AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00015
At that exam, the CI had limited lateral flexion to the right and to the left. In the matter of the chronic neck pain condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10% for the chronic neck pain condition. RECOMMENDATION: The Board recommends that the CIs prior determination be modified as follows, effective as of the date of his prior medical separation: UNFITTING CONDITION VASRD CODE RATING Chronic neck pain, and slightly reduced range of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00042
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and those conditions identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB when specifically requested by the CI. The diagnosis was chronic daily headache syndrome (chronic muscle contraction headaches).The commander’s statement dated 27 January 2009 stated the CI was non-deployable due to his medical condition and that he had missed 5-10 days of work due to medical appointments or ER...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00055
The chronic low back condition, characterized as “chronic low back pain, EPTS with service aggravation” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB forwarded no other conditions to the PEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain” as unfitting and rated it at 10%. The PEB rated the unfitting chronic LBP10% (coded 5242, degenerative arthritis of the spine) with application of the VASRD general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00068
CI CONTENTION :“PTSD was diagnosed on the narrative summary and listed on the medical board, but I was never evaluated for this condition prior to being medically discharged. At no time was a profile other than S1 assigned and after separation, the CI worked 70 hours per week.After due deliberation, members agreed that the evidence does not support a conclusion that the functional impairment from the PTSD condition was integral to the CI’s inability to perform his AFS requirements and,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00086
The Board found that the abnormal EMG findings of the muscles innervated by C6-7 of the right upper extremity, right upper extremity weakness, scapular winging,numbness, pain upon use, tenderness and poor coordination, was ratableat 20% for slight impairment using this code. The Board found the neck and upper back pain, tenderness, paresthesias, abnormal EMG findings, and weakness were more compatible with a §4.124a rating for neurological conditions as an alternate code 8513 (paralysis of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00095
Despite the CI’s remarks of pain during portions of flexion of both knees, the VA C&P noted that examination of his knee on 10 June 2003 “ was grossly unremarkable” the examiner of on to state that the knee examination revealed “ no soft tissue swelling, no point tenderness, or joint effusion and there was no ligamentous instability appreciated.” After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the Board concluded there was insufficient cause to recommend a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00136
The MEB narrative summary on 18November 2004 summarized the forgoing information indicating continued seizure despite treatment with Topamax.Review of treatment records do not document prescriptions for anti-seizure medication following return home from the medical center evaluation in August 2004 although clinic notes list Topamax as a medication on 9 August 2004, 26 October 2004 and 3November 2004. Follow-up treatment record entries on 25 February 2005 and 1 April 2005 (neurology)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00150
There were limited MH treatment notes in the records before the Board, but the available records support that the two sets of symptoms waxed and waned together.The CI developed a non-MH condition treated with steroid medications that reportedly caused weight gain and/or inhibited mandatory weight loss to meet Navy physical standards.The Board noted that during the time that the CI wastreated with steroids, she had an exacerbation of depression symptoms leading to an inpatient hospitalization...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00165
Left Shoulder Condition . X-rays of the complete left shoulder were normal.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB rated the left shoulder condition as degenerative joint disease, 10% coded 5003,citing painful ROM.The VA rated the left shoulder pain condition 30%,coded 5201 (arm, limitation of motion) citingdecreased ROM.The Board undertook to determine a rating for the condition under the ROM code 5201.Under thiscode, for the dominant...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00179
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and those conditions identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB when specifically requested by the CI. The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.Both the FPEB and the VA rated asthma condition,under code 6620, asthma, bronchial, IAW §4.97 but at different rating levels; the FPEB rated 10%citing intermittent use of medication; and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00198
SEPARATION DATE: 20020930 RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20020807VA –based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Locking Jaw Open9999-990510%Locking Jaw with TMJ Dysfunction, Chronic9999-990510%*20020815No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x 1*20020815 Rating: 10%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20030305(most proximate to date of separation). Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00200
The examination noted bilateral lumbar muscle tenderness and limited range-of-motion (ROM) and reported a diagnosis of “acute lumbosacral strain/sprain with (+) [right] SLR test.” The permanent (L3) profile listed the diagnosis as back pain, but also with herniated disc (HNP) with radiculopathy, and severely restricted the CI from activities. The VA C&P examination, a month after separation, noted a positive straight leg raise test in the right leg (indicative of radiculopathy),(4/5)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00204
The rating for the unfitting SI joint pain is addressed below. Range-of-motion (ROM) of the lower back was measured, and is summarized in the chart below.Examination of the sacral region revealed marked TTP of the SI joints bilaterally. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00213
The Board noted the MH condition was rated 100% by the VA. The Board agreed this was not supported by the record, specifically the VA C&P statement of no total occupational and social impairment . The Board agreed that, at the time of separation, the CI had been working and was socially involved and symptoms were controlled with medication, and/ or related to exogenous factors not ratable .
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00218
The CI was referred to physical therapy (PT) for S1 radiculopathy with physical exam findings of antalgic gait, L5-S1 pain, and positive straight leg raise on the right. By precedent, the Board threshold for a “moderate” peripheral nerve rating requires some functionally significant motor and/or sensory impairment.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00220
Prior to TDRL removal) - Effective 20040616On TDRL - 20040616Code Rating Condition CodeRatingExam ConditionTDRL Sep.Pemphigus Vulgaris781530%0%Pemphigus Vulgaris781560%*20041028No Additional MEB/PEB Entries.Other x 120041028 Rating: 30% → 0% Combined: 60% *Reflects VA rating exam proximate to TDRL placement. In March 2006, the condition deteriorated and new treatment was begun with IV Rituximab given weekly with continuation of prior oral medications.In August 2006, after 8 weeks of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00276
Accordingly, the case file was reviewed regarding unfavorable diagnosis change, fitness determination, applicability of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) §4.129 and rating of the MH condition Service adjudicated as not unfitting. The Board determined that no MH diagnosis was changed in the disability evaluation process. The MSE from the C&P was not in evidence; however, the Board noted the CI was working full-time, he reported his symptoms had not interfered with his job and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00336
The VARD dated 12 April 2007, 6 months after separation, did not grant service-connection, specifically citing“service connection for chronic back pain is denied because the medical evidence of record fails to show that this disability has been clinically diagnosed” and there were no ROM measurements documented.Approximately 8 years later, the next VARD granted service-connection and rated the “mechanical back pain” as 10% disabling specifically citing, “…§4.59 allows consideration of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00419
The Board carefully considered the frequency and nature of the CI’s headaches including objective evidence and corroborating subjective evidence.For TDRL entry rating, both the Service and VA ratings were 30% using the criteria from disability code 8100. The CI was using a Proventil inhaler and had normal lung radiographs.At the VA C&P exam, approximately 3 months after TDRL entry, the CI claimed heart murmur, dyspnea, pulmonary edema and bronchitis was not comprehensively evaluated as the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00455
The examiner noted the CI’s hip pain began 6 months after entering service and that at that time the right hip pain was greater than the left hip after prolonged sitting, standing or walking more than a mile. ROM of the right hip reflected those of the MEB’s physical therapyThe Board directs attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence. In the matter of the right hip condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded analogously5003 IAW...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00518
The CI had a long history of chronic right knee pain and arthritis dating from 1992. The PEB coded the DDD right knee condition as 5003 arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis) and rated at 10%.The VA coded the right knee s/posteotomy proximal tibial plateau, with DJD condition and rated at 5010 arthritis, due to trauma, substantiated by X-ray findings with 5262tibia and fibula, impairment of and rated at 20%, with moderate knee disability, citing, “ This 20percent is...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00562
The psychologist noted the CI’s responses had been “more extreme than those of people hospitalized for severe psychiatric problems.” The psychiatrist noted the CI presented inconsistent report of symptoms at various times during treatment sessions with other mental health providers. The Board determined that anMH diagnosis was eliminated in the disability evaluation process.This applicant therefore did appear to meet the inclusion criteria in the Terms of Reference of the MH Review...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00582
A new MEB was done and identified and forwarded generalized anxiety disorder and alcoholdependence as medically acceptable.The Informal PEBadjudicated chronic bilateral knee pain, chronic back pain, due to DDD, without neurologic abnormality and sensorineural hearing loss as unfitting, rated 10%, 10%, and 0%respectively, citing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policyand the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00624
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Multiple Area Pain (Back, Feet, Left Hip)5099-50030%Dysfunction at T4, T55291NSC20030224Back Condition5295NSC20030224Rib Condition, Left Side L3, L45299-5297NSC20030224Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis5299-52760%20030224Left Hip Condition w/ Arthralgia5255NSC20030224History of Left Superior Pubic Ramus Stress fracture (EPTS)Not UnfittingS/P Fracture of Left Superior Pubic Ramus5299-5255NSC20030224Polyneuropathy Etiology UnknownNot...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00650
Nerve conduction studies were obtained at this time and were reported to show no neuropathy.On neurology evaluation on 3 May 2005, motor strength and reflexes were reported as normal in the left leg. Medication was continued.On evaluation 13 August 2004, the CI reported symptoms of startle response had further improved and denied flashback.On evaluation on 1October 2004, the CI was doing well and denied PTSD symptoms; MSE was normal. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00654
To date, both ankles continue to click and swell as well as both knees. Bilateral knee ROM was noted as approximately 0-130 degrees.At the VA Compensation and Pension examinationperformed 5 months after separation, the CI reported right greater than left knee pain and weakness. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00656
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and those conditions identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB when specifically requested by the CI. At the MEB narrative summary performed on 14 Jan 2005 (8 months prior to separation) she endorsed a painful left shoulder with overhead activities with feelings of dislocations when reaching for a seatbeltor taking items out of the refrigerator.The examination revealed...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00665
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEBadjudicated “left shoulder impingement”as unfitting, rated 10%with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The herniated nucleus pulposus (HPN) at L4-5 and L5-S1; right foot bony prominent at base of the first metatarsals with no evidence of significant arthritis; and bilateral knee pain, was adjudicated as Category III conditions (not separately unfitting and do not contributing to the unfitting...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00768
The Army rated me at 10% and the VA rated at 30%. The ratings for the unfitting headache and seizureconditions, along with any conditions directly associated with the head injury (such as contended bone loss) are addressed below; no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00774
The PEB determined that the cognitive disorder was unfitting and recommended separation at 10%, coded 9304 on 11August 2005, 2 months prior to separation. The CI was able to work full time at a familiar job, although she took more time to complete tasks than prior to the MVA and also used a checklist. The Board also determined that although the symptoms of depression and anxiety were noted to be worsening at the time of the final neuro-psychological testing, the CI was noted to be...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00869
The rating for the unfitting migraine headache condition is addressed below; no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. Any conditions or contention not requested in this application, or otherwise outside the Board’s defined scope of review, remain eligible for future consideration by the Board for Correction of Naval Records.The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding the significant impairment with which his service-connected condition...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00870
The back pain condition, characterized as “chronic myofascial thoracic pain syndrome,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) as not meeting medical standards IAW AFI 48-123. X-rays and computer aided tomograms of the spine done as part of his work up were normal without evidence of fracture or disc problem.The MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) dated 24 May 2007,7 months prior to separation,described in the physical examination that the CI demonstrated “…normal gait and station,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00877
The Board’s role is thus confined to the review of medical records and all evidence at hand to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, compared to VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation and, to review those fitness determinations within its scope consistent with performance-based criteria in evidence at separation.The Board noted that the PEB bundled the unfitting leftknee and shoulder conditions and will unbundle...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00893
RATING COMPARISON : Army FPEB – Dated 20070906VA* -(3.4 Year Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Myofascial Neck & RUE Pain, due to DDD5299-524210%DDD, Cervical Spine524220%20040707Capsulitis, Right Shoulder5299-520110%20040707Scar, Right Wrist78040%20040707Right Ulnar NeuropathyNot UnfittingNeuropathy, Right Hand851610%20040707Other X 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 0 Combined: 10%Combined: 40% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050916 (most proximate to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00894
Right Shoulder . The VA coded the shoulder condition as 5299-5201, analogous to limitation of arm motion, but assigned no rating as the CI did not report for the C&P examination. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00908
SEPARATION DATE: 20040312 Asthma Condition . The diagnosis in his finding of unfitness for Asthma,VASRD Code 6602, was rated at 30% rather than 10%.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00912
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “diabetes mellitus”as unfitting and rated it20%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The Board evaluates VA evidence in arriving at its recommendations, but its authority resides in evaluating the fairness of DES fitness and rating determinations at the time of separation. As noted above, the CI was separated in November 2001 with a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00937
The Board’s role is thus confined to the review of medical records and all evidence at hand to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, compared to VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation; and, to review those fitness determinations within its scope (as elaborated above) consistent with performance-based criteria in evidence at separation. Neck Pain Condition . The single voter for dissent did not elect to submit a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 00954
The PEB adjudicated “chronic pelvic pain syndrome associated with chronic interstitial cystitis and pain disorder as unfitting, rated 30% with application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) and placed the CI on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL).The PEB also adjudicated the migraine headaches as a Category II condition (one that can be unfitting but is not currently compensable or ratable). The Board then reviewed the medical records in evidence. BOARD FINDINGS :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01035
The hearing and back conditions, characterized as “hearing loss” and “back pain w/T8–T9 and L4-L5 disc degeneration disease,” were the only two conditions forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The CI was then medically separated. Both the VA and the PEB rated the condition at 10%.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01051
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-01051 BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army BOARD DATE: 20140620 Left Knee Condition . RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01065
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20040505VA - (~ 4.5 Mos Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Knee Pain5099-500310%Degenerative Joint Disease Left Knee501010%20040415Degenerative Joint Disease Right Knee501010%20040415Residual Scarring Left Knee Surgeries780410%20040415No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x 520040415 Combined: 10%Combined: 80% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20040910 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS))...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01089
The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB) which overturned the IPEB and adjudicated the “eosinophilic fasciitis associated with morphea and sclerodermoid changes and generalized morphea” as unfitting, rated 10% with application of the VASRD, and the “IgM nephropathy” as a Category II condition.The CI non-concurred with the FPEBs findings and petitioned the Board of Correction of Military Records (BCMR) who overturned the FPEB and placed the CI on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL),...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01121
The rating for the unfitting Gulf War Illness condition is addressed below;additionally, the Category II conditions of memory disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and joint pain conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. The Board considered the rating. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01123
SEPARATION DATE: 20020920 The Board noted endometriosis was not diagnosed while on active duty (or subsequently) and not seen at the time of the cesarean section and later hysterectomy. The Board then considered the appropriate code and rating for the chronic pelvic pain.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01133
The PEB recommended placement on TDRL since additional surgery had been recommended for the knee condition indicating the condition was not stabilized for rating.At an interim TDRL evaluation in October 2005, the CI had not been able to obtain the recommended surgeries. Examination during the surgery indicated no ligament laxity or instability and the remainder of the joint was normal as at the time of the 2003 arthroscopic surgery. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01136
It is also noted that the 30 degrees flexion from the NARSUM is incongruent with the recorded ROM in other planes, and would expected to be associated with other exam findings not noted (spasm, guarding, and abnormal contour).Finally, the imprecise language used by the NARSUM examiner in describing his ROM measurements must be considered somewhat of a probative value detractor with regard to VASRD §4.46 (accurate measurement).After protracted deliberation in consideration of all of these...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01162
The lumbar spine condition, characterized as “lumbar degenerative disc disease and spondylolysis with low back pain” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. CI CONTENTION : “ At the time of my evaluation it was determined that I had several problems with my lower back. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01175
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-01175BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20140326 SEPARATION DATE: 20050912 I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD 2013 01186
Additionally, members agreed that the chronic low back pain and left shoulder pain conditions, as isolated conditions, would have rendered the CI incapable of continued service within his MOS and therefore each is separately unfitting and merits a separate rating. Physical Disability Board of Review Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the individual was separated by reason of permanent disability retirement effective the date of the original medical...