The Board has granted service connection for thoracic scoliosis, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated by military service. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no competent evidence to support its occurrence within one year of separation from service or causation due to military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's thoracic scoliosis preexisted military service but was aggravated by it, while his degenerative arthritis did not have a clear link to military service.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic scoliosis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20036147
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 20036147.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating, compensable rating, and extension of temporary total evaluation for his lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing all claims in April 2022.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 23, 2024.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bowel and/or bladder disability, as well as other claims related to his spine and knee conditions, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate these matters.
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