The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his thoracic spine disorder was denied. The RO increased the evaluation from 10 percent to 20 percent effective April 4, 2012.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that beginning on April 4, 2012, the Veteran's thoracic spine disorder did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent due to lack of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- levoscoliosis of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1309284
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 1309284.
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 Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a thoracolumbar spine disability as there is insufficient evidence of functional impairment with repetitive use over time. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, levoscoliosis, is granted a 20 percent rating. The condition more nearly approximated muscle spasm severe enough to result in abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination reports, and further development is required.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's thoracic spine disability has worsened since his last VA examination, and a new examination is needed to assess the current severity of the condition. The examiner should also identify any associated neurologic impairments due to the thoracic spine disability.
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