The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back injury with scoliosis and degenerative changes of thoracic spine from March 15, 2009 to December 17, 2019. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for hiatal hernia is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back injury with scoliosis and degenerative changes of thoracic spine was found to be manifested by pain and stiffness, with forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less. The Board determined that the Veteran’s condition more closely approximated limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- low back injury with scoliosis and degenerative changes of thoracic spine, hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2021
- Citation
- 21022282
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 21022282.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate development of her exposure history and lack of adequate medical opinions. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of March 15, 2017.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial disability rating for migraine headaches has been granted at 50 percent. The issue of service connection for hiatal hernia and esophagitis, related to PTSD, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective March 12, 2021.
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