Anxiety decisions — 2024

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from the date of claim (September 27, 2018).

The Board has found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety disorder, may be related to her service-connected fibromyalgia. However, due to insufficient information in the claims file regarding secondary service connection, the case is being remanded for an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral pes planus that may be present. The examiner should address whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's preexisting pes planus was aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer, sleep apnea, and anxiety due to potential exposure to toxic substances at Fort McClellan. The AOJ is required to obtain medical opinions on the likelihood of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's TERA participation.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his left bicep tear and surgical repair, generalized anxiety disorder, and arachnoid cyst were not service-connected or did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury and back pain, resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board found that SMC aid and attendance is granted based on these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities and their relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis, credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, and a link between the current symptoms and the claimed in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection cannot be established for any of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for fibromyalgia due to lack of objective evidence and credible opinion supporting the diagnosis.,Service connection is remanded for hypertension and sleep apnea as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, which may be related to his military service. The claim for service connection will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of a VA medical examination and opinion prior to rating his disability. The Veteran is diagnosed with multiple psychiatric disabilities, including depression, anxiety, irritability and anger, trauma/stressor-related disorder, and alcoholism. The Board requires a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disability was denied. The Board found no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder was granted with a 70% rating effective February 6, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to August 7, 2014, for service connection of unspecified anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding two issues: a claim for an increased disability rating for unspecified anxiety disorder and a claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder. The Veteran withdrew their appeal prior to the decision being finalized.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depression, are related to her active service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders, effective from January 31, 2019.

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and has remanded the issue of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will require a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD, anxiety condition/sleep disturbances is characterized by reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the period from June 14, 2021, to August 8, 2023.