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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's mild scoliosis with musculoskeletal strain disability is manifested by range of motion of forward flexion to no less than 90 degrees and a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees, without muscle spasm or guarding; abnormal gait; or additional loss of function on repetition due to pain, weakness, fatigability, or lack of endurance. The Veteran's disability is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not document any muscle spasms, guarding, or an abnormal gait which would be required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

Claimed conditions
mild scoliosis with musculoskeletal strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
February 18, 2020
Citation
20012759

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 20012759.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

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.

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