Anxiety decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure by VA to obtain SSA disability records and provide the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcoholism, and sleep disorder are now before the RO.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and the submission of missing private treatment records. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder, is now pending.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment from April 2, 2015. The Board found that the criteria for a TDIU were not met.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's alcohol-induced mood and anxiety disorder, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. The Board found that his back disability is related to service due to a lifting injury during work as a diesel mechanic in 2005.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and lack of recent VA treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including as due to MST, will need further evaluation.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, as well as his TBI with dizziness, are rated at 70 percent since October 28, 2022. The decision grants a higher rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for chronic headaches is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied.

Service connection has been withdrawn or dismissed for several conditions. Service connection is granted for depression and anxiety disorder, with a 40% disability rating for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected testicular cancer and its metastasis to the retroperitoneum are granted as well as several related conditions. The cause of death is also granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder (in remission), finding that these conditions are related to his active-duty service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for asbestosis and granted it. The mental health claim is remanded due to outstanding records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to address his right shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric condition, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, panic disorder without agoraphobia, substance use disorder, anxiety disorder, sleep disturbance, and depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective as of June 9, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD related to his verified in-service stressor, and granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the Regional Office not having issued a Statement of the Case for all issues on appeal. The Board is unable to proceed without this information.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected psychiatric disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined for his eye disabilities and acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The examinations were not conducted as per the October 2022 remand directive.