The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracic back strain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of forward flexion or range of motion sufficient to warrant a higher rating. The Veteran's claim for service connection for superficial cutaneous nerve damage to his toes and an acquired psychiatric disorder were both remanded due to incomplete medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner in the August 2015 examination did not address whether the Veteran's current condition was related to his military service, specifically the complaints of big toe pain during service. The Board found this opinion insufficient and thus remanded for an addendum opinion on this issue.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic back strain, superficial cutaneous nerve damage to the third and fourth toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 23, 2023
- Citation
- 23018161
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 23018161.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of TDIU was denied as there were no unadjudicated claims for TDIU prior to April 28, 2023. The current effective date is the earliest possible based on the schedular criteria.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for superficial cutaneous nerve damage to the third and fourth toe has been dismissed because he requested withdrawal of the appeal in a February 2024 statement.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a rating for thoracic back strain and TDIU. The Veteran's claim of increased rating for thoracic back strain remains pending, but his request to withdraw his appeal for TDIU is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for Vocational Rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code. The Board found that her employment is consistent with her abilities and interests, and she has overcome any impairment of employability caused by her service-connected conditions.
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