AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02488
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 Spinal Cord Syrinx5299-523810%Lumbar and Thoracic Pain, with Evidence of T8-T9 Syrinx and Degenerative Disc Disease, L5-S1524220%20060427Other MEB/PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02490
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain, Due To Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease5299-524210%Lumbar Spine Strain 523710%20060414Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 720060414 Rating: 10%Combined Rating: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060727(most proximate to date of separation) Low Back Condition .Absent of direct trauma, the CI first reported low back pain (LBP) in July 2004 andthat was persisted throughout the balance of his service career. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02492
Low Back Pain Condition . The ROM findings rated by the MEB and VA were similar, each yielding 20% ratings under the VASRD §4.71a general spine formula.The Board also notes the earliest VA spinal evaluation was 6 yearsafter the date of Service separation.IAW DoDI 6040.44 and the post-separation time reference, the service treatment record evidence was assigned exclusive probative value with respect to the Board’s recommendations. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02494
No apparent VA C&P exam was performed as noted above.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB and the VA rated the back condition 10% coded5243 (disc syndrome) IAW §4.71a.citing forward flexion of the back of 80 degrees.Under this code, a rating of 10% requires forward flexion of the lumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees. The 40%rating requires flexion of the lumbar spine of 30% or less.The Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02496
CI CONTENTION : “I have continued pain in my knee and cannot do full physical activity as desired. At the time of the MEB NARSUM on 11 March 2004, he denied significant relief of symptoms and complained of pain with kneeling, squatting, prolonged sitting, standing and climbing ladders. The limitation of motion documented in examinations did not attain a minimum rating under the VASRD diagnostic codes for limitation of flexion (5260) or extension (5261).
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02500
Asthma Condition . The medications in use were not recorded. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02501
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic subjective neck pain, due to C2 odontoid fracture…without neurologic abnormality or limitation of motion”as unfitting, rated 10%. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Subjective Neck Pain…without Neurologic Abnormality523510%Residuals, Odontoid Cervical Spine Fracture523520%20060118 20060208Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 720060118 20060208 Combined: 10%Combined: 40% *Derived...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02503
The back condition, characterized as “ chronic low back pain” and “degenerative disk disease,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123 with no other conditions submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated “chronic low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease [DDD]” as unfitting, rated 10%,citing criteria ofthe VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI appealed the fitness determination to the Formal PEB (FPEB), which affirmed the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02504
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “degenerative arthrosis, left wrist, status post left total wrist fusion”as unfitting, rated 20%,citing criteria of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB and VA both rated the left wrist condition at 20% using code 5214 (wrist ankylosis) as in a favorable position...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02514
Although she had normal studies, the CI continued to report syncopal episodes and was referred to the heart clinic for possible electrophysiology studies. The EKG recorded normal sinus rhythm and no signs of atrial tachycardia or an accessory pathway (successful ablation).The VA Compensation and Pensionexamdated 18 November 2005, 3 months after separation, recorded the CI’s syncopal history, diagnoses, and treatment, and indicated the condition was well controlled with medication. The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02517
After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends separate right and left disability ratings of 10% each for the bilateral (neuralgia) foot condition. As discussed above, PEB reliance on the USAPDA pain policy DoDI 1332.39 for rating the bilateral foot condition was operant in this case and the condition was adjudicated independently of that policy by the Board.In the matter of the cervical spine condition, the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02518
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Thoracic and Low Back Pain523710%Thoracolumbar DDD and DJD524210%20050407Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 6 RATING: 10%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050801(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) Thoracolumbar Spine .The earliest entry in the available service treatment record (STR) for back pain is from 1991, mentioning a 3-year history of intermittent pain since childbirth. There...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02521
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. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02522
The rating for the unfitting asthma condition is addressed below. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bronchial Asthma6699-660210%Asthma6602100%20070531Other x 1 (Not in Scope)Other x 5 Combined: 10%Combined: 100% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20060801 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board also acknowledges the CI’s contention that suggests a higher service rating should have been granted on the unfitting medical...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02524
The VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam approximately 6.5 months after separation documented that the CI had constant daily neck pain rated at 7/10, neck stiffness occurred with turning the neck to any side with radiation down both upper extremities with feelings of hand weakness during an acute exacerbation. invalid font number 31502 RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; and, that the discharge with severance pay be...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02526
SEPARATION DATE: 20051112 Thoracolumbar ROM (Degrees)MEB ~3 Mos. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 20% for the chronic radiating LBP condition.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02528
The back condition, characterized as “persistent L5 radiculopathy”, was the forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E.The Informal PEB adjudicated “persistent L5 radiculopathy failing surgical decompression”as unfitting, rated at0%,with application of the Veterans Affairs 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02529
RATING COMPARISON : IPEB - Dated 20041021VA* -Based on Service Treatment Record(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Knee Pain5099-50030%Bilateral Knee Pain, with Shin Pain5099-502410%STROther MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 5 (Not in Scope) RATING: 0%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050208(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). The Board determined that it is appropriate for the right knee pain to be bundled with the left...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02531
Post-separation evidence is probative to the Board’s recommendations only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the disability at the time of separation. Pre-SepFlexion (90 Normal)“ROM by visual methods are “Normal”90Combined (240)240CommentFull and pain free ROM§4.71a Rating0%0%The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB and VA, citing incapacitation of 2 to 4 weeks, both rated the back condition at 20% using the codes 5241(spinal fusion)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02532
At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination performed the same day, the CI reported back pain since 2005. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 10% for the back 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02535
My medical condition even caused me to suffer a stroke from the severe migraine headaches that I still haveto this day. Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Vascular Headache (Migraine)810010%Migraine Headache Disorder810030%20040319Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 520040319 Combined: 10%Combined: 50% * Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040607(most proximate to date of separation) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02540
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 record only shows this for the left foot. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02542
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 coded the knees separately at 5260, leg, limitation of flexion and assigned a disability rating of 10% for each knee. Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the individual...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02546
Chronic Right 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 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 right knee pain condition, the Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02551
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20050201VA –(1 Day Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Knee Pain5099-50030%Patellofemoral Syndrome Left Knee5099-501410%20050317Patellofemoral Syndrome Right Knee5099-501410%20050317Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 2 Combined: 0%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050520 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). VA exam also documented crepitus (which is specified in §4.59) as well...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02553
At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination(performed 9 months after separation) the CI reported prior to surgery the pain level was 9/10 to 10/10. Pain was present 1-2 times a month and there was no pain daily with walking. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02554
CI CONTENTION : “The PEB rated me 20% disabled while the VA rated 30%. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02555
The chronic low back pain (LBP) condition characterized as “does not meet the retention standards” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. “Trunk” ROM was referred to the physical therapy note noted above. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for XXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20150006483 (PD201302555)I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and record of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02561
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 VASRD defines an unstable scar as one “where, for any reason, there is frequent skin loss or covering of the skin of the scar.” The VA rated the pilonidal cyst conditionat 10%, coded 7804 (scars) citing the scar to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02562
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic leg pain, due to recurrent bilateral tibial stress fractures”as unfitting, rated 0%, citing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20020315VA* -Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Leg Pain, due to Recurrent Bilateral Tibial Stress Fractures5099-50030%Recurrent Bilateral Tibial Stress Fractures5099-500310%STROther x 0 (Not In...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02563
Right Foot/Lower ExtremityCondition (Heel Spur, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer Toe,Achilles and Gastroc-Soleus Tendinitis) .The service treatment record (STR) contains a routine exam entry from 1997 (same year as enlistment) documenting hallux valgus (bunion deformity of the big toe); and, a clinic note from the same year noting a 4-month history of bilateral foot pain. The PEB rated the right foot condition analogously under 5279 (metatarsalgia) which provides for a maximum rating of 10%, under...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02564
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 first considered if the left shoulder, left arm/neck, bilateral knees, and/or mental disorder conditions could be separated from the fibromyalgia condition and separately rated. I have carefully reviewed the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02566
The requested back condition, which was determined to be not unfitting by the PEB, is likewise addressed below.The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding the significant impairment with which her serviceconnected condition continues to burden her; but must emphasize that 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. At the MEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02568
SEPARATION DATE: 20050524 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. Providing orders showing that the individual was retired with permanent disability effective the date of the original medical separation for disability with severance pay.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02570
On examination, he was noted to have 63 degrees of flexion and that 3/5 signs of non-organic pain were present. At the MEB examination on 16 April 2004 (5 months prior to separation), the CI reported on going back pain. Thoracolumbar ROM (Degrees)PT ~10 Mo.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02571
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 a pain managementevaluation on 11 March 2005 the CI reported no upper extremity symptoms and there was reduced cervical ROM with normal strength and TTP of the cervical spine (facet pain), with positive evidence of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02572
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. 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. The Board noted that PEB’s determination that PTSD was not separately...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02574
SEPARATION DATE: 20050508 Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain due to Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease…5299-524220%Paravertebral Muscle Spasms…5293-529240%VA PN*Right Leg Radiculopathy…5293-852010%VA PN*No Additional MEB/PEB Entries in Scope Combined: 60%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050826. Muscle strength in the bilateral lower extremity was normal and sensory examination recorded decreased pinprick sensation in the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02577
On ROM analysis, forward flexion (FF) was 70 degrees (normal: 90 degrees) with pain on motion,but no tenderness or muscle spasm.Motor, sensory and reflex exams were normal.On physical exam for the narrative summary (NARSUM) (DD Form 2808) performed on 6 July 2006, ROM of the spine was reported as “full” with normal upper and lower extremity motor strength.At the MEB/NARSUM evaluation performed on 27 July 2006, 8 months prior to separation, the CI reported continued low back pain. No...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02584
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. 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 with the VASRD in effect at the time of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02585
She was issued an L3 profile and referred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).“Ankle pain” and “chronic bilateral foot pain” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123. 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. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02590
Mid-Back Pain Condition . There was no increase in kyphosis at T12.The diagnosis rendered was T12 compression fracture with recalcitrant activity associated back pain.At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination on25 October 2007, 4 months after separation, the CI reported slight sensory impairment at the site of the fracture at the thoracolumbar junction and in the lower sacral area extending to the gluteal fold along the left side of the buttock. The Board determined that there...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02591
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 Veteran’s Affairs 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. Back Pain Condition . SLR bilaterally; Normal strength,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02593
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. At the neurology evaluation for the MEB examination dated 2 August 2004, the examiner noted that the video EEG recorded no epileptic activity during her episodes and she was subsequently diagnosed with psuedoseizures. The CI reported that she has had one seizure since...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02594
The narrative summarydated 12 December 2007, 7 months prior to separation and dictated by the attending physician, noted the heat stroke to be medically unacceptable, but anemia, high blood pressure (hypertension), protein in the urine (after the acute renal failure), and liver injury (hepatotoxicity) were all determined to be medically acceptable for retention. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02595
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. X-rays were recorded as normal, but the date was not reported. 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-2013-02596
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. Right Thumb and Right Hand Condition . After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a TDRL placement disability rating of 30% and a TDRL...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02598
Also noted was “decreased sensation over T12-L1 dermatomal areas to include genitalia.” This examiner also reported the absence of any lower extremity muscle weakness. Undeniably the CI suffered additional lower extremity pain from the nerve involvement, but this is subsumed under the general spine rating criteria, which specifically states “with or without symptoms such as pain (whether or not it radiates).” The lower extremity pain components in this case have no functional implications. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02603
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. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were done that day, but an hour after the use of an inhaler; no studies off of medications were in evidence. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02604
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 Pain, Right Foot…5099-500310%…Residuals… Right Foot5279-780410%20050110Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 10%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA...