The veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, left ankle disability at 10 percent, and bronchial asthma at 30 percent. The veteran does not have a service connection for his right hip or knee disabilities. His initial rating for the thoracolumbar spine disability was denied, as were his requests for increased ratings for the left ankle and bronchial asthma.

The deciding factor: The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions

Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with severe limitation of motion and chronic neurologic manifestations of sensory deficit in the right and left lower extremities with no more than mild muscle weakness., Residuals of left ankle fracture with malleolus bony deformity, soft tissue swelling, mild mediolateral instability, and moderate limitation of motion., Current evaluation at 30 percent disabling due to FEV-1 of 60 percent or greater and an FEV-1/FVC of 63 percent or greater.

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

60%

Decision date

October 31, 2006

Citation

0633695

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 0633695.