Anxiety decisions — 2023

The Board has decided that the Veteran's current 70 percent evaluation for anxiety disorder NOS is too low and needs to be increased. A new VA examination will be needed to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU were granted. The appellant is eligible to receive attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in September 2018.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria for these conditions.,Service connection has been granted for hypertension, with the onset likely during active duty. The Veteran's psychiatric condition remains under consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions such as adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition due to military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, or right knee condition.,For his left hip conditions, he was granted a 10 percent rating for limitation of extension and no other ratings were granted. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, finding that his symptoms began during active service and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and anxiety (other than PTSD), is dismissed as the condition has already been granted in a previous rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, finding that his depression and anxiety are secondary to his service-connected right orchitis and epididymitis residuals.

The appeal for a compensable rating for linear suprapubic surgical scar, residual of the radical prostatectomy is dismissed. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection, including generalized anxiety disorder, kidney disability, Parkinson-like symptoms, residuals of a stroke, right foot disability, skin disability, and vision disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's anxiety disorder. The Veteran will need to provide information about his treatment providers and additional VA records may be needed for a proper evaluation.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder and sleep disturbance, is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability prior to April 19, 2023 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence of unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with previous remand directives, including obtaining a new medical opinion that considers the complete treatment history and addresses the Veteran's combat service.

The Board has ordered the remand of several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and TBI, including a request for higher disability evaluations and consideration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The remand also includes requests for additional VA treatment records and an examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and generalized anxiety disorder have been granted service connection, but effective dates prior to July 1, 2017 are denied.,A 50% rating for migraine headaches is granted from July 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, as his diagnosis of PTSD is supported by credible supporting evidence and a causal nexus to in-service stressors. Service connection for Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is remanded due to insufficient competent medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, including failing to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion and obtaining relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified anxiety disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's service connection claims for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded for further development.