The Veteran's original claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability was denied in October 2001. The claim is now reopened due to new and material evidence received since the last final denial. However, the issue of right lumbar radiculopathy as secondary to a thoracolumbar spine disability remains pending until further development on this issue is completed.
The deciding factor: The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability. However, the issue of right lumbar radiculopathy as secondary to a thoracolumbar spine disability remains pending until further development on this issue is completed.
- Claimed conditions
- scoliosis, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19193371
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 19193371.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for residuals of a right knee meniscal tear to include degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's in-service injury led to his current condition.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased initial rating of 20 percent disabling for the Veteran's right shoulder, effective November 22, 2011.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination and medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claim for service connection for scoliosis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain, based on the Veteran's consistent account of having low back problems since service.
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