AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00409
CI CONTENTION : The CI states: ‘The Navy only rated me at 10%, where a few months later the VA rated me at 60%. After careful consideration of all available information the Board unanimously determined that the CI’s back condition is appropriately rated as 5243 Mechanical Low Back Pain with Degenerative Disk Disease and Sacroiliac Dysfunction at 10% disability IAW the VASRD General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board also considered Migraine Headaches,...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00410
The initial pre-separation VA exam did not document any evidence of radiculopathy but multiple progress notes document sensory radiculopathy and radiating pain both before and after the time of this exam. The CI has multiple symptoms in each of the symptom groupings of PTSD: re-experiencing, avoidance, and increased arousal. This evaluation reported continuing recurrent PTSD symptoms and depression.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00411
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit only for the Low Back Pain 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. The Board also considered the condition of Sciatica and unanimously determined that as the CI only had radiating pain and no motor or sensory deficits, no rating may be applied. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00419
The CI had symptoms of myelopathy in all four extremities. At this time the CI had symptoms of right upper extremity radiculopathy. The diagnoses in his finding of unfitness were cervical spondylotic myelopathy status post spinal fusion C3-6, rather than cervical spondylosis status post spinal fusion, VASRD code 5241, rated at 20%; right (dominant) upper extremity motor and sensory radiculopathy associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy status post spinal fusion C3-6, VASRD code...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00420
The CI, found unfit only for the PTSD condition, was 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. The CI completed his deployment and on return to the States had increasing symptoms of TBI including headaches, cognitive defects and a diagnosis of PTSD. Regarding TBI as a possible new unfitting condition: As noted in the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00423
She was issued a permanent Limited Duty (LIMDU) and underwent a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) in early 2004 which referred the conditions of fibromyalgia, status post breast reduction, depression, and asthma to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) where the CI was found fit for duty. Fibromyalgia Condition . The Board notes that the VA did service-connect the CI’s PTSD and rated it 10% connoting mild or transient symptoms or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00425
CI CONTENTION : The CI states: ‘I was separated for Cluster Headaches in a 10% rating from the PEB. It clearly stated the headaches should be considered prostrating and that when the CI was cycling, he would have two headaches a night on average. A VA neurology consult of 20050722 (seven months after separation) stated the CI had been unemployed since leaving the Air Force.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00427
The CI was therefore medically separated with a 10% disability rating. Asthma Condition . Given the consistent record of the CI’s being prescribed and using daily medication, the CI meets the 30% criteria of “daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication.” All evidence considered, the Board recommends coding 6602 at 30% as the fair, permanent separation rating for Asthma in this case.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00429
Examinations from May 2005 by a civilian neurologist show difficulty with right foot dorsiflexion, a lot of pain laterally on the leg from the knee down, especially on the foot with any tactile stimuli or with movement. The VA rated the CI’s disability under a peripheral neuropathy code but included the functional motor loss and therefore was not limited to rating the disability at the moderate level. The CI had motor weakness most likely due to pain documented on multiple examinations as...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00430
The PEB determined he was unfit for continued military service and he was then separated with a 10% disability for Anxiety Disorder using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Coast Guard and Department of Defense regulations. The psychiatrist recommended the CI was not psychiatrically fit for sea duty in the USCG, based on a combination of moderately severe psychiatric disorders. Four conditions had been evaluated by two previous PEBs which both...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00431
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for the 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. While chronic vertigo with associated ataxia was the condition for which the CI was initially placed on TDRL, further diagnostic work-up revealed that her symptoms were due to chronic B12...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00432
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E-4 (SK3, Storekeeper) medically separated from the Navy in 2001. Knee Condition . The Board must apply separate codes and ratings for each joint in its recommendation, since compensable ratings for each knee condition are achieved IAW VASRD §4.71a.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00437
CI requested increased rating for RSD left lower extremity and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The member further contends her Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) of the left lower extremity is best rated at Severe, 30% under VASRD Code 8799-8721; to add bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome under VASRD Code 8799-8712, best characterized as Mild as a Category I Unfitting Condition with a disability rating of 10%; and to place Capt B--- on the Temporary Disability Retired List with a combined...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00439
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), determined unfit for the Low Back Pain condition, and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Air Force and Department of Defense regulations. There is evidence of mild disc space narrowing at L5-S1 with evidence of disc desiccation. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00448
If she did not have back pain, she would not have been unfit for duty. No evidence these were unfitting at the time of separation. The CI was under treatment for this condition from March 2004 through May 2005 (with LCSW, therapy but no medications) and during this time was able to perform all of her required duties except those limited by back pain.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00449
The PDBR utilizes the VASRD to determine the appropriate disability ratings for conditions that are unfitting for continued military service at the time of separation. Conditions that are not unfitting at the time of separation are not rated. The Board considered the conditions of Scar, Asthma, and Major Depressive Disorder and unanimously determined that none of these conditions were unfitting at the time of separation from service.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00459
After the surgery she gradually improved but still had persistent recurrent flare-ups of severe spasm and pain of the left upper back, left posterior neck that radiated to her left occiput and down her left arm. The Board considered the following conditions and unanimously concluded that none should be considered unfitting: Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy; Lumbosacral Spine, Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease; S/P Hysterectomy; S/P Cholecystectomy; Postoperative Scar, Anterior Cervical...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00466
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for the condition determined unfit for continued military service and separated at 20% combined disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Air Force and Department of Defense regulations. In April 2006 an Informal PEB (IPEB) determined he was unfit with a 10% rating for 5399-5304 Left Shoulder Pain; Status-post Acromioplasty. The VA exam was completed as part of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00467
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 Air Force and Department of Defense regulations. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board. The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating XXXXXXXXXX be corrected to show that the diagnoses in her...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00469
Right Foot Condition ) The VA rating also included a 10% rating for the scars on her left foot. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; TDRL at 50% for 12 months immediately following the CI’s prior medical separation (Prestabilization rating of 50% for Unhealed or incompletely healed wounds or injuries--Material impairment of employability likely as required by VASRD (2002) §4.28) and then a permanent combined 30% disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00470
The principle of rating all mental health symptoms under the predominate diagnosis is endorsed and there is no evidence in the record that CI's impairment due to different diagnoses can be specifically separated. The LCSW noted a decrease in panic attacks to 1x/week, and the VA noted that the CI had self-discontinued medications as not helping and making him feel worse and noted impaired interpersonal interactions. The Board determined that at the time of separation, the CI's clinical...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00474
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for continued military service, and separated with a 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Air Force and Department of Defense regulations. Condition 1: Ulcerative Colitis It recommended separation from service with a rating of 10% for 7323 Ulcerative Colitis.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00478
The 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 connected condition. In the matter of the painful left ankle condition (sinus tarsi syndrome), the Board unanimously recommends a rating of 20% coded 5262 IAW VASRD §4.71a. Service Treatment Record.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00480
He was on two periods of limited duty for his right shoulder and he was then referred to the Navy Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). Other conditions rated by the VA (left knee, right knee and Anxiety Disorder) as well as heart condition and right wrist not rated by the VA appear to be what the CI is contending for in addition to re-rating his right shoulder. Service Treatment Record.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00481
All evidence considered, the Board unanimously recommends a rating of 20% for the chronic, painful left foot and ankle condition. Other PEB Conditions . Mr. XXXX’s records not be corrected to reflect a change in either his characterization of separation or in the disability rating previously assigned by the Department of the Navy’s Physical Evaluation Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00482
The VA rating decision of 22 August 2005, two months post-separation, service connected the PTSD condition, code 9411, with a 50% rating. Service Treatment Record. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00484
PTSD Rating Recommendation . In the matter of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Generalized Anxiety Disorder condition, the Board unanimously recommends an initial TDRL rating of 50% in retroactive compliance with VASRD §4.129 as DoD directed; and a 30% permanent rating at 6 months IAW VASRD §4.130. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; TDRL at 50% for 6 months following CI’s prior medical separation (PTSD at minimum of 50%...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00487
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for the Superficial Peroneal Nerve condition, determined unfit for continued naval service and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. She was on limited duty (LIMDU) for six months and received physical therapy but she continued to have pain rated at 5/10 and wore a brace. The Board also considered the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00490
The Navy PEB adjudicated the lumbar radiculopathy condition (pain radiating to the right leg without motor impairment and with minimal sensory impairment) as unfitting, while finding the underlying intervertebral disc disease with associated painful motion of the back to be not unfitting. The Board does not have the authority under DoDI 6040.44 to render fitness or rating recommendations for any conditions not considered by the DES. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00491
The Informal PEB determined she was unfit for continued Naval service and she was then separated with a 10% disability for Dystonia using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Service and Department of Defense regulations. Because my playing problem was NOT diagnosed correctly (musician's dystonia), I continued to blame myself for my inability to play the flute. The Navy PEB that determined the CI was unfit secondary to dystonia, did not address the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00492
PTSD was determined to be medically unacceptable and the CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for continued naval service and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. (Continued) While on active duty I had struggled with these two tours. The Board also considered the condition of sensorineural hearing loss and unanimously determined that this...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00493
The PEB’s 5025 code is consistent with the rheumatologist’s diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and the 10% rating reflects the PEB’s judgment that the CI’s symptoms required continuous medication. Other PEB Conditions . However, the IBS symptoms are subsumed by the fibromyalgia rating above, and indeed are necessary to support the recommended rating for fibromyalgia.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00494
MCTD can affect multiple organ systems and the CI manifested fatigue, sclerodermatous skin changes of the face, forearms, and hands, Raynaud’s phenomenon, muscle fatigue with use, difficulty swallowing due to esophageal dysmotility with gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal stricture, and shortness of breath on exertion that was initially thought to be due to interstitial lung disease, a manifestation affecting some patients with MCTD. There are VASRD rating criteria for several of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00495
The psychiatric diagnosis (PTSD) was the only condition considered by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). In February 2007, following separation from service, the PTSD was rated by the VA at 70% disability. In determining the CI’s permanent PTSD rating, the Board carefully considered the results of these two Mental Health assessments, as well as the other evidence.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00496
The CI was referred to the PEB, determined unfit for the condition, and separated at 20% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy, Marine Corps and Department of Defense regulations. Flex0-90105 (90)6090Ext0-30NE35 (30)30R Lat flex0-30252530L lat flex0-30302530R rotation0-3060 (30)40 (30)30L rotation0-3060 (30)40 (30)30COMBINED240200-235200240Notes:DTR’s equal; All Waddells negative; no mention of neurologic examNeurologically...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00497
He was separated with a 10% disability rating determined by the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Naval and Department of Defense regulations. The VA diagnoses included: Focal atrophy of the vastus medialis muscle, minimal; right femur fracture requiring open reduction internal fixation, retrograde insertion of rod; anesthesia of strip below the knee medial aspect from the medial knee to the medial ankle, approximately two inches wide, decreased pin...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00498
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for the condition, and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Naval and Department of Defense regulations. Surgery 2: 20040209 revision SLAP repair However, at the time of separation from service in 2005 the condition warrants a 10% rating as was applied by both the Navy and the VA.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00500
Right Shoulder Condition . Other PEB Conditions . In the matter of the right shoulder condition, the Board unanimously recommends a rating of 20% (coded 5303-5201) IAW VASRD §4.73 and §4.71a.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00501
The CI accepted the PEB findings, and was medically separated with a 10% disability rating. Exhibit C. Department of Veterans' Affairs Treatment Record. 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. XXXX’s records not be corrected to reflect a change in either his characterization of separation or in the disability rating previously assigned by the...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00502
CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), found unfit for continued naval service and separated at 0% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. In both knees, flexion was limited by 5 degrees by pain and extension was limited by 15 degrees by pain on both active and passive motion. The first and only documentation of any significant ROM impairment was at the VA rating examination...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00503
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 Navy and Department of Defense regulations. Despite this treatment he continued to note activity limiting pain and instability in his right ankle. Exhibit C. Department of Veterans' Affairs Treatment Record.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00505
CI CONTENTION : The CI states: “I have been rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs at 30% for post-operative residuals of ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] tear, left knee in which the Air Force only granted me a rating of 20%. Other PEB Conditions . I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00508
The Board considered the VA’s initial neck pain rating under the 5290 code (limitation of cervical spine motion). Headache Condition . In the matter of the “chronic headaches secondary to cervical spasm,” the Board unanimously recommends that the headache and cervical spine conditions be separately adjudicated as follows: an unfitting cervical spine condition coded 5290 and rated 20% IAW VASRD §4.71a; and an unfitting headache condition coded 8199-8100 and rated 0% IAW VASRD §4.124a.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00510
The CI was referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), determined unfit for the Left Shoulder Pain condition, and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy and Department of Defense regulations. The Board also considered the CI’s Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome and unanimously determined that this condition was not unfitting at the time of separation from service and therefore no rating is applied. Exhibit C....
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00514
Approximately one month after the CI separated from service he had surgery (20050518) to correct his ACL tear and lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. No evidence this condition was unfitting at the time of separation from service. After careful consideration of all available records the Board unanimously determined that the CI’s right knee condition is most appropriately rated at a combined 20% with 10% for 5259 Right Knee Medial and Lateral Meniscal Tear, s/p Repair of Medial...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00516
The CI was referred to the PEB, determined unfit for the Lumbago condition, and separated at 10% disability using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Ratings Disabilities (VASRD) and applicable Navy/Marine Corps and Department of Defense regulations. The Board also considered Tinnitus and unanimously determined that this condition was not unfitting at the time of separation from service and therefore no rating is applied. Exhibit C. Department of Veterans' Affairs Treatment Record.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00517
After careful consideration of all available information the Board unanimously determined that the CI’s condition is most appropriately rated as Recalcitrant Ankle Pain Left with a 10% disability rating. The Navy PEB rated 10% under VASRD code 5299-5003 and the VA rated 10% under 5299-5273. He did show improvement after surgery but continued to have pain and lack of endurance after surgery and was not able to return to full duty.
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00520
The CI did not appeal the case, and was thus medically separated with a 10% combined disability rating. The Board considered any additional lower extremity disability contributed from bilateral pes planus and healed stress fracture of the right tibia in rating the CI’s unfitting shin splint conditions. In the matter of the bilateral shin splints condition, the Board unanimously recommends that each leg be separately adjudicated as follows: an unfitting right shin splint condition, coded...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00525
CI CONTENTION : The CI states: ‘VA rated disability at 40% Service connection on May 28, 1997 and considered me unemployable on 4-22-04 for the back condition military discharged me with at 10%. Follow-up for back pain. The frequency and severity of the CI’s back pain and radicular pain increased significantly during his time on TDRL and this was consistent with the increasing severity of degenerative disc disease and herniated discs with impingement on the right S1 nerve root documented...
AF | PDBR | CY2009 | PD2009-00528
The CI’s bilateral hip degenerative joint disease resulted in limited range of motion of each hip joint at a level that did not meet the minimum compensable level. The Board also considered the condition of Asthma/Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Bilateral Hearing Loss and unanimously determined that these conditions were not unfitting at the time of separation from service and therefore no disability rating can be applied to either condition. Exhibit C. Department of Veterans' Affairs...