The Board finds that the Veteran's scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine is service-connected, as it was not shown to be congenital and first manifested during active service. The Board also finds that the Veteran's IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected scoliosis.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence suggesting that the Veteran's scoliosis preexisted service and could not comment on whether it increased in severity during service. The examiner concluded that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disability (other than scoliosis) was due to 'age appropriate' changes, and less likely caused by or aggravated by his service-connected scoliosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine, IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1724898
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 1724898.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations of his service-connected low back and related lower extremity radiculopathy disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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.