The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, finding that the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any vertebral fractures, ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome associated with the service-connected thoracic spine disability, and there was no indication of increased functional loss due to painful use, weakness, excess fatigue, or incoordination.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2001
- Citation
- 0104412
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0104412.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The appeal pertaining to the thoracic spine disability is remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a thoracic spine condition. The examiner did not address the Veteran’s in-service diagnosis of L5-S1 herniated disk and his vehicle rollover accident, which are relevant to determining the etiology of his current thoracic spine condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and costochondritis are found to be related to his active service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's request for a higher rating for his thoracic spine disability and has remanded the issues of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound prior to April 1, 2015, entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance from April 1, 2015, and TDIU.
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