Anxiety decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to June 14, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bipolar II disorder with anxiety was denied. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU and SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of PTSD and other mental health disorders. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Veteran's child, N.Z., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 due to disabilities including autistic disorder and anxiety. The Board granted recognition of N.Z. as a helpless child for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically panic disorder and anxiety. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder with psychotic disorder, is granted at a 70 percent evaluation from December 4, 2019. The effective date for service connection of both anxiety disorder and TBI is April 2, 2010. A total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted from January 1, 2013.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and an adjustment disorder mixed with anxiety and a depressed mood, is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as service connected, but his left lower leg, right hip, and right ankle disabilities are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection and TDIU based on a specified anxiety disorder disability, previously rated at 70 percent. The attorney fees are approved as per the Fee Agreement.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria. The claim for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with gait disturbance status post-surgery disability is rated at 20 percent prior to November 18, 2019 and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with gait disturbance status post-surgery disability is rated at 40 percent from November 18, 2019 and denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed moods is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left inguinal hernia has not been surgically repaired and is considered remediable. The Board does not find evidence of a compensable disability rating for this condition.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a chipped tooth, but the available compensation criteria do not cover dental conditions due to periodontal disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities met the percentage requirements for a TDIU as of November 16, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to duty-to-assist errors, and will consider whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, clearly and unmistakably preexisted his entrance into military service or is otherwise etiologically related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and initial rating of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was granted with a 100% disability rating effective January 29, 2018. The earlier effective date for DEA eligibility is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in verifying the Veteran's claimed stressor.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The VA is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective July 12, 2010, the date he filed his claim for service connection of PTSD with bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder since then.

Service connection for PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood remains in effect, rated at 30 percent. The appeal is dismissed as the full benefit sought has been granted.