The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to December 24, 2014. The VA examiner found that the Veteran had forward flexion limited to no worse than 60 degrees and no ankylosis of the thoracic spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's thoracic spine disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code, including those pertaining to arthritis and limitation of motion of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1638341
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1638341.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, left hand strain, and left ankle strain due to incomplete development of the record.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted with an effective date of November 9, 2009. The VA also determined that the Veteran is entitled to SMC.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, neck pain, right pectoralis muscle strain, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine and cervicalgia have been withdrawn, resulting in their dismissal.
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