Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease with a history of esophagitis and an increased evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling examinations, and considering all applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, hypertension, cervical spine/ neck disability, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral arms and hands, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral legs, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral feet disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, thyroid disability, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nervous disorder, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, is rated at 50 percent. The Board granted a separate compensable rating for bruxism but denied an increased rating for the psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to July 20, 2017. From July 20, 2017, the rating remains at 50 percent. The appeal for a higher rating was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected panic disorder with anxiety disorder has rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, which is granted. However, his claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for the same condition is remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder due to a lack of medical examination or opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death in July 1990, concluding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for increased ratings of migraines, anxiety and depression, and chronic rhinitis with sinusitis are remanded.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the earliest date of entitlement was July 2, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychological disorder is rated at 70 percent since September 30, 2008. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for anxiety disorder and TDIU. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination, and all relevant treatment records must be obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to reconcile psychiatric diagnoses and determine their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no further action can be taken on this case.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's anxiety disorder, finding that it had its onset in service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety) are found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for left knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, foot fungus, and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The VA examiner found no evidence linking the current diagnoses to military service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities has been remanded. The case is inextricably intertwined with the issue of an increased rating for her psychiatric disability, which was previously adjudicated by the Board.