Anxiety decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 27, 2015 due to insufficient evidence showing that she was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depression and generalized anxiety disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The symptoms described are consistent with a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's cannabis use disorder is not service-connected as it is a primary alcohol abuse disability.,There are no diagnosed elbow, ankle, or thumb conditions in the Veteran's service records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is dismissed, and the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition secondary to a back disorder is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions. The Veteran is requested to provide missing prison medical records, and a new VA opinion will be obtained to address the onset and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma was granted a 100% rating from January 17, 2012 to August 8, 2022. The other issues remain pending and will be remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for IBS and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and insomnia, are granted. The claim for a GI disability due to undiagnosed illness is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for anxiety, depression, and erectile dysfunction (ED) due to potential service-related causes. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed with a focus on obtaining medical opinions regarding his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and the Board finds new and material evidence to support reopening of his claim. The case is now remanded for further development including an examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's deviated septum and acquired psychiatric disorder (generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder) have not been linked to service.,Service connection for a TDIU prior to October 1, 2015, has also been denied.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and asthma have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has remanded the case due to open medical questions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for psychiatric disorder. The appeal will be readjudicated after a new medical opinion is obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are granted an initial increased disability rating of 50 percent, and his service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is granted an initial increased disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent, as his symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is being remanded due to inadequate development, specifically regarding an examination that was not conducted as per previous directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including cannabis disorder claimed as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping; increased ratings for right and left knee disorders; increased ratings for right and left ankle disorders; and a TDIU. Additional evidence is needed to determine if his cannabis use disorder is secondary to his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to service-connected anxiety disorder and coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence showing a direct link between these conditions and the Veteran's death.