The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating on an extraschedular basis for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine has been denied as the evidence does not support that his disability presents such an exceptional or unusual picture to render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms, including pain with no motion, are not adequately considered in the schedular criteria and thus do not meet the threshold for extraschedular consideration. The evidence did not demonstrate marked interference with employment due to his service-connected low back disability.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc 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
- June 22, 2016
- Citation
- 1625213
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 1625213.
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).
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to missing records.
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The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations to the AOJ for additional development due to a need for clarification regarding earned income since July 2017 and constructive possession of highly relevant treatment records.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The issues include a claim for an increased rating for back disability and a TDIU claim.
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