The Board has restored a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine, effective January 22, 2018. The claims for higher ratings for the thoracolumbar spine and left knee disabilities are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the current examinations were inadequate due to lack of observation during a flare-up, and thus new VA examinations are needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar and left knee disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine, residuals of a left torn anterior attachment of the medial meniscus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18114088
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 18114088.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's spinal disability, characterized as Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine and residuals of a left torn anterior attachment of the medial meniscus are being remanded due to the need for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders, including as secondary to a service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and his claimed bilateral shoulder disorder. The VA will also schedule examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.
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