The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for kyphosis, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent were not met as the Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was measured at worst 50 degrees estimated for flare-ups, and he did not have ankylosis of the spine or neurological abnormalities.
- Claimed conditions
- kyphosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25092165
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 882 · Granted: 35% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A25092165.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for kyphosis and degenerative disc disease, as well as cervical strain with IVDS. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions had their onset in or were caused by service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for kyphosis, left shoulder impairment, and sleep impairment. The Veteran's representative and any other interested parties must be contacted to determine if they still wish to pursue these claims. They should also provide lay statements from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of any in-service left shoulder injury. Additionally, a VA Form 21-8940 with instructions for completion should be provided to the Veteran to determine eligibility for TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with prior remand directives and insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a back condition. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records, undergo a VA examination, and receive an opinion on whether his preexisting scoliosis and kyphosis worsened during service or are otherwise related to active-duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis and kyphosis were not aggravated during his period of active duty service, but further examination is needed to determine if any other current back disability had its onset or is otherwise related to his military service.
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