The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for thoracic scoliosis was denied, but the RO granted service connection and assigned a 40% disability rating effective November 20, 2002.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on new evidence submitted after the claim was previously denied in 1974. The Veteran's thoracic scoliosis was found to have been aggravated by service and is now considered a result of his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1616054
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 1616054.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for thoracic scoliosis and denied service connection for a left ankle condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for atopic dermatitis, degenerative changes spine and thoracic scoliosis, and migraines due to duty-to-assist errors in prior VA medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete or conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability. The VA must obtain a new opinion addressing all diagnosed spine disabilities, their likely causes, and whether they are related to service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for thoracic scoliosis as new and material evidence was not presented, and the condition is considered to have pre-existed his service.
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