Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of thoracotomy, 6th right rib with pleural thickening, with phrenic nerve paralysis. The preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran’s FEV-1 test results have been between 56 and 70 percent predicted throughout the appeal period.

The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's PFT results were most accurately reflecting his disability level, with FEV-1 at 58 percent post-bronchodilator in July 2019. The evidence did not show any test findings of less than 56 percent predicted for FEV-1 or other PFTs.

Claimed conditions
post-operative residuals of thoracotomy, 6th right rib with pleural thickening, with phrenic nerve paralysis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
30%
Decision date
August 7, 2020
Citation
20052660

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 20052660.

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.

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.