Anxiety decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, anxiety disorder, hypertension, skin disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the current nature of these conditions and their likely etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back condition, and left knee condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for disc desiccation/protrusion as it was granted in a March 2022 rating decision. The right foot disability and acquired psychiatric disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder, tinnitus, headache disorder, and a heart murmur. The Board has ordered the retrieval of SSA records to clarify eligibility for benefits. The appeals are remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the service connection for left elbow lateral epicondylitis (left elbow condition) as it was granted in an October 2023 rating decision. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right knee condition are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to October 5, 2023 did not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 70 percent.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, allergic rhinitis, asthma, right hand disability manifested by numbness, and left hand disability manifested by numbness are all granted as service-connected.,An effective date of April 2, 2018, is assigned for the award of service connection for left shoulder degenerative arthritis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, mood disorder, and anxiety. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are related to in-service injuries or diseases.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, headaches, anxiety disorder, hemorrhoids, and left wrist arthritis.,A minimum rating of 30 percent for gastrointestinal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression, finding no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depressive disorders, is granted. However, the claim for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of anemia, degenerative disc disease, hypertension, and heart murmur have been withdrawn. The appeal as to these issues is dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for sleep apnea, sinus disability (variously diagnosed as sinusitis and rhinitis), nasoseptal deformity, and right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue regarding service connection for Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The other issues have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred during her active duty service. The evidence received since the February 2019 rating decision supports this determination.

The Veteran's dementia, OSA, PTSD, depression, and anxiety were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,The Veteran was diagnosed with these conditions after service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and gastritis are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found no direct service connection but also could not rule out a link based on exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if service connection should be granted for right wrist condition, left wrist condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and insomnia disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence, including a lay statement from his treating social worker and a lay statement from the Veteran himself. The Board finds that readjudication is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or any service-connected disability.