AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02031
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Pre-SepLeftRightLeftRightFlexion (140 Normal)140140140140Extension (0 Normal)0000Comment+Tenderenss+Tenderness§4.71a Rating0% or 10%*0% or 10%*0%0%*Conceding VASRD §4.40 (functional loss) or §4.59 (painful motion)The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02034
Left Shoulder Pain . In the MEB NARSUM, the diagnosis for his shoulder condition was: “Left shoulder pain with impingement syndrome, status post arthroscopic stabilization.” The CI’s physical profile (DA Form 3349) did not allow lifting over 10 pounds or performing profile.At the 28 February 2005 C&P exam, performed 3 months prior to separation, the CI reported that the left shoulder condition did not interfere with ordinary lifting/carrying, activities of daily living, or service...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02036
Based on the C&P examiner’s finding of 30 degrees of flexion, the VA’s 40% rating was supported. 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 exercised.In the matter of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02037
RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20040617VA* -(5 days Post-Separation)Condition CodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExamBilateral Shin Splints50220%Delayed Union/Nonunion, Stress Fracture, Left Tibial Shaft5299-526210%20040816Shin Splints, Right Leg5299-5262NSC20040816Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 6 RATING: 0%COMBINED RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050609(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). However, the option of not recommending separate disability ratings,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02039
The earliest report of lower back pain in the service treatment record was dated 22 July 2003 at which time the CI had pain for a week.Five weeks later she again had lower back pain that was treated with heat and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medication.Chiropractic treatments were performed in March and April 2004. Pre-SepFlexion (90 Normal)80(75,78,80)-90Extension (30)15(15,16,16)-30R Lat Flexion (30)20(15,18,18)-30L Lat Flexion (30)20(22,22,22)-30R Rotation...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02041
The chiropractic treatment afforded some improvement, however, the CI continued to experience pain in the left leg especially with flexion and extension; there was no reports of incapacitation in the STRs.The CI was issued a permanent L3 profiledated 30 August 2004 for low back pain (LBP) without radiculopathy (nerve root origin resulting in pain, weakness, numbness or muscle dysfunction) and chronic left leg pain.The commander’s statement dated 2 September 2004 only commented “physical...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02043
At the MEB examination on 1 October 2003, the CI reported asthma, shortness of breath, bronchitis, wheezing and indicated he used an albuterol inhaler as needed. Pulmonary function studies, including FVC, FEV1-84%, FEV1/FVCratio-86%, were within normal limits. The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The CI was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma and at the time of separation used an inhalational bronchodilator.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02045
No additional conditions(such as hypertension or tachycardia) are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. 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 Asthma 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02047
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Subjective Low Back Pain524110%Degenerative Disc Disease L4-5; S/P L4 Laminectomy; L5 Discectomy, Lumbar Spine524320%20050819Other x 0 (Not In...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02050
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Post-Separation) Fibromyalgia 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02055
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEBadjudicated “chronic pain, right wrist”as unfitting, rated 10%referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The examiner’s prognosis was “fair” and rated the CI’s pain as “slight” and “frequent.”At the VA Compensation and Pension examination performed on 21 July 2004 (3 months after separation), the CI reported constant, but non-incapacitating right wrist pain. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02057
SEPARATION DATE: 20050811 Furthermore, the Board’s authority is limited to assessing the fairness and accuracy of PEB rating determinations and recommending corrections, where appropriate. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02061
I cannot run in the park with my children, I cannot stand for long periods of time due to having muscle spasms, flare-ups, and this has been depressing and difficult with my day to day activities for years. Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Neck and Upper Back Pain523710%Chronic Neck and Upper Back Strain523710%20040701Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 0 Combined: 10%Combined: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040823(most proximate to date of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02062
The ratings for the unfitting OSA condition and the not unfitting bilateral knee, low back pain (LBP) and right acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis conditions are addressed below;no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. The orthopedic NARSUM notes the CI reported right shoulder pain for a year. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02064
SEPARATION DATE: 20061204 The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Asthma Condition .
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02068
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) exam (approximately 11 months prior to separation) documented that the mental status exam was normal and that he was compliant with his anti-depressant medication with no active...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02069
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The VA rated the right hip remote from separation at 10% (effective on 29 July 2010) for pain limited hip motion. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02070
SEPARATION DATE: 20081227 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 exercised.In the matter of the lumbar spine condition, the Board majority recommends a disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02073
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain…523710%Degenerative Disc Disease, Lumbar Spine52370%20050406Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 10%RATING: 0% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050907(most proximate to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02074
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. In the matter of the Service-combined bilateral knee condition, the Board unanimously recommends a rating of 10% for an unfitting left knee condition coded 5024IAW VASRD §4.71a; but, unanimously agrees the right knee condition was not reasonably justified as separately...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02076
SEPARATION DATE: 20050626 Post-operative X-rays images showed satisfactory healing of the involved bones and screw.At the MEB NARSUM dated 4 April 2005(3 months prior to separation)completed3 months post-operative, the CI reported that her right foot pain was unresolved; the ability to ambulate with a soft shoe and ankle brace;and that her pain was controlled with non-narcotic medication butshe hasbeen pain free for over a week.On physical examination, the examiner noted that the right foot...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02077
The ankle condition, characterized as “chronic left ankle pain” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB. Post-SeparationConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Ankle Pain5099-50030%Left Ankle Condition5271NSC*STROther x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 7 Rating: 0%Rating: NSCDerived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20070706(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The MEB NARSUM performed on 11 February...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02078
The shoulder condition, characterized as “left shoulder pain following stabilization procedure,”was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, left (non-dominant) shoulder, s/p anterior capsular shift”as unfitting, rated 10%citing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The VA also rated the left shoulder pain condition 10%.The left...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02079
At the orthopedic examination, the examinernoted increased back pain andthat the CI reported radiation of pain into the right leg. The VA rated the low back pain with degenerative disc disease at 10% (coded 5010-5237; traumatic arthritis-lumbosacral strain) citing the ROM and painful motion at the time of the C&P examination.The subsequent VA rating decision increased the rating to 20% citing the April 2005 examination showing pain beginning at 50 degrees of flexion. The Board noted the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02082
Ankylosing Spondylitis Condition .Absent direct inciting trauma, the CI developed sudden and severe low back pain (LBP) in late 2001 and first sought medical care in March 2002.Initially, he was hospitalized for 5 days with a discharge diagnosis of right-sided lumbosacral pain and instructed to follow-up with physical therapy. Additionally, “fingertips to the level of the fibular head” is an accepted descriptive pictorial of normal thoracolumbar lateral flexion of at least 30...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02086
The remaining conditions were determined to be Category III, not separately unfitting and not compensable or ratable.The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB) which found the bipolar Disorder II as unfitting, rated at 10%, with application of DODI 1332.39, noting the condition did not exist prior to service. The Board considered the commander’s statement of essentially no current duty impairment, with the history of hospitalization, recurrent depressive episodes, non-judicial punishment,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02087
The Board considers DVA evidence proximate to separation in arriving at its recommendations; and, DoDI 6040.44 defines a 12-month interval for special consideration to post-separation evidence. Although the PEB determined that this condition did not constitute a physical disability, there is no evidence than there was an unfitting MH condition regardless of diagnosis. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02092
SEPARATION DATE: 20050506 BOARD FINDINGS : The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives outside the VASRD were exercised.In the matter of the L5-S1 HNP without myelopathy condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 20%, coded 5237 IAW VASRD §4.71a.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02094
A ROM evaluation was performed by physical therapy (PT) the following month, recording flexion of 15 degrees and exceedingly limited ROM in all planes;but, the therapist specified that the ROM limitations “could be part of the … brace that prevents him from using his back in the proper range.” The STR documents a cumulative 2 weeks of physician directed convalescent leave (separate 1-week periods soon after the injury), various entries confirming antalgic gait, none noting abnormal contour...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02101
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Bilateral Knee Pain 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02121
He was placed on light duty and referred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). Left Chest Wall Pain, S/P Pectoralis Major Repair Condition . The VA also coded the left pectoral muscle and tendon tear (minor) 5303 and rated at 20%.All documents proximate to the date of separation noted pain and tenderness in the chest wall and left upper extremity with non-compensable ROM measurements.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02122
Right Wrist Condition . The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB rated the unfitting right wrist stiffness at 0%, coded as 5215 (limitation wrist motion) and noted, “rated as mild.” The VA rated the “status post right wrist fusion” condition 10%, also coded 5215 based upon subjective complaints and functional impairment IAW §4.7 (higher of two evaluations). In the matter of the right wrist condition, the Board unanimously recommends a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02123
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “Obstructive Sleep Apnea with CPAP, mild impairment” as unfitting, rated 0%. Therefore, IAW VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)§4.97 (schedule of ratings,respiratory system)and 6847 rating criteria, the disability due to the OSA condition meets the 50% rating specified as “requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, but does not meet the next higher...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02124
Bilateral Sensori-Neural Hearing Loss . The PEB and VA both rated the hearing loss at 0% using the code 6100, hearing loss. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02125
He was referred to orthopedics for consultation.On 19January2005, while still deployed in Kuwait, he fell off the back of a truck and was unable to stand, complaining of left sided weakness and decreased sensation. The PEB rated at 0% and the VA rated at 10%. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02126
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain… 523710%Mechanical Low Back Pain with Degenerative Facet Disease,Lumbar Sprain524210%20050107Other x0Other x16 RATING: 10%RATING: 60%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050401(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability determinations. Chronic Back Pain Condition . RECOMMENDATION : The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02128
On exam there was TTP of the neck with negative testing for nervecompression (Spurling’s), with normal ROM and normal bilateral UE examination.At the MEB examination on 21 October 2004, 6 months prior to separation, the CI reported chronic neck pain without radicular symptoms. The NARSUM notes the CI had a history of hip pain (trochanteric bursitis), with normal bilateral hip X-rays.Notes in the STR indicated that in April 2000 the CI reported 5 weeks of right hip pain. At the MEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02129
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The Board gives consideration to VA evidence, particularly within 12 months of separation, but only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the severity of the disability at the time of separation. I direct that all...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02131
Therefore, the history of the injuries and immediate surgeries are presented together in an introduction, followed by separate discussions of the two residual conditions identified by the PEB and adjudicated as unfitting.The Board also noted that the MEB forwarded five RLE conditions to the PEB and the PEB characterized two unfitting conditions: “right knee pain,” which included the MEB listed conditions of right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion, post-operative knee arthrofibrosis,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02132
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCASE: PD-2013-02132 BRANCH OF SERVICE: ARMYBOARD DATE: 20140527 SEPARATION DATE: 20050526 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 PEB on 13 May 2005, 2 weeks prior to separation, determined that the chronic left knee pain was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02133
The Informal PEB adjudicated “low back pain (LBP)”as unfitting, rated 10%, citing the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Clinic examination on 29 June 2004 noted tenderness without spasm, normal gait, normal reflexes and negative provocative maneuver for radiculopathy.The MEB NARSUM on 2August 2004 recorded pain with extension and lateral bending. The Board noted the MRI showed no abnormalities associated with the CI’s low back...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02137
SEPARATION DATE: 20060412 The VA C&P clearly noted that the treated narcolepsy no longer had a significant effect on either his work or daily life. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02138
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. He rated the pain 5-6/10; flare-ups were rated above 10. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02139
The MEB forwarded no other conditions to the PEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated chronic LBPas unfitting, rated 0%with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The Board agreed that no rating could be recommended under this code. 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 | CY2013 | PD-2013-02142
There was a physical examination performed 2 weeks prior to activation, whichdid not describe ROM limitations, or occupational limitations due to the CI’s neck condition. The Board did not find neurological deficits caused by the bilateral median nerve neuropathy found by EMG (carpal tunnel syndrome) for a higher rating above 30% as an alternate code at the time of separation.There was no evidence of a separately ratable functional impairment (with fitness implications) from the bilateral...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02144
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, right small finger; right inguinal pain of neuralgia and chronic thoracolumbar back pain”as unfitting, rated at 0%, 0%and 0% respectively.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Additionally, the Board considers VA evidence within 12 months of separation only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the disability at the time of separation. The PEB coded the condition...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02146
The neck and back conditions, characterized as “degenerative disk disease DDD, chronic neck pain and chronic back pain” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The PEB adjudicated “chronic neck pain” and “chronic back pain” as unfitting, rated 10% and 10% respectively, citing criteria of theVA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02149
No other conditionwas submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated “chronic low back pain (LBP)…”as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. There was no comment in regards to painful motion.His diagnosis was listed as“DDD of the lumbar spine with chronic pain with occasionaldisabling exacerbations usually non-radicular.”The VA Compensation and Pension (C&P)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02151
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 exercised.In the matter of the chronic back condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02152
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. There is an addendum to the NARSUM dated 13 July 2004 (7 months prior to separation) which documents constant pain rated 3-10/10 with radicular symptoms “left greater than right” and “exacerbated by prolonged sitting and standing.” The exam documents a normal gait and...