The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia were incurred in service. However, his right ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s psychiatric conditions (major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia) were incurred during service, with positive opinions outweighing negative ones. For right ear hearing loss, there was no evidence of a current disability that began during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Panic disorder, Agoraphobia, Right ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20024140
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 20024140.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
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