The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome, with left upper extremity nerve involvement has been granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent since September 5, 2017. The effective date for this increase is based on the date of his claim for increase.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported severe symptoms in his left upper extremity and inability to put on socks and shoes with his left hand, which were consistent across multiple examinations from 2018 to 2021. The examiner noted moderate paresthesias and numbness in the left upper extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Resection of Bilateral First Ribs, Surgical Scars, Bilateral Rib Resection
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21075825
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 21075825.
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 decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome and service, as well as its connection to her service-connected GERD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right shoulder conditions. The VA will need to obtain additional treatment records and provide an updated opinion from a clinician.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracic outlet syndrome, left side was denied. The appeal regarding initial disability ratings for lumbosacral spine disability in excess of the assigned percentages prior to July 1, 2009; from July 1, 2009; and from April 22, 2022, was also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for additional development due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome is related to her service.
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.