The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms are adequately addressed by the current 20 percent rating, which reflects limitation of motion with flexion limited to 50 degrees and pain beginning at 20 degrees. There were no incapacitating episodes noted in the examination reports provided.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 9, 2012
- Citation
- 1223593
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 1223593.
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: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome status post acromial decompression surgery is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201.,The Veteran's thoracic spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and a higher rating for thoracic spine degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury, thoracic spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and mild ectasia of the ascending aorta. The appeals were based on direct service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder was manifested by no more than thoracic spine degenerative disc disease; lumbar spine degenerative changes; recurrent severe 'stabbing' mid-back pain with radiation into the right buttock; a functional range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine of flexion to 56 degrees, extension to 10 degrees, right lateral extension to 25 degrees, left lateral extension to 16 degrees, and bilateral lateral rotation to 22 degrees; right thoracic sacrospinalis muscle pain and tenderness; bilateral absent knee jerks; bilateral 1+ ankle jerks; no lower extremity numbness, paresthesias, or weakness; and no incapacitating episodes.
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