The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for neuralgia at T8 of the left intercostal root and degenerative joint and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied because he failed to report for a necessary VA examination.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide good cause for his failure to attend the scheduled VA examination, which is required by regulation when seeking an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- neuralgia at T8 of the left intercostal root, degenerative joint and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2022
- Citation
- 22065946
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 22065946.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the failure to report for a VA examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further development, including scheduling another VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine due to a lack of substantial compliance with the October 2017 remand, need for updated examination, and need to address whether numbness of hands and feet is related to the back disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that his symptoms are related to his active duty service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Prostate cancer and sleep apnea are now considered due to exposure to herbicides, while degenerative joint and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are all found to be related to service.
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