The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected specific phobia, situational with insomnia disorder prior to September 6, 2022, finding that the criteria were not met.
The deciding factor: The appellant's symptoms did not meet the criteria for an increased rating as his disability was evaluated based on existing symptomatology and occupational/social impairment without additional factors warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Specific Phobia, Situational, Insomnia Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 12, 2026
- Citation
- A26013584
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 A26013584.
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 determined that the claims for service connection for OSA and insomnia must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, as well as a failure to obtain TERA opinions on all relevant exposures.
- Granted
The Board has granted a separate rating for insomnia as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's insomnia is a distinct disability with non-overlapping symptoms from his primary service-connected condition.
- Dismissed
Your previously granted service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, characterized as PTSD with persistent depressive and insomnia disorder, now represents a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The appeal is dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a separate disability rating for an insomnia disorder has been granted. The claims for increased ratings of the neck condition and TDIU prior to January 30, 2023 have been remanded.
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