Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's sleep apnea syndrome (obstructive sleep apnea) is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The issue of entitlement to gout is also being remanded for the same reason.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically depression. The case is being returned to VA for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty in the effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his need for regular aid and attendance. A new medical opinion is required.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of anxiety condition is denied as there was no prior informal or formal claim received before May 20, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus is granted, and the claims for service connection for varicose veins, viral meningitis, right knee disability, bilateral flatfeet, shin splints (to include as due to bilateral flatfeet), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, as well as cannabis use disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder (in sustained remission), and cirrhosis of the liver have been granted. An effective date of October 3, 2013 has been established for his 50% rating for tension headaches. The application to reopen his claim for service connection for chronic alcoholism is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was clear and unmistakable evidence that his pre-existing psychiatric disorders did not worsen during service. The Board also found no in-service incurrence of a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder is granted. The appeal to reopen the claim was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with GAD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar disc disease remains at a 40% rating. Service connection for psychiatric disorders, left and right arm numbness are remanded due to inadequate examination standards.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination and the need for a new opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including his diagnoses of depressive disorder NOS, unspecified anxiety disorder, and provisional PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from 1978 and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, began during his active service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder. The claims of service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete military personnel records and insufficient development of her military service records. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if her current respiratory, psychiatric, and digestive conditions are related to her military service, including exposure at Fort McClellan.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2019 VA examination, which did not consider all relevant evidence and lay statements from the Veteran and his spouse.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder claim was granted with a 30% evaluation, while the heart disorder claim was denied. The appeal is mixed as both claims are decided on their merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric condition, including as secondary to sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are granted as his diagnosis is related to in-service stressors.