The Veteran's initial higher ratings for scoliosis and low back disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for scoliosis prior to September 26, 2003, or in excess of 50 percent from September 26, 2003.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability was found not to meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and little intermittent relief. The evidence also showed that his scoliosis did not cause ankylosis of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- scoliosis, low back disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2012
- Citation
- 1242855
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 1242855.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that remand is needed for the Veteran's claims due to duty to assist errors, including clarification of periods of service and obtaining relevant records. The Veteran will be afforded new medical examinations for each claimed disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims of right shoulder disability and low back disability due to insufficient evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability was granted with an effective date of January 9, 2018. The Board accepted her November 21, 2019 VA Form 20-0996 as a valid opt-in of the April 2019 SOC into the modernized review system.
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