The Board denied an increased rating for thoracic spine strain, finding that the current 10% disability rating adequately reflects the veteran's symptoms and limitations.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no objective evidence of a spine problem present, and the veteran's complaints were attributed to pain without identifiable pathology or pathology supporting her reports of pain.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2000
- Citation
- 0011985
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 0011985.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and thoracic spine strain as an adequate medical nexus opinion is not available.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for thoracic spine strain to obtain a more accurate medical evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for thoracic spine strain, lumbar spine strain, degenerative arthritis, and intervertebral disc syndrome to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran had a period of active service from March 2012 to October 2012, and remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claims. The claims are now pending.
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.