The Board found that the Veteran's scoliosis of the thoracic spine is a congenital defect and not a disease or injury. The preexisting condition was not aggravated during service, so service connection cannot be granted.
The deciding factor: The congenital nature of the scoliosis prevented its consideration for service connection as it does not meet the definition of a disability under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- scoliosis of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1547972
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1547972.
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: Granted
The Veteran's pre-existing scoliosis disability was aggravated during service, and the Board has granted her claim for service connection based on aggravation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability, including whether his scoliosis is a congenital defect or disease. The case is being remanded for further examination and review.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's thoracic spine disability has resulted in painful limitation of motion but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected scoliosis of the thoracic spine.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's scoliosis of the thoracic spine and adjustment disorder with chronic depressive mood are granted service connection due to aggravation by a service-connected back disability. Headaches are remanded for further evaluation.
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.