Anxiety decisions — 2024

The Veteran's GAD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision.,The Veteran's eczema was denied a compensable rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The VA examiner determined that these conditions cannot be differentiated from his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claim for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted. Claims for PTSD, bipolar disorder, and nervousness are denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the evaluation for panic disorder with residuals of insomnia, which he also claimed as anxiety and depression. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, a femoral hernia, and initial compensable ratings for inguinal hernia and associated scars are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and high blood pressure are being remanded due to pre-decisional errors in the VA examination process.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation was granted, and the appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the May 16, 2022, rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and requires an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder has been manifested by mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency and the ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, without more severe manifestations. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the claim due to inadequate rationale in a September 2022 VA examination and internal inconsistency in findings. A new VA medical examination is needed, along with obtaining relevant SSA records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder, is related to his service. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal of his claims for generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 29, 2016 for the award of service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is denied. The Veteran also seeks a higher evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder, but this is denied as well.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder with agoraphobia due to pre-service events. The AOJ must obtain SSA records and provide a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than adjustment disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety.

The Board denied service connection for sleep disorder with insomnia, anxiety disorder, and secondary service connection for sleep apnea and sciatica as they were not related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses of sleep apnea and sciatica are assumed based on the evidence but do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The rating reduction from 70 percent to 0 percent for depressive disorder was improper, and the 70 percent rating is restored.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically major depressive disorder with anxiety, was granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent effective prior to May 16, 2011 and after June 14, 2016. The appeal is not about service connection but rather the evaluation of a pre-existing condition.