AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02154
The shoulder and ankle conditions, characterized as “bilateral shoulder pain and chronic left ankle pain”, were the only two conditions forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. However, although limitation of motion was non-compensable, Board members agreed that sufficient evidence of painful motion (VASRD §4.59) was present to support a 10% rating in each shoulder.There was no history of shoulder dislocations or of humerus malunion to support any rating under the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02155
CI CONTENTION : “VA disability rating higher for condition which rendered unfit and additional rating for condition from VA.” The MEB exam and the VA exam documented painful motion IAW VASRD §4.59 (painful motion). 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02156
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20031020VA*ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Knee Pain5099-50030%Residuals Left Knee Arthroscopy w/ RPPS*10%*Other X 0 (Not in Scope)Other VA Ratings: RAD 30%; R Knee 10%; L Wrist 0% Combined: 0%Combined: 50% No VA rating decisions nor the Compensation and Pension (C&P) evaluationswere in evidence. DoDI 6040.44 provides for consideration of post-separation VA findings, particularly within 12 months of separation, although the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02160
SEPARATION DATE: 20050214 The back condition, characterized as “chronic LBP” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) AFI 48-123.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB)adjudicated “lower back pain”as unfitting, rated 10%, referencing application ofthe Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) and DOD guidelines.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02161
Chronic Low Back Pain Condition .The CI experienced chronic low back pain that radiated into the right leg. The VA C&P examination noted a somewhat weakened hamstring muscle but lower extremity strength was otherwise normal and gait was normal.The Board also noted that the hamstring muscle is innervated by multiple spinal nerve roots L5, S1, S2 and S3 so significant weakness from a single nerve root is not expected. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02162
The rating for the unfitting bipolar II disorder condition is addressed below; no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. The evidence supports that the correct diagnosis was bipolar II disorder and that application of VASRD §4.129 was not warranted. When he took his medications, he got along with his wife and young children, and had no sleep impairment.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02163
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “interstitial nephritis requiring chronic steroid treatment, recent creatinine normal”as unfitting, rated 0%, referencing the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. 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-2013-02166
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 Back Pain, Due to Lumbar Spondylosis, Without Neurologic Abnormality5299-523710%HNP L5-S1 w/o objective evidence of Residual Lower Extremity...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02178
The bowel condition, characterized as “Crohn’s Disease” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated “Crohn’s disease”as unfitting, rated 10% with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02181
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.In addition, the CI was notified by the Service that his case qualifies for review of his mental health (MH) condition in accordance with the Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02182
SEPARATION DATE: 20040905 The CI had past medical history of atypical chest pain diagnosed as gastritis, Barrett’s esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal herniaand esophageal spasms. As discussed above, PEB reliance on the USAPDA policy/guidance memorandum #12 table of analogous codes (since withdrawn)for rating reflux disease with atypical chest pain, suspected esophageal spasm condition was operant in this case and the condition was adjudicated independently of that...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02184
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis5399-53100%Pes Planus With Plantar Fasciitis, Bilateral527610%20010604*Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 0 Rating: 0%Rating: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20020118 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The Board concluded the evidence supported the minimal compensable rating under §4.40 (functional loss), coded 5299-5276.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02185
SEPARATION DATE: 20050823 On physical examination (PE), the CI was walking normally and was in no acute distress. 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 | CY2013 | PD-2013-02188
Left Knee Condition . Post-SepFlexion (140 Normal)13014095Extension (0 Normal)00-10CommentMild effusion; left thigh atrophy; neg lachman and posterior drawer; no valgus or varus instability; crepitus notedOccasional use of an assistive device.Painful motion noted; Four months post-operative from post separation surgery.§4.71a Rating10%10%10%The Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The VA and PEB both rated the knee at 10% based on examinations...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02189
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active dutySPC/E-4 (25S/Tactical Satellite Communications)medically separated for chronic low back pain (LBP) secondary to intervertebral disc disease at L4/5 with radiculitis.The condition could not be adequately rehabilitated to meet the physical requirements of his Military Occupational Specialty or satisfy physical fitness standards. Motor, sensory and spinalreflexes...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02190
His discharge diagnosis remained cognitive disorder NOS; versus anxiety disorderNOS with sub-clinical PTSD symptoms. 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: 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 separation for...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02192
It was reviewed and considered by the Board. 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 LBP condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02193
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 Crohn’s colitis condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 30%, coded 7399-7323 IAW VASRD §4.114.In the matter of the contended inflammatory conditions of jaw condition, the Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02194
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 Posttraumatic Arthritis Right Knee Following ACL Reconstruction501010%Post Traumatic Arthritis Right Knee Status Post ACL...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02196
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. ROM limited by pain Pain with repetition. With a normal gait, non-tender MEB examination (but tender VA examination), normal X-rays, and lack of abnormal wear from weight bearing, the Board found no route to a rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02197
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 rating for the unfitting thoracic musculoskeletal condition is addressed below.The requested bilateral knee condition, lumbar spine condition, left hand ulnar nerve dysfunction and hypertension (determined to be not unfitting by the PEB) are also addressed below.The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02198
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. Neurological examination revealed a mini mental status examination (MSE) of 30/30. The examiner opined that as a result of the accident, some of her mental symptoms were exacerbated and other new symptoms appeared.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02199
The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB), which conceded service aggravation, and rated the bilateral plantar fasciitis at 0%, citing criteria of the Veterans’ Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting (by the IPEB and FPEB). The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02202
At TDRL entry, the PEB rated the condition of conversion disorder, coded 9424, at 10%. The Board further recommends a 30% permanent disability rating for the condition of somatization disorder. TDRL neurology removal examination dated 3 February 2006, approximately 17 months after TDRL entry, recorded decreased sensory in left digits four and five, and pain on palpation of the surgical scar.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02203
Lumbar Spine Condition . The examiner noted that three repetitions did not further reduce the lumbar ROM.Radiographs of the lumbar spine showed the transitional vertebra with normal spine alignment and normal S1 joints.At the VA C&P peripheral nerves examination on 25 April 2009 the CI reported back pain that radiated down both legs, at times to the heels. The VA rated the lumbar spine DDD at 20%, coded 5242 and denied service-connection for radiculopathy.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02204
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. At the MEB physical examination dated 8 May 2006, the examiner recorded the CI’s history of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain since 2002with tingling and numbness of both legs and feet intermittently and noted no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02206
The Board also considered rating the back condition using the VASRD formula based on incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome. In the matter of the chronic back pain, without neurologic abnormality condition and IAW VASRD §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 consideration. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02207
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVeterans 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. RATING COMPARISON :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02208
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The NARSUM noted bilateral lower leg pain associated with exertion, and some tenderness in the right lower leg, absence of atrophy, weakness and tropic changes. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02209
The Board considered that the evidence in record supports that the CI had painful, limited ROM with imaging evidence of DJD following right knee injury and surgery, without significant instability. Left knee examination was the same as the right, except no effusion was present and physical therapy noted ROM of 0 degrees-130 degrees, without painful motion.At the VA C&P exam performed a week after separation the CI reported problems in the left knee due to compensation for his right knee. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02210
Bilateral Knee Pain Condition . The CI continued with left knee pain and was seen by physical therapy (PT) for an evaluation. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02212
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 directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB rated the chronic LBP 10%, coded 5299-5237 (analogous to lumbosacral strain) and the VA rated it 0%, coded 5237.The Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02213
Right Ankle Condition . Post-operatively, he underwent physical therapy and rehabilitation.The CI was issued a permanent L3 profile dated 18 April 2007 for right knee and ankle pain with restrictions as noted above in the right knee condition section.The commander’s statement noted duty limitations from the ankle and knee.At the MEB examination dated 25 May 2007, the CI reported constant pain in the right leg to include his right ankle.The MEB physical examinationof the ankle, the examiner...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02214
The examiner noted there had not been any additional seizures since February 2005.The VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination on 26 October 2005, approximately 3 months after separation, recorded the last seizure occurred in July 2005, and that the CI“has had a seizure once every one and a half years.” However, the CI noted he had not had another grand mal seizure since February 2005 but had experienced episodes of jerking of his right arm and some blackouts for a few minutes, but...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02216
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. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20040312VA* -Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain Left Knee, Due to Posterior MMT5099-50030%MMT, Left Knee523710%STROther x 0...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02218
The upper extremity condition, characterized as “right shoulder stiffness, bilateral upper extremity pain and residual disability” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “left non-dominant forearm and hand injury, with reduced grip strength and chronic left upper extremity pain,”as unfitting rated 10% and 10%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02220
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. Bilateral Foot Pain .The first record in evidence for the bilateral foot condition is a sick call noted dated 19 March 2002 in which the CI notes a 2-month history of right>left foot pain aggravated by footwear. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02225
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. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20050404VA* -(~7 Months Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Morton’s Neuroma, Left Foot…527910%…Morton’s Neuroma, Left Foot5276-527910%20051219Other x 0 (Not In...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02226
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. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20041105VA* -(~7 Months Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Pain and Weakness of Right Index Finger…5099-500310%Right Index Finger Pain…522910%20050707Parasomnia...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02228
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-02228BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20140731 SEPARATION DATE: 20050215 I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02230
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The VA rated the low back condition at 20% coded 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome), based on decreased forward flexion of 50 degrees (no greater than 60 degrees). DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02231
Crohn’s Disease Condition . The CI did well for the next 11 months noting regular bowel movements with occasional constipation and minimal right lower quadrant tenderness without rebound.The commander’s statement indicated that the CI’s physical condition interfered with his MOS performance in that he could not take a pulmonary function test and he could have difficulty with heavy lifting due to his abdominal surgeries. The VA applied the combination code of 7328 (resection of small...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02232
The MEB characterized the CI’s skin condition as “solar urticaria” (a condition in which exposure to the sun [or ultraviolet radiation] induces urticaria or hives)and forwarded this to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) for consideration. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02233
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Abdominal Pain, Status Post Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy731810%Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Cholecystectomy7318-734610%20050802Scars, Residual of Cholecystectomy780410% 20050802Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 7 (Not in Scope) RATING: 10%RATING: 30%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060118 invalid font number 31502 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The Board reviewed the VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02236
In December 2004 theMEB found the asthma condition had stabilized sufficiently and the PEB adjudicated “exertion asthma” unfitting, rated at 10% disability and the CI was removed from the TDRL on 30 December 2004. The Board deliberated if the TDRL NARSUM current medications’listing oral Singulair was supported by the record and if it met the VASRD 6602 30% rating criteria for daily oral bronchodilator therapy.The Board discussed the evidence of record concerning Singulair use.Singulair was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02237
SEPARATION DATE: 20060126 A permanent L2 profile was issued on 11 June 2002 and a permanent L3 profile was issued dated 16 November 2005 for chronic back pain with restrictions of functional military activities.The commander’s statement dated 19September 2005 reviewed in some detail the CI’s treatment history and noted he had chronic lower back pain since 1999.At the MEB examination dated 18 October 2005, the CI reported back pain over the course of6 years that begin in September 1999 with...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02240
Low Back and Left Leg Pain Condition. Despite additional treatment the CI continued to report primarily back pain with some numbness/tingling to the left thigh area, but was noted to have good strength, sensation and reflexes.A repeat myelogram did not indicate any further nerve compression and no further surgical intervention was recommended.At the MEB examination performed on 9 March 2005, approximately 4 months prior to separation, the CI reported chronic pain increased by activity and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02242
Separation Date: 20050831 The MEB examiner documented that the CI could not do unlimited running, walking, biking or swimming and further opined that she should not be allowed to operate heavy equipment.The Board considered the 20% rating versus a 40% rating (requiring insulin, restricted diet and regulation of activities).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 DM Type I...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02244
IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability determinations. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20091009VA* - Based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Diabetes Mellitus, Type I791320%Diabetes Mellitus, Type I791320%**STROther x 1 (Not in Scope)Other x 0STR Combined: 20%Combined: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20100226 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02247
SEPARATION DATE: 20070430 Members agreed that the evidence supports a 20% rating for Group XI moderately severe muscle disability due to cardinal signs and symptoms of muscle disability of marked muscle atrophy, loss of soft tissue, and weakness on examination and lowered threshold of fatigue, fatigue-pain, and uncertainty of movement/incoordination with repetitive ROM or extended standing and walking, and loss of power due to posterior scar tissue.The Board again considered the normal gait...