Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for breathing issues, back injury, elbow injury, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and plantar fasciitis have been denied due to the lack of new and relevant evidence.,The Veteran was scheduled for a VA foot examination but failed to appear without good cause. As such, his claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis is decided based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of verification for the Veteran's in-service stressor and an incomplete examination, which may affect the determination of service connection for his psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied service connection for joint pain, recurrent skin disorder, and psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a missing statement of the case (SOC) and requests for VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions began during active service.

The Veteran's effective date for Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is denied because he was able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 5, 2016.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. The Board found that there is sufficient evidence to link these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression. The Veteran's claim will be further developed by obtaining an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has restored the Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for his service-connected major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition at the time of the reduction.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for an unspecified anxiety disorder, service connection for tinnitus, and service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9413 or any other code. Service connection for tinnitus was also denied due to lack of current evidence of tinnitus. Service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied as there is no competent evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder with an effective date of February 28, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the diagnoses and resulting impairment of PTSD, as well as a lack of clarity regarding the impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board granted his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including panic disorder with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal. A TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an adjustment reaction with mixed anxiety and depression, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from July 25, 2005 through December 30, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claims for right knee condition, left foot disorder, left knee disorder, and right foot disorder are remanded due to duty to assist errors prior to the February 2020 rating decision. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right inguinal hernia and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide a VA examination for N.C. regarding her permanent incapacity for self-support before and after reaching the age of 18.