The Veteran's degenerative changes of the thoracic spine are rated at 10 percent since February 1, 2010.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings and X-rays did not show limitation of motion or other objective evidence of painful motion that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's disability is rated based on degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings, which is evaluated as 10 percent disabling.
- 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 11, 2015
- Citation
- 1506387
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 1506387.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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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