The claim for service connection for spondylolysis and Scheuermann’s disease has been reopened, but the issue of whether these conditions clearly and unmistakably preexisted active duty service remains unresolved. The case is being remanded to obtain an opinion from a VA examiner on this matter.
The deciding factor: The claim was previously denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition existed prior to service or was aggravated by it, but new evidence has been submitted suggesting these conditions may have preexisted service.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolysis, Scheuermann's Disease
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 7, 2019
- Citation
- 19116298
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 19116298.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination and additional evidence development to determine if there is a nexus between any lower back disability and the Veteran's active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claim to obtain a VA medical opinion that fully complies with previous directives, specifically addressing whether the Veteran's functional loss is consistent with ankylosis or its functional equivalent.
- Denied
Service connection for sleep apnea was denied because the evidence did not show a relationship to service. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for spondylolysis was also denied.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's low back strain with spondylolysis, finding that the medical evidence did not support a higher rating based on forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.
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