Anxiety Board decisions

The appellant withdrew their appeal regarding the service connection for atrial fibrillation, benign positional vertigo, tinnitus, allergies, and depression and anxiety. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding service connection claims, including those related to obesity, acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, anxiety disorder, nervousness), osteoarthritis, cataract, chronic kidney disease, heart condition, hypertension, and stomach disorder.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The claims for low back disability and CAD are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because his service-connected anxiety disorder, NOS did not meet the schedular requirements and there was no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding the timeliness of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for SMC, as it is part and parcel to a timely appeal related to the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound has been remanded due to incorrect treatment of the NOD.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but not higher. The Board found the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 30 percent.,For rhinitis with sinusitis, the Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent since April 21, 2015. The Board found that he has more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year and granted him a 30 percent rating effective from April 21, 2015.,The Veteran's chronic anxiety and depression is rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depression and anxiety disorder, finding that no valid claim was submitted prior to September 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for anxiety disorder is dismissed due to their passing away during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including verification of stressors and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including verifying the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicide agents and in-service stressors. The VA is also required to schedule a new examination or telehealth interview to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including sleep walking, anxiety and schizophrenia. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred during or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional medical records and a new VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and anxiety disorder, are related to his military service.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating greater than 30 percent for his service-connected dysthymic disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and review of military personnel records.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service, specifically the dissolution of his first marriage.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, qualifying for TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, is granted. Service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis, Bell's palsy, psoriasis, eczema, TMJ dysfunction, and anxiety have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year of separation.