The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he has been employed in maintenance mechanic roles and is currently working nights. The Board finds that the evidence does not demonstrate a reasonable possibility of unemployability by reason of his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's employment history and current work status indicate he can perform less physically strenuous jobs than those requiring heavy lifting or overhead activities, which are limited due to his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- scapulothoracic syndrome, arthritis and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine, arthritis and degenerative disk disease of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21027517
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21027517.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating prior to December 12, 2014, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for residuals of a left shoulder sprain/strain with rotator cuff tear, tendonitis, arthritis, and scapulothoracic syndrome has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew his appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is currently in a remanded status due to the need for additional development and adjudication of an intertwined issue regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim remains pending.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks increased evaluations for his service-connected left shoulder disability and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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