The Veteran's spinal disability, characterized as Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any additional loss of motion or functioning after flare-ups, repetitive testing, or weight bearing that would warrant a higher rating for the Veteran's spinal disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21041143
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 21041143.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has restored a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's Scheuermann's disease of the thoracolumbar spine, effective January 22, 2018. The claims for higher ratings for the thoracolumbar spine and left knee disabilities are remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders, including as secondary to a service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and his claimed bilateral shoulder disorder. The VA will also schedule examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.