The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability and a 60 percent rating for favorable ankylosis of the right hip, while denying other increased ratings.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's use of a wheelchair due to widespread pain is consistent with the functional equivalent of ankylosis, warranting a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

Residuals, cerebrovascular accident, left thalamus lacunar infarction, Lumbar spine disability, Left shoulder disability, Right eyelid growth, Right hip limitation of extension (prior to August 31, 2021), Impairment of the right hip (prior to August 31, 2021), Right hip limitation of flexion (prior to August 31, 2021), Favorable ankylosis of the right hip (from August 31, 2021)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 5, 2025

Citation

A25010323

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