The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected undifferentiated somatoform disorder with claustrophobia, finding that her symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence showed no significant changes in the veteran's depression, anxiety, and somatization disorder since her last examination. Her GAF scores were consistently between 65-70, indicating mild to moderate symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- somatoform disorder, claustrophobia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2001
- Citation
- 0127464
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0127464.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the AOJ to adjudicate her claims of CUE regarding the May 2013 and August 2014 rating decisions.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for narcolepsy and hypertension have been dismissed. The Board has also granted service connection for claustrophobia, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and treatment records consideration, requiring further examinations and opinions to determine service connection for psychiatric disorders.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits of various conditions have been dismissed due to a prohibited concurrent election. The claims were pending before the RO pursuant to an HLR request when VA received the Veteran's appeal.
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