AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02352
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active dutyE-4(Unit Supply Specialist)medically separated for left ankle pain.The condition could not be adequately rehabilitated to meet the physical requirementsof his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).He was issued a permanent L3 profileand referred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).The “left ankle pain status post reconstructive surgery” was forwarded to the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02355
The PEB adjudicated “chronic right hip pain”as unfitting, rated at 10%, referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The rating for the unfitting right hip condition is addressed below; no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02357
The Board, IAW DoDI 6040.44 and DoD guidance (which applies current VASRD 4.129 to all Board cases as appropriate), agrees that the stipulations of §4.129 are met in this case since there was no variance between the PEB and VA in that each independently determined the CI’s Axis I diagnosis to be PTSD; and, will thus recommend a minimum 50% PTSD rating for a retroactive 6-month period on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL). RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02358
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Myofascial Pain Syndrome(Cervical and Left Trapezius)502120%Cervical Strain with Headaches523720%20050503Left Shoulder AC Separation52010%20050503No Other Item in ScopeOther x 4 (Not in Scope)20050503 Combined: 20%Combined: 40%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050615(most proximate to date of separation). Of note, the MEB PT cervical ROM evaluation noted that cervical flexion was associated with “pain into left upper...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02360
The examiner opined that the CI’s condition was stable and his functional status depended on his getting a restful night’s sleep using the CPAP or Bi-PAP machine which was variable.The second commander’s statementdocumented that the CI’s medical condition prevented him from engaging in both soldering and MOS related tasks as he was unable to sleep without a CPAP or BI-PAP device by his side and his medical condition adversely impacted his unit’s readiness. RECOMMENDATION : The Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02362
Post-SeparationConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Foot Pain Following Trauma8799-872210% 10% 20%Bilateral Feet with Plantar Fascia Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Claimed as Bilateral Chronic Foot Pain)5299-527910%20040916Other x 6 (Not in Scope)Other x 12 Combined: 20%Combined: 100%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20041210 ( most proximate to date of separation) Bilateral Foot Pain Condition .In Basic Training the CI reported having both of his feet run over by...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02365
The Board unanimously agreed the record in evidence to reasonably supports the abdominal condition as unfitting.The Board then undertook rating consideration. The Board agreed that no rating could be recommended under this code. The minority member notes that the back condition was of such severity it was permanently profiled and considered “unfitting” for continuation of military service by the PEB.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02368
tenderness both heels; Normal gait§4.71a Rating10%10%10% (PEB 0%)10% (PEB 0%)10%10% invalid font number 31502 The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB coded the chronic bilateral foot pain condition as 5099 analogous to 5022 (periostitis), rated at 0%. 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-2013-02369
CI CONTENTION :The CI writes:“Ankle pain, had reconstruction with continued issues. 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. This condition was reviewed and considered by the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02370
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 VASRD standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation.The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding the significant impairment with which his service-connected condition continues to burden him but, must emphasize that the Disability Evaluation System has neither the role nor the authority to compensate members for...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02373
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Traumatic Brain Injury8045-930410%Traumatic Brain Injury w/Left Frontal Lobe Encephalomalacia804510%20050324PTSDNot UnfittingAnxiety941350%20050324Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 420050324 Combined: 10%Combined: 60%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050407 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The VA rated anxiety disorder 50%, coded 9413, five months after separation.oard considered if the evidence in record...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02377
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 bilateral shoulder condition is addressed below and 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02384
Chronic Back Pain Due To Lumbar DDD/Extruded Discs Condition . Pre-SepVA C&P 16 Days Pre-SepFlexion (90 Normal)65Used ROM’s from PT exam60Combined (240)210210CommentPos. invalid font number 31502 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02385
The Board considered the data from the back examinations noted above. At that exam, thoracolumbar ROM was normal. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02386
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty SPC/E-4 (91Q/Pharmacy Specialist) medically separated for chronic low back and right hip conditions.The CI injured her back and right hip and the conditions could not be adequately rehabilitated to meet the physical requirements of her Military Occupational Specialty or satisfy physical fitness standards. On examination, she was noted to walk without pain. At...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02387
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Knee Pain5099-50030%Right Knee Strain525710%20060603Left Knee Strain525710%20060603Other x 1 (Not in Scope)Other x 620060603 Combined: 0%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060718 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02389
The pain management examiner reevaluated the CI on 2 April 2008 and documented that there was residual pain, however the CI was not taking any pain medication; at rest the pain was zero to two and when he was actively working, the pain was in the three to five range. Additionally, the Board concluded, although the CI had some symptoms of depression, and depression might have been the predominant presentation of his adjustment disorder, there was insufficient evidence that any mental health...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02401
There was no effusion and no instability.At the VA C&P examination on 11 May 2005 (approximately 6 weeks after separation), the CI reported left knee pain aggravated by activity and reported giving away symptoms, and easy fatigability.On examination there was an antalgic gait. The PEB rated the left knee condition 10% coded 5259, symptomatic status post removal of meniscus, noting full motion and good stability. The “minus 10 degrees” was in the context of reporting onset of painful...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02402
ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the impairment with which the CI’s service-connected condition continues to burden her but notes the Disability Evaluation System has neither the role nor the authority to compensate members for anticipated future severity or potential complications of conditions resulting in medical separation. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. Service...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02404
Although she was able to perform an alternate physical fitness test, she could not meet the requirements of her MOS.The VA C&P examination (8 plus months prior to separation) referenced a 2005 knee injury not evidenced in the STR; and,documented daily pain rated 7/10 exacerbated by “exercise, prolonged standing, [and] bending.” The VA physical exam noted a normal gait, no tenderness, no instability or signs of cartilage impingement, and recorded ROM measurements of 140 degrees flexion and 0...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02405
The groin condition, characterized as “left inferior pubic ramus stress fracture,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.One other condition was submitted by the MEB. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20041103VA* - (13 Mos.Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Groin Pain Secondary to Inferior Pubic Ramus Stress Fracture5099-50030%Inferior Pubic Ramus5294NSC20051221Chronic Left Groin5299-5294NSC20051221Other x 0 (Not in...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02407
SEPARATION DATE: 20050608 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. Accordingly, the Board recommended your separation be re-characterized to reflect disability retirement, rather than separation with severance pay.I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02413
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 Right Ankle Decrease ROM and Chronic Pain527110%S/P Surgery, R Ankle with Deg Changes and Post-op Residuals527120%20071119Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 5 RATING: 10%RATING: 20% *Derived from...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02418
A note in the record on 3 June 2004 noted improvement with mild to moderate LBP, aggravated by activity, with occasional RLE symptoms, with a normal examination except “some discomfort in the lumbar region.” The CI sought a second opinion from physical medicine regarding a MEB and at the evaluation on 14July 2004 the CI reported no relief of symptoms despite PT. The Board agreed that according to current VASRD spine rules for rating the spine in effect at the time of separation the ROM...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02421
The MEB forwarded “heat stroke” and “cognitive disorder”to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR40-501, both failing retention standards.The Informal PEBadjudicated “heat stroke and rhabdomyolysis, resolved…heat stroke has resulted in a mild cognitive disorder manifested by mild impairments in memory and verbal fluency” as a single unfitting condition, rated 10%. The PEB noted that the CI was asymptomatic but at increased risk of further heat injury. RECOMMENDATION : The Board,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02422
She reported “some ‘give way’ symptoms approximately five to six times per week” and “some catching but no true locking.” The MEB physical exam (DD Form 2808 dated 18 November 2005; 7 months prior to separation) documented left knee mild diffuse swelling with multiple scars. The NARSUM dated 25 April 2006 (2 months prior to separation) referenced the orthopedic consult exam findings above and documented active ROM that was -3 to 122 degrees symmetrically on both knees (normal 0-140 degrees)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02427
The MEB forwarded “nocturnal epilepsy”to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) as medically unacceptable IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEBadjudicated “nocturnal seizures requiring anti-convulsant medication” as unfitting, rated 10%with likely application of 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02428
The Informal PEBadjudicated “chronic low back pain s/p L4-5 fusion w/o neurologic deficit”as unfitting rated at10%. The Board noted that the VA examination 4 months post separation indicated a forward flexion of 45degreeswhich supports a 20% rating IAW VASRD §4.71a (forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees).However, ROM values reported by the VA examiner approximately 4 months after separation are significantly worse than those...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02429
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 Sesamoiditis and Back Pain5099-500310%Bilateral Foot Condition5299-52780%20050113Back Condition5299-5237NSC20050105Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 2 Rating: 10%Rating: 0%Derived from VA Rating Decision...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02430
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 Neck Pain …52410%Status Post C5-6 ACDF… 5010-524210%20060330OSANot UnfittingOSA684750%20060420Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 6 RATING: 0%COMBINED...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02436
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 chronic low back pain condition at 10%; coded 5242. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02437
The CI was given a U3/L3 profile for LBP and right wrist pain. The PT noted that althoughhis right wrist was showing improvement, the CI had wrist pain with pushups.The MEB NARSUM exam documented that the CI was unable to perform basic soldering duties or carry/lift more than 25 pounds or engage in repetitive gripping, bending or twisting of the right wrist.The MEB NARSUM physical exam findings are summarized in the chart below. The VA coded the arthropathy of right wrist condition as 5003...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02445
SEPARATION DATE: 20070430 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)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Achilles Tendon Pain50240%Ruptured Left Achilles Tendon5284-502410%20070630Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 6 (Not In Scope)Other x 6 (equals SC, NSC & deferred) RATING: 0%RATING:...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02446
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. By a majority, the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02449
RATING COMPARISON : IPEB - Dated 20051107VA* -Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Right (Dominant) Ulnar Nerve Injury with Persistent Loss of Sensation and Painful Numbness and Tingling in Ulnar Distribution8699-861610%Right Ulnar Nerve Injury with Loss of Sensation and Painful Numbness and Tingling in Ulnar Distribution (Claimed as Right Arm, Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy)851610%STRConditions x 2 (Not In Scope)Other x 5 RATING: 10%RATING: 50% *Derived...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02450
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 physical exam noted decreased sensation in the right lower leg and foot but no motor weakness.The NARSUM examiner reported that the CI “could not flex his trunk greater than 30 degrees without pain,”but did not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02455
SEPARATION DATE: 20040517 The MEB also identified and forwarded two other conditions for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain and instability right elbow following ulnar transposition and collateral ligament reconstruction” as unfitting and rated it at 10%, citing theUS Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02461
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-02461BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCE BOARD DATE: 20140724 SEPARATION DATE: 20050914 The next higher rating of 30% requires FEV-1 of 56% to 70% or FEV-1/FVC of 56%to 70% on PFT; or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy; or inhalational anti-inflammatory (steroid) medication.The VA coded the lung condition analogous to chronic bronchitisas 6600 rated at 30% citing an FEV-1 of 60% from the PFT...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02462
All evidence considered, the Board recommends coding 9434 at 30% as the fair permanent separation rating for depression in this case. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02465
CI CONTENTION : “The original condition was, and has been a life changing medical 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 exercised.In the matter of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02466
SEPARATION DATE: 20080706 Absent spasm, incapacitation, or abnormal gait or contour, the Board found no route to a rating higher than the 10% adjudicated by both the PEB and VA. 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 in the PEB adjudication for the back condition. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02470
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. Left Side Testicular Pain, s/p Epididymectomy and s/p Left Orchiectomy with Placement of Prosthesis Condition . Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Treatment Record
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02473
SEPARATION DATE: 20021108 The back pain condition was characterized as “degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine” and was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “back pain”as unfitting, rated 10%. The radiologist stated that impingement of nerve roots by bone spurs may be present.Treatment with pain medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatorymedication and Tylenol with codeine)and muscle...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02475
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 internal medicine evaluation on 6 January 2006, noted symptoms resolving and a normal examination with “no evidence of overt arthritis,” “no signs of SLE flare and all signs of prior flare now resolved.” There are no further service treatment record entries prior to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02476
The ROM was limited by pain. Moreover, the Board noted that the signs and symptoms for a severe level of muscle injury under VASRD §4.56 (evaluation of muscle disabilities) were not present. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02478
Shoulder flexion was 140 degrees (normal 180 degrees) and abduction was 140 degrees (normal 180 degrees).At orthopedic follow-up on 19 January 2005 (7 months prior to separation), the CI stated that symptoms were better after surgery, “but not perfect.”Examination showed “full” range-of-motion (ROM) of the left shoulder and mild weakness of abduction.At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam performed approximately 10 months after separation, the CI reported intermittent left shoulder...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02479
No other conditionwas submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB)adjudicated “bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome”as unfitting, rated 10% and 10% for a combined 20% rating, citing application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Bilateral CTS .The first note in the service treatment record was an electrodiagnostic study dated 29 August 2003, which was performed for the CI’s history of bilateral hand pain, tingling and numbness without neck pain. At an orthopedic...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02481
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20040701VA* - (~2 Mos.Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Neck & Back pain w/ DDD523710%Thoracic & Lumbar Spine DDD523710%20040907Neck Pain5237NSC20040907No Separate MEB/PEB AdjudicationLLE Neuropathy852010%20040907Flexible Pes PlanusNot UnfittingBilateral Pes Planus5276NSC20040907Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 5 Combined: 10%Combined: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20041110 (most proximate to date of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02486
SEPARATION DATE: 20081006 The Board notes that the PEB psychiatric statement dated 29 August 2008, 4 months prior to separation, specifically stated that the CI’s condition was medically acceptable. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02487
The back condition, characterized as “slight, constant low back pain (LBP) due to ankylosing spondylitis,” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. An X-ray of the spine found bilateral sacroiliac sclerosis, and lumbar spine pseudarthrosis. 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.