The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any back disability, including scoliosis. The examiner will need to consider whether the Veteran's scoliosis is a congenital defect or disease, and if it was aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The previous VA examination was inadequate as it did not provide sufficient rationale for its opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disability and his military service.
- 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 9, 2018
- Citation
- 18149253
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18149253.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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.
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