Anxiety decisions — 2024

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and depression have been granted a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period, with occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, an inability to establish effective relationships, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety condition is not service-connected as secondary to his thyroid condition. The right shoulder and hearing loss claims are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left ankle disability and unspecified anxiety disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his psychiatric disorders was denied, and he was granted a TDIU based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for evaluation of mood disorder (also claimed as depression & anxiety) has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for unspecified neurocognitive disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder due to inadequate medical opinion in the April 2021 VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with anxiety, finding that the Veteran does not have a current disability due to disease or injury related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues, including the need to consider the Veteran's wife's statements regarding his psychiatric condition and effectiveness of their relationship. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for depression and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and insomnia disorder have been rated at 70 percent since July 2022, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and headaches are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder) was restored to a 70 percent disability rating effective May 26, 2022.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and effective dates were dismissed due to untimely filing of the VA Form 10182, as no good cause was presented.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety, finding that he does not have a current disability related to anxiety under DSM-5 criteria and that his symptoms do not warrant a DSM-5 diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of clarity regarding his service periods. The Veteran will need medical examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was granted as the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and treatment record review regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected. The claims for psychiatric disability, right shoulder, left wrist, and low back disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.