Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS with PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50% disability rating. However, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the Veteran failing to report for a scheduled VA examination. The case will be reviewed after any additional development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have begun in service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. Service connection is also granted for PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder, as these conditions are related to his reported in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain updated VA medical records and a new examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (depression) are also being considered as they are inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence. The issues on appeal include a request for increased ratings for right shoulder impingement, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, and chronic sleep impairment have been rated at the highest available level of disability since October 29, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the specific locations and dates where his Army unit was stationed during the Persian Gulf War era.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The right and left foot cold injury residuals are both rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with panic attacks and partial complex seizure disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder remains in appellate status and requires additional development to determine the etiology of any diagnosed anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood was granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent effective June 3, 2015. Service connection for low back and neck disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for increased evaluation for his anxiety disorder and service connection for substance abuse, which is secondary to the anxiety disorder. The Board has remanded both issues due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the failure of the RO to adjudicate his request and issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Veteran's atrial fibrillation is rated at 60 percent, effective June 8, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms of the service-connected atrial fibrillation meet the schedular criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold criteria for a TDIU, and his employment with the Albany DMV is considered substantially gainful employment rather than marginal employment in a protected environment. Therefore, he does not qualify for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is service connected, as it had its onset in service and there is a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his right ankle disability, acquired psychiatric disabilities, neck trauma and lower back conditions. The Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination regarding his right eye condition.

The Board has determined that the case is inextricably intertwined and must be remanded for further development, including obtaining VA traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hypertension examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of new evidence. The issues on appeal are whether service connection can be established for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), a skin disability, or bilateral cataracts.