Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease and a psychiatric disability (including posttraumatic stress disorder) due to incomplete records and need for further verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition.,Direct service connection for alcohol dependence is denied due to the Veteran's own willful misconduct.,Service connection for skin disorder (undiagnosed illness) is denied as there is no objective evidence of signs or symptoms.,Service connection for left lower extremity numbness and right lower extremity numbness (undiagnosed illness) are denied as there is no objective evidence of signs or symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since November 1, 2013. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for chronic sinusitis and PTSD due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder, is being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for obstructive sleep apnea and psychiatric disorders due to incomplete records from SSA and VA. The Veteran's service connection claim will be further examined with a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, with symptoms of PTSD, is rated at 70 percent and not higher. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the possibility of additional VA treatment records that may affect the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to outstanding VA and private treatment records for the cause of death claim. The appellant's request for substitution will also be addressed during this process.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorder are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's insomnia is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, lumbar myositis (back condition), degenerative arthritis of the knees, tinnitus, left foot arthritis, right hip and left hip conditions, left ankle and right ankle conditions, a bilateral foot condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, sleeping disorder, tinnitus, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood have all been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his tinnitus or adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected pension claim for the period prior to October 1, 2017 was denied as he did not meet the permanent and total disability requirement due to his non-service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The claim was also denied for a rating in excess of 10 percent for DJD of the right hip with limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS with anxiety, NOS is rated at 100 percent and he has other service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more. Therefore, the Veteran qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability (to include various mood disorders) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral lower extremity disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of a diagnosed anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, has been reopened. The appeal is granted to this extent only. The secondary service connection issue remains pending and will be remanded.