Anxiety decisions — 2026

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for generalized anxiety disorder, finding it not factually ascertainable that the condition manifested with occupational and social impairment in most areas prior to October 7, 2024.,The Board also denied entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for IVDS with bilateral facet arthropathy (back), as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the appeal period.,For left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, the Board denied entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent, noting that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on incomplete paralysis severity.

The Veteran's right foot pain is found to have begun during service and granted service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown as a disability for VA purposes, thus denial of service connection.,No current diagnosis of rhinitis or sinusitis has been established, leading to denial of service connection.,Upper respiratory infections and sore throat conditions were not found at any time during the appeal period, resulting in denial of service connection.,Vertigo and dizziness have not been diagnosed, leading to denial of service connection.,Chronic chest pain, shortness of breath, and stress induced anxiety have not been shown as a disability for VA purposes, thus denying service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA is required to provide a VA examination and conduct development with respect to the appellant's claim of MST.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show an increase in severity within one year prior to the date of intent to file.

The Veteran's eyesight disability claim was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal during the May 2024 Board hearing.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, was denied due to lack of evidence linking any current mental health condition to service or a period of ACDUTRA. The Veteran's claim is based on his belief that he experienced trauma during service, but the Board found no credible supporting evidence for specific in-service stressors.,Service connection for arthritis of the right hand and fingers was denied as there was no evidence linking the condition to service or a period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for an unspecified anxiety disorder was denied, and the case is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 20 percent for right knee chondromalacia patella and 10 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease are also remanded due to a duty to assist error.,Additional VA medical records related to the Veteran's knees need to be obtained, and a retrospective addendum opinion is required.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not currently diagnosed for VA purposes, and the Board finds service connection is denied.,Service connection for an anxiety disorder is granted as it is etiologically related to his service-connected tinnitus.,There is no current diagnosis of OSA during the appeal period, so service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her acquired psychiatric disorder is denied, and the claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70% for the entire appeal period, and his diabetes mellitus claim must be remanded due to insufficient evidence of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorder, OSA, brain aneurysm, and gout have been remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service stressors.,There is no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically anxiety, was aggravated by service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus type 2 have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 17, 2016. The effective date for TDIU is set at May 17, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, anxiety condition, and major depression, as well as sleep apnea. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are not yet evaluated by VA medical examination.

The Veteran's adopted daughter, S., is recognized as a helpless child due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching the age of 18 based on her severe mental health conditions and inability to support herself.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder and panic attacks, and TDIU due to lack of evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to deficiencies in the record, including a lack of VA examinations and consideration of relevant evidence. The claims for increased ratings for anxiety disorder with panic attacks and plantar fasciitis are being addressed, as well as the issue of service connection for pes planus.

An initial rating of 50 percent, and no higher, from February 1, 2023, to October 21, 2024, for Social Anxiety Disorder is granted.,A rating in excess of 70 percent from October 22, 2024, forward for Social Anxiety Disorder is denied.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is related to his military service and granted effective September 17, 2024. The claim for polycythemia is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing VA and private treatment records, incomplete examination, and failure to address all claimed conditions. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders are being evaluated again for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors and will consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including VA-contracted examiner reports and VAMC treatment records. The AOJ must obtain missing private care provider records and Community Care Program records.