Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for PTSD and remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are remanded to obtain VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a hole in the lung, and an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression and anxiety as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's osteoporosis is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of motion of the lumbar spine as a result of osteoporosis has been granted. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent.,Entitlement to higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss disability and duodenal ulcer was denied. TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD resulting from military sexual trauma, is remanded due to insufficient credible supporting evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete development of records and inadequate statement of reasons and bases for denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features, Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, and PTSD, is related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports this finding.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 2, 2015. Service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded his claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional evidence or attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The respiratory disability, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) are denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence of a relationship to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. Service connection is also granted for these conditions as they are found to be related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The VA treatment records are relevant and must be considered in an SSOC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's medical expenses incurred at Euclid Cardiology Services on January 13, 2014 were eligible for reimbursement due to an emergency situation where delay in seeking immediate medical attention would have been hazardous to his life or health. The nearest VA facility was not feasibly available and using a non-VA facility was considered reasonable by the Veteran.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran needs to provide more details about his stressors and undergo medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders and the severity of his diabetes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and social phobia, is not service-connected as his skin disability does not cause or aggravate these conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded to obtain a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of prurigo nodularis was denied, but he was granted a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for a new VA mental health evaluation to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including depression and anxiety disorders.