AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02736
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. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Asthma660210%Asthma/Obstructive Pulmonary Disease6604-660230%20080211Other x2 (Not in Scope)Other x6 RATING: 10%RATING: 80%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20080917 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02738
Pre-Separation) -ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Right Ankle Pain…50100%Residuals of Right Ankle Fracture with Talonavicular Joint Osteoarthritis, Right Foot527120%20061031Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 8 RATING: 0%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20070127(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). On 1August 2005, a range-of-motion (ROM) evaluation was performed by physical therapy (PT).No pain was noted on motion, but ankle pain was reported...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02740
No other conditionwas submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic bilateral shoulder pain” and “chronic neck pain, without neurologic abnormality”as unfitting, rated 10% and 10%, citing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policyfor the shoulder condition and with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) for the neck condition. However, the option of not recommending separate disability ratings, but...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02742
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. This requirement applies whether the particular condition was noted at the time of entrance into active service or is later determined, upon the evidence of record, to have existed at that time. Migraine Headaches .
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02743
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Left Shoulder Pain (non-dominant)5099-500310%Residuals S/P Left Shoulder Surgeries5201-502410%20061114Other x 2 (Not In Scope)Other x 1 RATING: 10%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20070404(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). The VA rated the left shoulder pain (residuals, status post left shoulder surgeries X3) at 10% coded 5201-5024 (limitation of shoulder motion - tenosynovitis) citing painful...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02744
The low back and right hip conditions, characterized as “lumbago” and “right femoral neck stress fracture,” were the only conditions forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain (LBP) without neurologic deficit” and “chronic right hip pain status post stress fracture”as unfitting, rated 10%each, referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy for the hip with likely application of the Veterans...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02745
Left knee X-rayson 21 February 2007 were normal.At the MEB examination on 9 March 2007, 3 months prior to separation, the CI reported constant knee pain. Notes in the STR indicated the CI was advised the right knee pain was due to compensation for the left knee injury. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02746
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 CI reported that she was on methotrexate until February 2007 and then switched to oral retinoid therapy, which is not corroboratedby the service medical records.The Board also considered that the evidence at the after separation C&P was in conflict with a note in the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02748
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. DoD Physical...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02750
SEPARATION DATE: 20070121 RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02751
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain523710%Lumbar DJD with Spinal Stenosis524210%20060502Rt Lower Extremity Radiculopathy852010%20060502Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 3 (Not In Scope)Other x 6 RATING: 10%COMBINED RATING: 30% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060721(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). Examination showed mild bilateral muscle spasm, but gait and spinal contour were not mentioned.At the VA Compensation...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02752
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic back pain”as unfitting, rated 0%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The OSA condition was determined to be not unfitting and not rated. The examiner noted a full ROM, normal neurological examination, and negative provocative testing for nerve root irritation. After due deliberationin consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the Board concluded that there was insufficient cause to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02756
The chronic conjunctivitis and left eye condition(s), characterized as “chronic bilateral conjunctivitis/blepharitis” and “traumatic glaucoma of left eye,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.Also identified and forwarded by the MEB were five other conditions (see rating chart below), designated as medically acceptable.The Informal PEBadjudicated “chronic conjunctivitis”as unfitting, rated 10%.The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting.The CI...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02757
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 VARD, dated 30 May 2006, referenced the C&P exam and noted the CI experienced pain in his neck upon testing and the ROM of his cervical spine, in flexion, was 35 degrees. In the matter of the chronic neck pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02758
SEPARATION DATE: 20071123 Since then, he had noted re-aggravation of his LBP. The Board noted that the ROM for both the MEB and VA examinations supports a 20% rating, but the criteria for a 40% rating are not met.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02759
RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX President Physical Disability Board of Review I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02760
All treatment notes in the STR addressed the two knees together and the MEB forwarded bilateral knee pain as not meeting retention standards.The Board agreed that the evidence in record reasonably supports that each knee was unfitting at the time of separation and eligible for service disability rating. 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-2013-02762
These were considered together as right and left lower leg conditions for determination of fitness. The Board agreed the left hip condition was mild.The records noted periods of both hip pain and no hip pain.Routine X-rays, bone scans of the hips revealed no pathology. The Board noted the report of the CI at the time of the NARSUM thatleft hip pain “radiated from the back.”After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence, the Board agreed that there was no preponderance of evidence...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02763
At the MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) examinationperformed approximately 8 months prior to separation, the CI reported persistent neck pain and progressively increasing right upper extremity symptoms.The examiner noted that the neurologist opined that his functional ability was severely limited.The MEB NARSUM physical exam findings are summarized in the chart below. Members agreed that based on the clinical evidence and fitness performance criteria, the neck and right upper extremity...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02764
The InformalPEBadjudicated right hand pain secondary to a fracture of the little finger condition as unfitting, rated 0%with cited application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Despite physical and occupational therapy, his right hand pain continued.The MEB narrative summary completed on22 February 2006 (2 months prior to separation) provided a detailed and chronological history of the CI’s condition with...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02765
The requested sleep apnea, anxiety, hypertension and rhinitis conditions were not identified by the PEB, and therefore not within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board.Any conditions or contention not requested in this application, or otherwise outside the Board’s defined scope of review, remain eligible for future consideration by the Board for Correction of Military Records. Asthma Condition . The PEB TDRL exit rating was 10%,with the disability description stating: “not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02766
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. PTSD . RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified to reflect a 6 month period on TDRL with a disability rating of 50% (PTSD at 50% IAW §4.129 and DoD direction), and then...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02767
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 examiner diagnosed chronic lumbar strain.The Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB rated the chronic LBP 10%, coded 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome) noting...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02773
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 Knee Conditions: The narrative summary (NARSUM) noted developed bilateral knee pain without reported injury in January 2007.On a clinic evaluation in May 2007, the CI had painful motion in both knees, the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02774
Although the service and VA titled the unfitting back condition slightly differently, they both utilized similar primary codes of 5237 (lumbosacral strain) and 5242 (degenerative arthritis) respectively; with the PEB citing pain exacerbations with duty performance failures and the VA as limited ROM.Board members first acknowledged the ROM values reported by the VA examiner, (9 months after separation) were significantly worse than those reported in the pre-separation exams having significant...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02776
The chronic right knee pain condition, characterized as “right knee mild cartilaginous partial thickness defect in the lateral facet of the patella” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded one other condition.The informal PEB adjudicated “chronic right knee pain”as unfitting, rated 0%,with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The remaining conditions were determined to be not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02778
The CI was medically separated. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Knee Pain …5099-500320%PFS of the Left Knee526010%20080702PFS of the Right Knee526010%Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 5 RATING: 20%RATING: 40% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20080922(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) Bilateral Knee Pain .The first record in evidence for the bilateral knee pain was a duty excuse, dated 5 April 2002, from her civilian...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02779
The Board thus determined that the VA C&P ROM was the most probative for a rating recommendation at the time of separation. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board. I concur with that finding, accept their recommendation and direct that your records be corrected as set forth in the attached copy of a Memorandum for the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02780
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 Pruritus Ani With Current Fissures Formation73370%Pruritus Ani7337-733610%20070207Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 5 RATING: 0%RATING: 50% *Derived from VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02781
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 have carefully...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02782
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. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis, Left Greater Than Right5399-531010%Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis5299-527610%200708175399-53100%Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02783
The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated the left wrist condition as unfitting, rated 10%, citing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency pain policy. 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. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02784
Asthma Condition . The CI’s lung examination was normal and she was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma that was “…refractory to multiple medical treatments including inhaled steroids, beta-agonists, and leukotriene inhibitors.” Also documented the following “For management of her exercise-induced asthma, patient should continue her inhaler therapy consisting of Albuterol before exertion and also during times of symptom exacerbation.” The VA Compensation and Pension (C&P)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02785
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. A service medical record note dated 10January 2005 documented a 5-month history of low back pain (LBP) with numbness in both feet. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02787
SEPARATION DATE: 20060803 Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain…524110%S/P Fusion L4-L5…524120%20060918Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 2 RATING: 10%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20060918 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) Chronic Back Pain .The CI had a history of longstanding low back pain (LBP) for which he was seen sporadically until early 2005. The ROM at both the PT and C&P examinations...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02789
After placement on the TDRL on 23 May 2007, the CI continued to have depressive symptoms, but had noMH treatment.The VA C&P examination for MH issues performed on 13 October 2007 noted the CI appeared to be mildly depressed and anxious and was diagnosed with depression (very mild secondary to back injury) with a GAF of 82 (absent or minimal symptoms).The TDRL psychiatrist evaluator on 14 November 2008 indicated that the diagnosis of pain disorder associated with both psychological factors...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02790
The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated patellofemoral pain, bilateral knee, rated 0% with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy; and the left tibial stress fracture as unfitting, rated 0% with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions (back, left hip and asthma) were determined to be not unfitting. The examiner noted tenderness over the left shin.At the VA C&P exam performed 2 months prior to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02791
The Board reviews medical records and other available evidence to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, using the VASRD standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separationand, to review those fitness determinations within its scope consistent with performance-based criteria in evidence at separation. tenderness to palpation; Decreased movement of toes of right foot; Repetitive motion increased ROM; No temperature change; No skin or vascular changes; Normal reflexes...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02794
All ligaments were stable to testing and evidence of meniscal tear was absent.The MEB examiner on 11 May 2006 (4 months prior to separation) noted “limited range of motion due to pain” in the right knee, but range-of-motion (ROM) measurements were not performed. 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 chronic left shoulder pain condition, coded 5201 (arm, limitation of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02796
The physical examination noted normal ROM of the left knee, presence of a scar, and a general comment of “Stable.”The final diagnosis was reported as,“Left knee tibial plateau fracture with ligament injury.”At the MEB NARSUM exam on 6 February 2007, the CI was still using crutches in accordance with the post-operative recovery plan for 8 to 12 weeks of limited weight bearing. Although the ACL and PCL were intact, there was evidence of residual laxity at the time of the PT examination and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02797
The MEB forwarded “low back and cervical pain with evidence of cervical and lumbar disk disease…” to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) as not meeting retention standards IAW AR 40-501. 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 eye condition was reviewed...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02800
Almost 2 months prior to TDRL removal, the CI underwent an orthopedic evaluation for her upper back pain as noted in the neck pain section above. After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the Board concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend that an unfitting MH condition was present at the time of TDRL placement and so no additional disability rating is recommended. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02801
SEPARATION DATE: 20040123 Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic R Foot/Ankle Pain5099-50030%Fracture R Ankle And Foot5010-527110%20040615Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3(equals SC, NSC & deferred) RATING: 0%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040818(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). Review of the medical records in evidence showed that the CI broke his right foot after a transmission fell on it a year prior to accession and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02803
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 reviews medical records and other available evidence to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, using the VASRD standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation; and, to review those...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02806
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. Right Shoulder...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02809
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 directed its attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.As noted above the MEB forwarded the diagnosis of PTSD to the PEB and the PEB reviewed the evidence presented by the unit...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02810
The PEB adjudicated the three knee conditions as one condition, “chronic bilateral knee pain”, rated at 10% citing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. Chronic Bilateral Knee Pain Condition . In the matter of the chronic bilateral knee pain condition, the Board , by an majority vote, recommends that each knee is separately unfitting and should be rated as follows : chronic right knee pain condition coded as 50 99-5003, rated at 10% and the chronic left knee...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02812
SEPARATION DATE: 20071002 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 right hip neuropathic pain condition and IAW VASRD §4.124a, the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02815
Orthopedic evaluation diagnosed left snapping hip syndrome and left trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of the hip joint) and the CI had a steroid injection into the left hip with “nearly complete resolution of her symptoms.”The CI had additional hip imaging (MR arthrogram) that supported fibrous dysplasia withno evidence of significant degenerative changes at the left hip or left acetabular labral tear and a new finding of mildinflammation of the gluteal tendon at the hip. RECOMMENDATION :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02818
SEPARATION DATE: 20050310 The orthopedic MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) examination on 10 November 2004, reported continued right shoulder instability and subluxation with extension, abduction and overhead activity. 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...