Anxiety decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder was denied, and the appeal for an increased rating for migraine including migraine variants was dismissed as fully granted. The maximum schedular rating (50%) has been awarded for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including unspecified anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and opioid use disorder, resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The symptoms were estimated as causing a level of impairment consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that his current diagnosed conditions did not manifest during or as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requires an opinion from an appropriate examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to questions regarding whether his psychiatric disorders pre-existed service and if they are related to military service. The VA will need to provide an examination and medical opinions on these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a left shoulder disability due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The claims will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's December 16, 2019, Higher-Level Review (HLR) form was timely filed and accepted. As a result, the VA must now proceed with adjudicating his request for higher-level review regarding the reopening of his claims of service connection for anxiety disorder, hearing loss, right-knee condition, and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for sleep apnea and kidney failure have been withdrawn, and the appeals are dismissed.,Service connection is granted for anxiety disorder on a direct basis. The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches appeal remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for a dental condition and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression) due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The VA will provide further examinations and opinions to determine if service connection is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. Service connection is granted for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure, but the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or an adjustment disorder related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent effective August 28, 2013.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder is granted effective August 28, 2013.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent prior to September 1, 2020 and denied for a higher rating.,From September 1, 2020, the Veteran's anxiety disorder symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating.,The Veteran has been granted entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for prostate cancer and various musculoskeletal and psychiatric disabilities. The issues of service connection for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including anxiety and/or PTSD), sleep disability (including apnea), left hip disability, right hip disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability are all remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, anxiety, and sleep disturbances is rated at 70 percent prior to July 20, 2022. The rating was denied as the Veteran did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the failure to provide a VA examination. A new examination must be scheduled and an opinion provided regarding her psychiatric diagnoses.

The Board is remanding the case due to outstanding records and for further analysis of the appellant's mental health history, including his service stressors and post-service treatment. The appeal involves both a determination of character of discharge and potential service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a vascular disorder, including as due to toxic exposures during military service, need further development. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of anxiety disorder with adjustment issues, aggression (acquired psychiatric disorder), left ear hearing loss, and right eye injury. The appeal for service connection of a back disability is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically his depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The case will be reviewed again with a new examination.