connection for right leg/ankle, right knee, and left leg/ankle disabilities; increased rating for facial scars; and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety) and hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pain. Service connection for a right foot disability is also REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, has been granted. The claims for cancer of the right breast, intermittent right arm paresthesias, right shoulder disability, and right breast scar have been remanded due to need for further development.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is attributable to active service and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral foot osteoarthritis is attributable to service and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran does not have hemorrhoids that are attributable to service, resulting in denial of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension, PTSD (claimed as anxiety, depressed mood, and sleep disturbances), and bilateral cataracts has been remanded due to the need for further development.,No effective date is assigned as the claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's service-connected neck disability is found to be the proximate cause of his peripheral neurological disorders affecting both upper extremities, and sleep apnea. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diagnosed as depression and anxiety with chemical dependency are granted. The remaining issues of service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraines, a neck disorder, a back disorder, chronic pain syndrome, and right knee scar are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to an in-service assault.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric conditions. The VA must obtain updated treatment records, attempt to locate missing personnel records, and provide the Veteran with an examination to determine the nature and etiology of her psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left elbow disability, right wrist disability, and psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) due to new evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of his death.,Service connection for an anxiety disorder was denied as there was no separate diagnosis. The Board found that any anxiety symptoms were part of the service-connected major depressive disorder.,A sleep disorder claim is remanded due to lack of medical records and a need for a VA opinion.

The Board has found the VA examination inadequate and requires a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The RO must also verify the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.