Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is not sufficient to reflect his disability level. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating and an earlier effective date for service connection were withdrawn by the Veteran.,For the relevant rating periods, the Veteran was found to be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted from September 11, 2004, to May 17, 2012, due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected depressive disorder and anxiety disorder/acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. The Veteran also sought a TDIU prior to January 12, 2019, which the Board granted based on his service-connected upper and lower extremity neuropathies.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, are found to be secondary to her service-connected fibromyalgia. The claim is granted.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal of hypertension and has remanded the appeals for PTSD, anxiety condition, and depression.

The Veteran's back and neck conditions have been granted service connection, as well as an increased rating for asbestosis. Service connection has also been established for PTSD with anxiety.,PTSD was linked to in-service stressors of sexual harassment and physical assault.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD or unspecified anxiety disorder) and a heart disorder due to lack of medical evidence addressing these issues. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if he has any current psychiatric or cardiovascular conditions, and whether they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for CAD, CLL, generalized anxiety disorder, and hypertension due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during his naval service.

The Veteran's depression and anxiety are related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions. The right shoulder disability and migraine headaches have been remanded due to a change in severity since the last examinations.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the May 2020 remand directives and has therefore ordered another remand for further development, including a new VA examination to address the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities due to further development being necessary.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right and left knee, hip, back, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The appeals are REMANDED due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate for adjudication and another remand is necessary due to the lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his service experiences.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence and an updated medical opinion.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, bilateral tinea pedis, bilateral lung condition, sleep apnea, and low back disorder are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to service and granted. The issue of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has decided that an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and insomnia, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of his current conditions to service.