The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.
The deciding factor: There is evidence suggesting worsening of the service-connected thoracic spine disability since the last VA examination, and a new examination is necessary to determine its current severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 28, 2014
- Citation
- 1413210
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 1413210.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, left ankle disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left heel disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disability has been denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The claim of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine and lumbar spine strain with bilateral sacroiliitis is granted. The issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disability, arthritis of the left hip, and arthritis of the right hip are remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, finding that it is related to an in-service injury and established by continuity of symptoms since service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the claims of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, left shoulder, and right shoulder as new and material evidence was not submitted.
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