The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for allergic rhinitis. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied claims for panic disorder, sinus condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder), and bilateral hearing loss.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are linked to his service in the transportation unit during Desert Shield/Storm, where he reported experiencing hostile environments and fear for his life. The Board found that the evidence supported a link between his active duty service and his current conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Panic Disorder, Sinus Condition, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Unspecified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder), Bilateral Hearing Loss, Allergic Rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21025577
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 21025577.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depression, and Panic Disorder due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Denied
The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating based on VA examinations and medical records.
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