The Veteran's claustrophobia and insomnia disorder have been granted service connection, as well as his PTSD, MDD, phobic anxiety disorder, claustrophobia, and agoraphobia. His tinnitus has also been granted service connection.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied due to the lack of a compensable degree of hearing impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's mental health conditions were found to be caused by events during his military service, including an incident in basic training where he was locked in a locker. The evidence supports this finding and resolves any doubt in favor of the Veteran.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied because the Veteran did not have a compensable degree of hearing impairment as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- claustrophobia, insomnia disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), phobic anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24011086
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 24011086.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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.