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 assigned
- 40%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22002066.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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