The veteran's service-connected hearing loss and panic disorder are granted, with a rating of 30 percent for panic disorder. The hearing loss is not considered chronic during service or within one year post-service, but the current left ear hearing loss disability is found to be related to service. The veteran's panic disorder results in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.
The deciding factor: The VA audiometric examinations showed that the veteran had a significant noise exposure during service, leading to high frequency sensorineural hearing loss in his right ear. However, this was not considered chronic at the time of discharge or within one year post-service. The September 1998 VA examination did not show continuing hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations. For panic disorder, the veteran's current symptoms and occupational impairment are consistent with a 30 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing Loss, Panic Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2003
- Citation
- 0302012
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0302012.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased disability evaluation for PTSD but granted an earlier effective date for TDIU of August 6, 2012.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal in September 2025, stating that she is now 100% permanently and totally disabled effective April 29, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic disorder, finding the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD and panic disorder, as the Veteran's symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
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