The Veteran's appeal seeking revision of the September 15, 2014 rating decision that denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is dismissed.
The deciding factor: The AOJ did not address the Veteran's CUE claim in the October 2020 rating decision on appeal, which must be adjudicated by the AOJ in the first instance.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine condition
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2026
- Citation
- A26028499
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 A26028499.
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A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot.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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions on etiology and a duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, right knee condition, right shoulder condition, and thoracolumbar spine condition are all granted as service-connected.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an error in providing notice of a pre-decisional hearing, and the Veteran is entitled to such a hearing before the AOJ.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a thoracolumbar spine condition, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and have persisted since.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.