The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing spina bifida occulta with related levoscoliosis and degenerative changes was not clearly and unmistakably not aggravated by service. The Board also found a nexus between the in-service symptoms and the current disability.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the evidence did not meet the clear-and-unmistakable-evidence standard to rebut the presumption of soundness, thus finding service connection for the lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- spina bifida occulta, levoscoliosis, degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 1, 2024
- Citation
- A24035416
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 A24035416.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left knee strain with degenerative changes, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and levoscoliosis has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his lumbar spine disability, right leg radiculopathy, and scars are being remanded due to procedural errors. The VA will need to correct these issues before the claims can be reconsidered.
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