The veteran's agoraphobia has not caused total occupational and social impairment, resulting in a denial of an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as they do not include gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene), disorientation to time or place, or memory loss for names of close relatives, his own occupation or name.
- Claimed conditions
- agoraphobia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2008
- Citation
- 0820676
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 0820676.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for agoraphobia and anxiety due to an error in providing notice of hearing options.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for agoraphobia, a back injury, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for agoraphobia, left hip tendinopathy, and allergic rhinitis. The Veteran was also granted a 50% rating for tension headaches.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.