AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00249
The medical basis for the separation was a back condition. A subsequent neurology follow-up note stated, ‘SM does not feel HA’s interfere significantly with duty, though acknowledges that he would be unable to use weapons if he should develop a significant HA with associated visual dysfunction.’ A month later a civilian consultant note stated, ‘Symptoms are now described as moderate to debilitating; when he is afflicted with the most severe symptoms he is incapacitated.’ Specifically, AR...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00250
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), determined unfit for continued Naval service, and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Naval and Department of Defense regulations. The CI had a previous Limited Duty (LIMDU) Board in October 2001 after a seven year history of low back pain. Therefore the CI’s back condition is rated using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00251
The medical basis for the separation was a back condition. The CI appealed the findings of the informal PEB, requesting additional disability for lower extremity neuropathies, the right shoulder condition and PTSD. In the matter of the migraine headache, cervical spondylosis, extremity neuropathies and all of the CI’s other medical conditions, the Board unanimously agrees that it cannot recommend a finding of unfit for additional rating at separation.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00252
The MEB psychiatrist did not believe the CI’s diagnosis to be PTSD, but a mood disorder associated with TBI. All evidence considered, there is not reasonable doubt in the CI’s favor supporting a higher rating, and the Board recommends 30% as a fair rating for the CI’s psychiatric disability at the time of separation. In the matter of the left knee condition and all of the CI’s other medical conditions, the Board does not recommend a finding of unfit for additional rating at separation.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00253
Pain rating: Bilateral knees - slight/constant. The PEB noted cervical range of motion limited by pain, with localized tenderness. X-rays showed normal spine.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00254
The Commander’s statement and the Behavioral Health screening exam do, however, document issues with somnolence and alertness which could be an unfitting impairment. This is therefore the Board’s recommendation in regards to this condition. Other Conditions .
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00255
SUMMARY OF CASE : This covered individual (CI) was a SSG Cavalry Scout medically separated from the Army in 2007 after over 7 years of service. The VA initially rated CI’s PTSD at 50%, and the 50% rating was reaffirmed on VA follow-up evaluation and rating. The MEB/NARSUM exam for PTSD and depression was independently rated IAW the VASRD; meeting criteria for at least a 30%, and more likely a 50% rating.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00256
The Board has no clinical information dated after the VA examination except the limited information on the AF Form 356. The Board’s only option is to rate the CI’s condition based on the findings of the VA examination from November 2006. The Board cannot consider any of the other conditions rated by the VA as none were mentioned in the available DES paperwork and all are therefore outside the scope of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00259
SUMMARY OF CASE : This covered individual (CI) was a junior officer medically separated from the Army in 2005, after 18 months of service, for a cervical condition. The VA rating examination was performed 2 months later (still prior to separation), and demonstrated normal ROM in all planes. In the matter of the cervical condition, although there was a significant disparity between the Army and VA examinations, it was concluded that, IAW VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the rating should be...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00260
The PEB of 20011212 PEB found the CI unfit at 10% for 5099-5003 Chronic pain, left ankle, right knee, and low back pain rated as slight/frequent. (MEBD DIAG 2 [right knee] and 3 [LBP] Not Unfitting) and the CI was separated at 10% disability for his chronic left ankle pain. With regard to the left ankle, the left ankle rated at the 10% (moderate) level using either the military or VA evaluation at the time of discharge.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00261
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), determined unfit for continued military service and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. Therefore, neither condition appears to have been unfitting at the time of separation from service. The Board also considered the condition of Renal Parenchymal Disease with Hypertension and unanimously determined that this...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00262
In the progress note dated 1 May 2008, the rheumatologist stated his fatigue, chronic back pain, non-restorative sleep pattern, and muscle skeletal pain suggests fibrositis but he didn’t meet the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia because he did not have 11/18 trigger points positive. Pain was rated 8.5/10. On 23 April 2010, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) took action in your case by accepting the recommendation of the PDBR that no change be made to the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00263
The PEB’s DA Form 199 dated 20050413 indicated “Asthma, with normal spirometry, on intermittent inhalational bronchodilator therapy.” The PEB specified “Medication profile shows no controller medication between March – April 2004 and 15 February 2005.” The PEB permanent separation rating was 6602 at 10%; and the VASRD 10% criteria contains the phrasing “intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.” There is therefore no evidence that the provisions of DoDI 1332.39 were applied. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00264
Low Back Pain . Exam of the lower extremities showed normal strength, sensation and reflexes bilaterally. In the matter of the painful back condition, the Board unanimously recommends a rating of 20% for Chronic Low Back Pain (coded 5241) IAW VASRD §4.71a.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00268
The medical basis for the separation was acute intermittent and chronic right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain with onset in 2004 following complications of a liver biopsy to stage chronic active Hepatitis C. The CI was referred to the PEB which recessed until hepatitis C therapy was completed. You have taken several medications for pain and nausea. The VA rated the Jan 07 exam as meeting the criteria for " near constant debilitating symptoms causing chronic fatigue, weight loss due to...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00269
His neck and shoulder pain and numbness and weakness in both upper extremities, right greater than left, continued and he was unable to work in his civilian job in the lumber mill after he was released from active duty in late November 2006. The Informal PEB determined in January 2008 that he was unfit for continued military service and he was then separated with a combined total of 20% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Air Force...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00270
This CI’s functional impairment at the time of separation warrants a 50% rating. Shoulder injury with left brachial plexus injury appears to have been unfitting at the time of separation. However, this condition was not unfitting at the time of separation and therefore no disability rating is applied.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00271
The medical basis for the separation was Myofascial Pain Syndrome w/Mid and Upper Back Pain. The Board also considered the condition of Left Shoulder Strain and unanimously determined this condition was not separately unfitting at the time of separation from service and therefore no disability rating is applied. The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, be corrected to show that the diagnosis in her finding of unfitness was myofascial pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00273
Despite the new symptoms and lowered GAF score as previously described in the final outpatient note, the documented MSE was completely normal. There is nothing stated in the record which suggests that the CI was under-employed on the basis of psychiatric impairment. The VA examiner described symptoms of hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response, but did not note the panic symptoms documented in the MEB note.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00274
All evidence considered and IAW VASRD §4.3, reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the CI in recommending a separation rating of 10% for the left knee condition (coded 5299-5257) plus a 10% rating for the right knee condition (coded 5259). The CI carried an H3 profile for his hearing impairment and H2 is required for the MOS, but there is no evidence that his prior performance was ever affected by the condition. In the matter of the bilateral knee conditions, the Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00275
Two left wrist range of motion measurements substantially agree with "dorsiflexion to volar flexion are of 3 to 5 degrees at the most" and active range of motion measurements of 20051215 using a goniometer demonstrated left wrist extension 0 to 1 degree, flexion 0 to 2degrees. (Range of Motion: All measurements are in degrees; first number is start of ROM; second number is when pain begins within the ROM; third number (if used) is the end of AROM; Reference range of normal ROM is in...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00276
The CI was determined to be unfit for PTSD which was rated for mild social and industrial impairment, and he was medically separated with a disability rating of 10%. It should also be noted that the CI remained employed at the time of his re-evaluation by the VA 16 months after separation. Right ankle and right shoulder conditions were rated by the VA at separation, but the Board does not have the authority under DoDI 6040.44 to render fitness or rating recommendations for any conditions...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00278
The PEB found the seizure disorder to be unfitting, code 8910, and recommended separation from the TDRL with a 10% permanent rating. Seizure disorder891040%10% COMBINED40%10% ______________________________________________________________________________ I have reviewed the subject case pursuant to reference (a) and, for the reasons set forth in reference (b), approve the recommendation of the Physical Disability Board of Review Mr. XXXXXX’s records not be corrected to reflect a change in...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00279
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00281
The VA rated it using the code for ankle, limited range-of-motion (ROM) and rated the nerve condition separately as well. The Left Sural Nerve Neuralgia was not documented prior to second surgery (tendon repair) and the CI was not referred to the PEB until after he had left foot pain in addition to his left ankle pain. The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating XXXXXXXXXX be corrected to show that the diagnoses in his finding of unfitness were Chronic Left...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00293
The informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated the mood disorder (major depression, without psychotic features) due to multiple medical conditions as the single unfitting condition, rated 10%; with application of the SECNAVINST 1850.4E and DoDI 1332.39. The Veterans’ Affairs (VA), however, can rate and compensate all service connected conditions without regard to their impact on performance of military duties, including conditions developing after separation that are direct complications of a service...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00294
CI was placed on the TDRL on 20051031 and had her first TDRL periodic evaluation in June 2007. Using an evaluation completed 20050824 near the time the CI entered the TDRL, the Veterans Administration (VA) rated this disability as 5299-5214 Right Wrist with Grade II Lunotriquetral Ligament Insufficiency status post Arthroscopic Debridement and Pinning at 30% based on decreased ROM, significant pain with ROM, and significant weakness with motor strength recorded as 3/5. This rating was done...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00319
The pain clinic notes documented thoracolumbar flexion limited to 85 degrees with pain at 75 degrees and extension limited to 25 degrees with pain at 15 degrees. I concur with that finding, accept their recommendation and direct that your records be corrected as set forth in the attached copy of a Memorandum for the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force. The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relatingXXXXXXXXXX be corrected to show that the diagnosis in his...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00322
Appropriate therapy failed to alleviate his symptoms and he was referred to the Air Force Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). The CI did have pain radiating down the right lower extremity to the foot and had some decreased sensation documented by both the VA examiner and the Air Force Physiatrist. Service Treatment Record.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00328
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit only for the one condition, determined unfit for continued military service and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. This finding is therefore not included when determining the rating at the time of separation form service. At the time of separation from service the CI was on Synthroid and had symptoms...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00349
The Informal PEB determined he was unfit for continued military service and he was then separated with a 20% disability for 5295 Chronic back and leg pain, postoperative, right greater than left using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. These paresthesias, pain, and severe limitations are unfitting and should be rated in addition to rating the back pain. The Board felt his radiculopathy should be...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00350
The Informal PEB determined he was unfit for continued military service and he was then separated with a 20% disability for 5241 Status Post L5 Laminectomy Anterior Disc Space Fusion and Pedicle Screw Fixation with Chronic Pain in Thoracolumbar Spine using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. ServiceVAPEB ConditionCode Status Post L5 Laminectomy Anterior Disk Space Fusion And Pedicle Screw Fixation With...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00352
However, upon reconsideration with further evidence from the Senior Medical Board Orthopedic Surgeon the PEB determined the CI was unfit and he was then separated with a 10% disability for 5299-5003 Medial Meniscus Transplant using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. The VA does not seem to understand this procedure as well due the fact the VA rates my right knee as an ACL replacement, meniscal repair...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00353
The PEB evaluated his right shoulder and right elbow, determined he was unfit for continued naval service secondary to his right shoulder condition, and he was separated with a 10% disability rating using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. The informal PEB then determined he was unfit for continued naval service secondary to his right shoulder condition and he was separated with a 10% disability. The...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00361
The Air Force PEB rated the CI’s right hand pain analogous to 5215 Limitation of Motion of the Wrist and assigned a 10% rating for painful motion in accordance with VASRD paragraph 4.59. However, the CI did have painful motion of the right wrist as a result of her metacarpal fractures and a 10% rating under 5299-5215 is warranted. The 20% rating for Chronic Low Back Pain is based on the presence of a documented abnormal spinal contour on the NARSUM examination in addition to limited ROM...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00363
If the CI had separated after the current TBI rating criteria was in effect, he would have rated at 40% if his cognitive impairment was considered mild (level 2) or 70% if his cognitive impairment was considered moderate (level 3). After careful consideration of all available information, the Board concluded by simple majority that the CI’s condition is appropriately rated at a combined 40% with 30% for 8045-9304 Traumatic Brain Injury with Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment, 10% for...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00364
Condition 3 : Other Conditions After careful consideration of all available information, the Board unanimously concluded that the CI’s condition is appropriately rated at a combined 20% for right and left knee osteoarthritis and no recharacterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination is warranted. The Air Force PEB rated under VASRD 5003 and the Board finds this code and rating is appropriate.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00367
The CI was referred to the PEB, found unfit for the Lower Back condition, determined unfit for continued military service and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Naval and Department of Defense regulations. Condition 1 : Low Back Pain At a later examination done after the new VASRD rating criteria based on ROM were in effect, the VA documented a more limited ROM along with sensory deficits in bilateral lower extremities.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00368
His right hand injury included an open comminuted fracture of his second metacarpal, and a severed flexor tendon of his thumb. The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows and that the discharge with severance pay be re-characterized to reflect permanent disability retirement, effective as of the date of his prior medical separation. Exhibit C. Department of Veterans' Affairs Treatment Record.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00376
With initiation of insulin treatment, the CI's blood sugar levels were 90's to 160's with no episodes of hypoglycemia, as per medical record documentation immediately prior to placement on TDRL. The Board also considered the condition of Bilateral Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy at the CI’s request. When determining the final and permanent disability rating, the Board must evaluate the CI’s condition at the time of separation from the TDRL in 2008.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00377
After the second periodic TDRL Re-Evaluation, the CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), determined unfit for the condition, and separated at 0% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Naval and Department of Defense regulations. The military disability rating must be determined by the CI’s condition at the time of separation from the TDRL and her condition at that time warrants a 10% rating. Only conditions the CI was...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00383
Despite normal tests, the CI continued to have symptoms and the Cardiologist opined his chest pain and palpitations were not cardiac conditions. The CI’s symptoms of chest pain and palpitations did not result from a cardiac condition. No VASRD code for non-cardiac chest pain and palpitations exists and the CI’s disability must be rated analogously.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00385
Anagrelide (Agrylin) is used to decrease the number of platelets (a type of blood cell that is needed to control bleeding) in the blood of patients who have a myeloproliferative disorder (condition in which the body makes too many of one or more types of blood cells) such as Essential Thrombocythemia (also called Essential Thrombocytosis; condition in which the body makes too many platelets) or Polycythemia Vera (condition in which the body makes too many red blood cells and sometimes too...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00387
After his first TDRL periodic evaluation he was separated with a 20% disability rating for 7913 Diabetes Mellitus using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. On Sept. 25, 2007, the PEB decreased my Diabetes rating to 20%, and I was separated with Severance Pay from the TDRL (ref. The 20% rating is appropriate because the CI’s type I diabetes mellitus required insulin and a restricted diet at the time of...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00390
He was referred to the Air Force Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and the Informal PEB determined he was unfit for continued military service. His overall condition is therefore considered to be moderate at the time of separation from service. The other conditions rated by the VA were not evaluated as part of the DES process and could not be considered by the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00394
The CI requested reconsideration and the Informal PEB then determined he was unfit for continued Naval service and he was separated with 10% disability for bilateral hip dysplasia with the following related (Category II) conditions: mild chondromalacia patella in the left knee; polyarthralgias; osteoarthritis of the knees bilaterally with specifically chondral degeneration of the patellofemoral joint; and severe chondromalacia patella and bipolar lesions in the right knee with instability...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00398
After re-evaluation in August 2007, a third Informal PEB followed by a Formal PEB (Nov 2007) determined the CI should be separated at 20% disability for Type 1 Diabetes using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. The VA also rated the CI’s diabetes at 20% after an evaluation in 2004 and documented out that regulation of activities as defined by the VASRD was not required. There is no evidence that any...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00401
The multiple diagnoses do not impact the rating as all psychiatric symptoms are considered in the CI’s overall mental impairment, and are rated IAW §4.130. The CI’s pre-TDRL functioning is described in three psychiatric evaluations at 15, 13, and 3 months prior to TDRL entry. The TDRL narrative summary (NARSUM), three months prior to exit from TDRL (21 months after TDRL entry) noted the CI’s response to treatment had been characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00403
The VA rated his shoulder as a separate condition as described below. Right Shoulder Pain/Impingement: The VA examination on 20081105 documented Pain to palpation of the right shoulder, painful motion of right shoulder, and crepitation in right shoulder.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00406
At his MEB physical exam on 12 January 2004, the CI complained of dizziness and headaches after physical training. As noted above, the Navy PEB found him unfit due to heatstroke, and he was separated with a disability rating of 10%. I have reviewed the subject case pursuant to reference (a) and, for the reasons set forth in reference (b), approve the recommendation of the Physical Disability Board of Review XXXXX records not be corrected to reflect a change in either his characterization...