The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left thoracic outlet syndrome was denied, and the Board also found that he is not entitled to a TDIU as his employment does not constitute substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's left thoracic outlet syndrome approximated complete paralysis or warranted a higher rating. The Veteran's employment as a part-time college instructor was deemed insufficient for a TDIU due to its marginal nature.
- Claimed conditions
- left thoracic outlet syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 13, 2022
- Citation
- 22002066
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 22002066.
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: Granted
The Veteran's left thoracic outlet syndrome was granted an initial 40 percent rating, effective November 30, 2015. The case is also remanded for a new VA examination and to determine the Veteran's eligibility for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's left thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 10 percent, and her mixed headache disorder results in a combined rating of 80 percent. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's left thoracic outlet syndrome does not warrant an increased rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his thoracic outlet syndrome of the left upper extremity, finding that it was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis and not severe enough to warrant a higher evaluation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for deviated nasal septum and left thoracic outlet syndrome, finding no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and in-service events or injuries.
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