The Veteran's thoracic strain and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease are currently rated at 10 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or neurological involvement.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. There were no incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic Strain, Lumbosacral Degenerative Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 23, 2010
- Citation
- 1044021
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1044021.
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: Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and radiculopathies but denied an increased rating for PTSD. The claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome were remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right shoulder disorder, and thoracic strain has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Board found that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition for any of these issues.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development. The hypertension claim is still under consideration.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected right and left shoulders have been rated at 20 percent since March 1, 2010. The claims for higher ratings remain denied.,Service connection has not been granted for the Veteran’s thoracic strain and lumbar spondylosis.
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.