The appeal of the proposed rating reduction for degenerative arthritis, thoracic spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, from 20 to 10 percent was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.
The deciding factor: The October 2021 rating decision proposing a reduction in rating did not constitute an adjudicative determination and the Veteran's appeal was premature.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis, thoracic spine with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25058649
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a neck injury, including degenerative arthritis, IVDS, spinal stenosis, and history of spinal fusion, based on the evidence showing chronicity since service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 25, 2025 for the award of service connection for degenerative disc disease thoracolumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and levoscoliosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for a back condition to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining an appropriate medical examination and associated opinion.
- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for a back disability based on new and relevant evidence, but remanded the issue for further development.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.