The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected median sternotomy and left anterior mediastinal mass resection with thymectomy, finding that the disability is only productive of slight impairment to the muscles of respiration. The issue of a higher rating for the scar secondary to the surgery remains remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show any muscle atrophy or impaired function related to the service-connected condition, warranting a compensable rating under DC 5321.
- Claimed conditions
- Median sternotomy and left anterior mediastinal mass resection with thymectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2026
- Citation
- 26000032
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 26000032.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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- Granted
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