AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00792
Thoracic Back Pain Condition . The Board deliberated the rating of the thoracic BP condition and is required to provide a rating recommendation based on the VASRD rating guidelines in effect at the time of the CI’s date of separation and the Board did so.The Board considered the evidence, at the time of separation, supported the CI having localized thoracic BP with normal ROM, muscle strength, sensation and reflexes. I direct that all the Department of the Army records of the individual...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00793
The physical examination demonstrated mild decrease in knee flexion bilaterally without evidence of swelling, instability or tenderness to palpation.At the C&P general examinationperformed approximately 2 months prior toseparation; the CI reported a history of bilateral knee pain subsequent to her April 2000 injury. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00801
SEPARATION DATE: 20040223 The examiner stated, “[the condition] has had no effect on his current occupation as a full-time student.”The pulmonary function test (PFT) evaluations in evidence which the Board weighed in arriving at its rating recommendation, with documentation of additional ratable criteria, are summarized below. I direct that all the Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected accordingly no later than 120 days from the date of this memorandum.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00807
The Board agreed the TDRL rating recommendation would be based from the MEB evidence and the post-TDRL recommendation would be based from the VA evidence. The Board agreed the TDRL rating recommendation would be based from the MEB evidence and the permanent rating recommendation would be based from the VA evidence. In the matter of the left femur fracture condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10% at the time of TDRL placement and at permanent separation coded...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00808
The MEB forwarded chronic back pain and chronic neck pain as medically unacceptablefor Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudication IAW AR 40-501.The PEB adjudicated the “chronic pain, neck and LBP, without neurologic abnormality” as unfitting, rated together as 10% with application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. In the matter of the “unbundled” chronic neck pain condition, the Board unanimously agrees it was not separately unfitting and that it cannot...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00812
The PEB combined the bilateral knee condition as a single unfitting condition, coded analogouslyto5003andratedat10%. TheBoard mustapplyseparate codes andratingsinits recommendations if compensable ratings for each condition are achieved IAW applicable VASRDsections. TheBoardnotedtheclinicexaminationof2007,5 years after separation, recorded full ROM bilaterally, a normal gait and no evidence of instability.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00818
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army CASE NUMBER: PD1200818SEPARATION DATE: 20031021 At the C&P exam the CI had a normal gait and posture.The CI reported pain and stiffness standing and walking for more than thirty minutes but was employed in a retail store.The Board considered if the CI’s chronic right foot pain met the 10% rating of either 5022 or 5276 IAW VASRD §4.71a and concluded that it did not. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00835
The MEB forwarded no other conditions for Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudication.The PEB combined the two MEB conditions and adjudicated chronic pain, right ankle and low back, rated as minimal/frequent, as unfitting, rated 0%,with application of the Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) and theUS Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated witha 0% disability rating. The VA rated chronic lower back pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00839
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active dutyEM3(E4/Electrician’s Mate),medically separated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Having suffered full thickness burns to his upper body, the CI was referred for a mental health evaluation, and was diagnosed with PTSD.When his PTSD could not be adequately rehabilitatedto meet the requirements of hisrating, he was referred for a Medical Evaluation Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00841
After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 30% for the panic disorder with agoraphobia and associated depression condition. Under the authority of Title 10, United States Code, section 1554(a), I approve the enclosed recommendation of the Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) pertaining to the individual named in the subject line above to recharacterize the...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00843
The veteran is planning on attending school full-time. Later that month the CI was hospitalized and medicated for increased suicide ideations.Just 4 months later, in January 2007 (2 months after separation), the only C&P PTSD exam available for Board review, documented the CI’s “affective state is that of an individual who experiences anxiety, depression, irritability and fluctuating ego states.” The examiner rendered a GAF of 55 or moderate impairment. Consequently, both MEB and VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00856
The PEB recommended severance with a 10% disability rating for the asthma condition; however, the USAPDA reviewed the PEB findings and determined that the CI should be placed on TDRL with the asthma condition rated at 30% for the use of oral steroids. The VA performed a C&P examination 2 years prior to permanent separation which noted that the CI used an inhaler three to four times a day. At the time of TDRL exit, the PEB, reviewing the above evidence, determined that the CI was on...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00861
RATING COMPARISON : Army PEB – dated 20020123VA* – (4 yearsPost-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Symptomatic Palpitations7099-70100%W-P-W Syndrome70100%20060915HypertensionNot UnfittingHypertension710110%20060915DeconditioningNot UnfittingNo VA Entry20060915No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x 620060915 Combined: 0%Combined: 10% * Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060929(the original VARD was not in evidence) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00868
Left Knee Pain . BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.In the matter of the left knee pain, and IAW VASRD §4.40, §4.45 and §4.71a; the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00881
5299-5295Chronic Low Back Pain, Myofascial5010-529220%20030203 An urgent care treatment note dated 21 September 2001 (6 months prior to separation) noted muscle spasm, with significantly increased pain and “60% of expected range of motion.” On 1October 2001, his commander endorsed that the CI was not fit for continued service due to the duty limitations secondary to his back injury.At the MEB exam, 3 months prior to separation, the CI reported pain in the right lower lumbar region,...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00889
At the MEBexam 30 December 2002, approximately 4 months prior to separation, the CI reported sharp pain on the left side of his low back with occasional numbness and pain down his left leg. At the C&P exam, approximately a month prior to separation, the CI was noted to have a normal lumbar spine exam, without painful motion or muscle spasm noted.The Board agreed that the CI’s LBP condition at permanent separation most nearly met the 10% rating of 5295. SUBJECT: Department of Defense...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00893
The VA examination noted that the position of fusion was about 10degrees dorsiflexion. At the time of surgery, the fusion was measured at 15-20 degrees dorsiflexion. The Category II conditions that contributed to the unfit condition were “status post left wrist arthrodesis w/left distal ulna resection secondary to prior distal radius fractures and radiocarpal and distal radial ulnar joint arthrosis” and “diffuse upper left extremity paresthesias secondary to axillary bloc.” The Category...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00901
Although symptoms did improve with medication, a P3 profile due to “sleeping disorder” was recorded on 2 November 2002, limiting the CI to “no driving vehicles, handling ammunition, firing weapons or performing duties requiring concentration or alertness.” The commander’s performance statement letter, dated 14 March 2003,records that the limitation of duties for narcolepsy prohibits assignments in which “sudden incapacitation would be dangerous to self or others.” The narrative summary...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00903
ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The PEB rated chronic left testicular pain as unfitting and provided a disability rating. He continued with groin pain much greater on the left than the right.At the MEB exam 10 March 2002(approximately 5 months prior to separation)the CI reported chronic scrotal pain rated 2 out of 10 at baseline but increasing to 8 out of 10 with strenuous activity. The Board additionally reviewed coding IAW §4.115b as 7518 (urethral stricture) when rating the left testicular pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00905
Separation Date: 20060420 The CI continued to require CPAP for the severe OSA. Providing orders showing that the individual was retired with permanent disability effective the date of the original medical separation for disability with severance pay.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00909
The back condition, characterized as “chronic back pain, with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, without neurologic abnormality,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. No radicular symptoms were documented, and neurological findings were normal. 5292 Spine, limitation of motion of, lumbar
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00916
“Bilateral Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, status post tibial tubercle excisions, moderate was forwarded by them MEB as unfitting to the PEB IAW AR 40-501.”Low back pain (LBP), dorsal wrist ganglion, mild and hypothyroidism, moderate conditions, identified in the rating chart below, were also identified and forwarded by the MEB. The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudicated the bilateral knee conditions as unfitting, rated 0%, withlikely application of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00920
Major depressive disorder (MDD), diabetes mellitus (DM)Type 1, migraine headaches (HAs) and chronic HAs conditions were also forwarded by the MEB as medically unacceptable.The PEB adjudicated the bilateral ankle and low back conditions as unfitting, rated 0% and existed prior to service (EPTS), respectively,referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting and, therefore, were not rated. The gait was noted as...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00922
5099-5003Right Knee PFS5099-50240%20050108 The PEB combined the right knee chronic knee pain due to PFS and left knee chronic knee pain due to PFS conditions under a single disability rating, coded analogously to 5003 and rated IAW the USAPDA pain policy.The Board,IAW VASRD §4.7 (higher of two evaluations), must consider separate ratings for PEB bilateral joint adjudications; although, separate fitness assessments must justify each disability rating. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44,...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00933
The Board evaluates DVA evidence proximal to separation in arriving at its recommendations, but its authority resides in evaluating the fairness of DES fitness decisions and rating determinations for disability at the time of separation. Chronic Low Back Pain .The narrative summary (NARSUM) notes the CI sustained a lifting injury in March 2001 causing severe low back pain (LBP). The Board must apply the VASRD rating criteria in effect on the date of the CI’s separation and the Board did...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00936
The case was reviewed by the US Army Physical Disability Agency who upheld the FPEB’s decision and the CI was separated with that disability rating. He still had pain towards the end of the day, with some activities, he was not able to sit for more than 2 hours and his mornings were “reasonably comfortable.” The intervertebral disc syndrome rating criteria are copied below: The CI had muscle spasm and pain with motion as required for the 20% rating and did not demonstrate findings...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00941
The PEB adjudicated “pain left ankle and right wrist” as a single unfitting condition, rated 0% and “fusion of distal interphalangeal joint of the left non-dominant ring finger” as unfitting, rated 0%, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Pain Left (this should be right)Ankle and Right Wrist5099-50030%Right Ankle Fracture5010-527110%*19990626Right Wrist, Residuals, status post (s/p)...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00944
VA*CodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Ankle and Knee Pain BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.As discussed above, PEB reliance on the USAPDA pain policy for rating the left ankle and knee conditions was operant in this case and the condition was adjudicated...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00950
The hip condition, characterized as right inferior pubic ramus stress fracture,was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEBadjudicated chronic right groin and hip pain secondary to stress fracture of the inferior pubic ramus as unfitting, rated 0%with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy and theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00954
(2) is limited to those conditions which were determined by the PEB to be specifically unfitting for continued military service; or, when requested by the CI, those condition(s) “identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB.” The ratings for unfitting conditions will be reviewed in all cases. The other requested conditions feet, wrist, lower and upper back and eye are not within the Board’s purview. At the time of TDRL separation,the Board unanimously agreed that the 10% rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00955
The bilateral lower leg conditions, characterized as “bilateral tibial periostitis” and “right femoral stress fracture,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) . The CI was returned to full activity however she experienced recurrent activity limiting pain in the shins and right femur with a physical training test and battle stations exercise and MEB was initiated.The MEB narrative summary physical examination, 22 October 2001, noted the CI complained of bilateral shin pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00957
The asthma conditionwas forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB found the severe persistent asthma unfitting, and rated it 10%.The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated. Using data from the treatment record, the Board determined that at the time of final separation from military service, the CI was being treated with daily inhalational corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication. Considering all...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00964
Six months after active duty date, the CI was seen in the emergency room for left back pain radiating to the left thigh after heavy lifting the day prior. Range-of-motion (ROM) was flexion 90 degrees (normal 90), extension 30 degrees (normal 30), and combined 240 degrees (normal 240).At the VA Compensation and Pension exam performed on 30 December 2003, 2 months prior to separation, summarized from the VARD because the actual examination was not in the record, the CI denied persistent...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00965
The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) forwarded chronic left testicular pain status post (s/p) left varicocele and left cord stripping procedure; left knee pain; and history of toxoplasmosis of the eyes to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The PEBadjudicatedchronic left testicular pain as unfitting, rated 0%, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting. Other x 620050124 Combined:...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00988
At the beginning I used to fell pain when I walked for long distances and/or periods of time but for the past 3 or 4 years I feel pain very bad all the time. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam STRESS FRACTURE OF FEMORAL HEAD5099-50030%R FEMORAL HEAD OF VASCULAR NECROSIS5299-525510%*20040413No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x 020040803 Combined: 0%Combined: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20041105 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). BOARD...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 00998
Separation Date: 20031215 The Board also notes that a C&P exam performed 24 months after separation documents that the CI’s mental health diagnosis was changed to Bipolar disorder sometime after her separation from military service while receiving treatment from the VA. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01005
Service IPEB – Dated 20020313VA - based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Leg Pain due to Recurrent Tibial Stress Fractures5099-50030%Tibial Stress Fracture, Left Leg5299-50100%Service Treatment Record (STR)Tibial Stress Fracture, Right Leg5299-50100%STR Rating: 0%Combined Rating: 0%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20050105 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The Board must therefore apply separate codes and...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01010
The low back condition, characterized as “left L5 radiculopathy S/P laminectomy” and “migraine headaches,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “mechanical LBP”as unfitting, rated 20%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition, migraine headaches, was determined to be a category III condition, (conditions that are not...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01011
The PEB adjudicated “posttraumatic headaches” as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The CI was evaluated by a civilian neurologist who noted that neurosurgery was not indicated for the Arnold-Chiari defect and further opined that the mild posttraumatic headaches were not unusual following accidents.The MEB narrative summary exam completed approximately 9 monthsprior to separation documented chronic daily posttraumatic...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01013
The back and associated joint pain conditions, characterized as “chronic low back pain” and “bilateral sacroiliac joint pain,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR40-501. The Board reviewed the examinations in evidence above and found the VA exam most proximate to separation and with tabulated normal ROM to have the most probative value; however, the Board noted that the PEB examination, 3 months earlier, was also complete and had compensable loss of motion. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01016
Board members concluded that in this case assigning only one rating for the lower extremity condition is appropriate.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 20% for the right common peroneal nerve condition. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01017
The PEB adjudicated the displaced stress fracture of the right hip condition as unfitting, rated 0%. Post-SepFlexion (0-125⁰)110Full ROM (Relative to Contralateral Hip)40Extension (0-20⁰)15External Rotation (0-45⁰)45 (50)40Internal Rotation (0-45)3010Abduction (0-45⁰)45 (60)20Adduction (0-45⁰)4015CommentNo pain with extremes of motion; walking full weight bearing without pain; ambulating without pain; no pain medication givenNo pain with extremes of internal or external rotation; no pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01018
SUMMARY OF CASE :Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty SPC/E-4 (11B10/Infantryman) medically separated for post-traumatic degenerative arthritis of the right elbow, which existed prior to service (EPTS), but was permanently service aggravated (PSA) during Operation Anaconda. The CI reported pain and locking in the elbow that interfered with push-ups, certain activities required by his MOS and the elbow would lock...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01019
The PFR upheld the FPEBs decision, and the CI was separated with a 20% disability rating. Lumbar Spine Condition . BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives outside the VASRD were...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01028
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Low Back Pain Secondary To Idiopathic Scoliosis (EPTS), Permanently Service Aggravated529510%Idiopathic Scoliosis With Upper And Lower Back Strain NSC20030204Bilateral Knee Pain Due To PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome5099-50030%Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeNSC20030204Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain SyndromeNSC20030204No Additional Unfitting conditionsOther x 120030204 Combined: 10% Combined: 0% Derived from VA Rating Decision...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01031
The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudicated “Chronic pain, due to snapping hip syndrome” as unfitting, rated 10% andcitedapplication of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. The Board’s role is therefore confined to the review of medical records and all evidence at hand to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, compared to Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation. At the...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01038
The shoulder condition was determined to be not unfitting. The Board considered that all exams proximate to separation documented that the CI’s fibromyalgia symptoms were not constant or nearly so (as required for the 40% rating) as she did have improvement in her symptoms with some medications. The orthopedic NARSUM accomplished approximately 4.5 months prior to separation documented “… full range of motion with very little pain.” The examiner diagnosed right shoulder pain, largely...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01040
The bilateral knee and LBP, characterized as “bilateral anterior knee pain slight/intermittent consistent with patellofemoral pain” and “chronic low back pain slight/intermittent uncomplicated and non-radicular”were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, bilateral knees and low back” as unfitting, rated 0%referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01045
At that June 2003 MEB exam, the CI had full ROM, with no significant spasm or paraspinous tenderness.After a thorough review of the evidence in the service treatment record (STR), the Board determined that IAW VASRD §4.71a, the CI’s LBP condition was best described as “slight.” TheSTR did not show sufficient evidence to support classifying the LBP condition as “moderate” or “severe.”The CI’s LBP condition did indeed get worse following separation, but the Board must adjudicate based on the...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD2012 01047
The IPEBadjudicated the abdominal conditionas unfitting, rated 10%, referencing the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1332.39 and the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition was determined to be Category II, conditions that can be unfitting, but are not currently compensable or ratable.The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB), which affirmed the IPEB findings and rating, and the CI was medically separatedwith a 10% disability rating. ...