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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1309284.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination reports, and further development is required.
- 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.
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.