Anxiety decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased disability rating and TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records related to the Veteran's disability benefits claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The claims for service connection have not been decided.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for his service-connected psychiatric conditions (panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder) was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder unspecified has not been shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a higher initial rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and panic disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service experiences.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is the result of his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a stomach disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected disability. The Veteran's current stomach disorder is not currently diagnosed and the AOJ needs to determine if there is any evidence linking her stomach disorder to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder with depression has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal at a hearing.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board finds the severity, frequency, and duration of her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as service connected. The issues of service connection for anxiety and depression are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for depression, insomnia, and lower lumbar strain due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's assertions suggest an association between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and Anxiety due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors. The claims will be reconsidered with additional information provided by the Veteran.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The evidence shows a direct link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The Board found that his symptoms were more consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, headaches, alcohol use disorder (claimed as depression/anxiety), hypertension, and heart attack due to potential service connection based on aggravation of a pre-existing condition or secondary to other service-connected disabilities. Additional medical opinions are required regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not considering the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety on a direct basis and the possibility of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and service connection claims. The adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, left knee strain, right knee strain, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), lumbar discogenic pain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were all denied.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence of significant disabilities that would require such benefits.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for GAD from 30% to 70% effective April 13, 2025 is denied. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating than 30% prior to April 13, 2025.