The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected compression fractures of the thoracic spine is being remanded due to improper application of VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The RO did not properly apply the appropriate diagnostic codes and may have overlooked other relevant conditions or disabilities that could affect the evaluation of the veteran's condition.
- Claimed conditions
- compression fractures of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 6, 2000
- Citation
- 0009190
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 0009190.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability is denied as the evidence does not show ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant a rating greater than 40 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding records. The claim will be readjudicated after the additional development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to inadequate examination in the original rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's back disability. The issue remains on appeal and will be reviewed again after further development.
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.