AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00349
In addition, the CI was notified by the Army that his case may eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of his mental health (MH) condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 and whose MH diagnoses were changed during that process. The Board directs attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00352
SEPARATION DATE: 20050114 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 Board noted that the NARSUM and multiple entries found in the service treatment record, months prior to separation, documented that daily use of inhaled anti-inflammatory medication (Advair, Azmacort or Flovent)and daily inhalational...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00365
The remaining four conditions were determined to meet retention standards.The IPEB adjudicated the bilateral knee conditions as unfitting, rating each knee 10%, withapplication of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions met retention standards and were determined to be not unfitting. It also noted “recurrent headaches; meets retention standards.” The C&P examination performed on 11 May 2009, noted "it feels like my whole head is going to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00373
The Service ratings for the unfitting left fifth digit amputation, left thumb pain due to scarring and right thumb pain due to scaring conditions is are 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 review, remain eligible for future consideration by the respective Service Board for Correction of Military Records. The CI...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00381
The PEB was revised for administrative corrections in which the two conditions (back pain and knee pain) were given separate disability ratings of 10% each for a combined rating of 20%. Bilateral Knee 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00383
The Board reviews medical records and other available evidence to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, using the VA 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. The VA also applied an analogous code of 5010-5237, lumbosacral or cervical strain and rated it 10% based on...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00409
The chronic back pain and chronic neck pain conditions, characterized as “chronic neck pain and chronic back pain, with degenerative disc disease” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. In addition, the CI was notified by the Army that his case may be eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of his MH condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00413
At the MEB examination on 16June 2005, the CI reported continued ankle pain and arthritis. ROM limited by pain, severe tenderness lateral aspect, no effusion, no muscle atrophy, no weakness, no instability, walks w/ small limp, wears ankle brace §4.71a Rating 10 % 20 % 10 %The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB and VA both coded the ankle condition 5271,limited ankle motion and rated it at 20% for marked loss, the highest rating available...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00433
The ratings for the unfitting gunshot wound of left posterior thigh group, the existed prior to service (EPTS) Ehlers-Danlos condition, and not unfitting conditions of multiple joint arthralgias and situational depression are addressed below;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 review, remain eligible for future consideration by the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00462
The Board noted the first VA C&P examination was well outside the 12-month time frame specified in DoDI 6040.44 regarding VA evaluations for Board consideration to have significant probative value in the Board’s rating recommendation, and the CI did indicate that his pain was “worse” further suggesting it did not reflect his condition at separation. Mental Health Review Contended MH Conditions .Although the CI elaborated no contention related to any MH condition, it is noted that he...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00470
On 5 July 2005,3 months prior to separation, she was seen in the psychology clinic. The note stated that she reported no MH treatment or evaluations until the attack. Physical findings were normal speech, sufficient nonverbal communication skills were demonstrated, mental status was normal, appearance was normal, behavior demonstrated no abnormalities, attitude was not abnormal, mood was euthymic, affect was normal, no hallucinations, thought processes were not impaired, thought content...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00473
The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB) which reversed the IPEBs findings and adjudicated the bipolar disorder as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The last recorded psychiatry entry on 22November 2004, 6 months prior to separation, noted a stable mood and normal MSE with a GAF of 70 (mild). The examiner diagnosed bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00497
He had an OATS graft from the left knee to the left ankle on 12November 2002. Left Knee Pain Condition . There was no VA C&P examination proximate to the date of separation in the record due to a no-show.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00500
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx CASE: PD1300500 BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCE BOARD DATE: 20130827 No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “left shoulder bidirectional instability due to left anterior labral tear and type II SLAP tear”as unfitting, rated 20%,with cited application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated. Although there was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00501
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 Army that her case may eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of any mental health (MH) condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00503
SCOPE OF REVIEW : The CI was notified by the Army that his case may eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of any mental health (MH) condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 and whose MH diagnoses were changed or eliminated during that process. The Board’s authority as defined in DoDI 6044.40, however, resides in...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00516
Although citing different VASRD codes, both the FPEB and the VA noted limited motion for a 10% rating. Disability associated with any psychiatric condition, regardless of the diagnosis or multiple diagnoses, is subsumed under a single rating using the same criteria IAW VASRD §4.130 general rating formula for MH conditions.The Board determined the criteria for the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the MH Diagnosis Review Project was met.The PEB adjudicated the anxiety disorder as not unfitting. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00543
There was no documentation of a new injury. At the MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) exam, approximately 2months before separation, the CI reported being prescribed narcotic medication for the pain (which he was not using at that time) and continued intermittent locking and buckling about two to three episodes per day(there was no independent STR evidence to support knee locking/buckling). BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00545
STRs noted a consultation with rheumatology on 03 June 2003, six months prior to separation, which described a “constellation of symptoms compatible with fibromyalgia with chronic generalized pain, complications of fatigue, sleep disturbance and chronic depression.” Physical examination noted “typical trigger pointing noted in the cervical, scapular and lumbar regions of the spine.”An outpatient note on 24 July 2003reported “widespread muscle pain and fatigue,” back pain and neck pain, “hip...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00546
The MEB also identified and forwarded anxiety disorder (meets retention standards).The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain evaluated as Spondylolisthesis”as unfitting, rated 20%,with application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition, anxiety disorder was determined to be not unfitting and therefore not rated. At the VA C&P exam performed almost 4 months after separation, the diagnosis was adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00547
The Board evaluates DVA evidence proximal to separation in arriving at its recommendations, but its authority resides in evaluating the fairness of DES fitness decisions and rating determinations for disability at the time of separation. However, the 10% rating(occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency … only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication,) is also applicable, especially...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00552
The MEB also identified and forwarded depression NOS as meeting retention standards for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated the DM and chronic neck pain associated with headaches and arm pain as unfitting, rated 20% and 0% respectively. The evidence present for review did not indicate that the CI was hospitalized while on TDRL, there was no evidence of activity restriction, and the CI was seen by her endocrinologist every 2 months.After due deliberation, considering all of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00571
He could not be medically rehabilitated and had difficulty functioning to meet the physical requirements of his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or satisfy physical fitness standards.He was issued a permanent L3/S2 profile and referred for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB).The knee and mental health conditions, characterized as “bilateral knee osteoarthritis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)”, were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00583
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The InformalPEB adjudicated fibromyalgia as unfitting rated 10%with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB) whoupon review increased the rating to 20%. Fibromyalgia Condition . The Board directs attention to its rating recommendation based on the above and considered whether the evidence of the service treatment records (STR) supported a higher 40% rating at...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00618
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD1300618BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army BOARD DATE: 20140410 At the narrative summary (NARSUM) performed on 13 November 2006, 3 months prior to separation, the CI endorsed “chronic mid and low back pain.” Her physical examination revealed tenderness along her low back, positive left straight leg raise, subjective numbness in all left toes and two positive Waddell signs (pain indicator tests). BOARD FINDINGS :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00626
The CI did not concur and requested a formal hearing; Reconsideration PEB adjudicated “hallux abductovalgus, right foot with bunion” as EPTS but rated it 10% disabling(with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities [VASRD]) due to service aggravation. The CI was evaluated for a right bunion, aggravated with walking, with physical exam findings of mild swelling of the great toe. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00639
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active dutySGT/E-5 (75H/Personnel Services Specialist)medically separated for bilateral knee pain, left testicular pain and a congenital hypospadiascondition causing urinary leakage that was surgically repaired twice, non-compensable, existed prior to service (EPTS) without service aggravation.The CI first experienced bilateral knee pain and testicular pain in 1997. After...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00643
The Informal PEB adjudicated chronic left ankle tendonitis as unfitting, rated 0% with likely application of VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) guidelines. The Board reviews medical records and other available evidence to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, using the IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability determinations. Chronic Left Ankle Pain Condition .
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00646
The CI’s anxiety disorder, NOS and PTSD symptoms persisted and he was referred for a MEB. The Board agreed at the time of permanent separation (TDRL exit) the record adequately demonstrated that the CI had only one flare-up in 11 months,continued in treatment for UC, and was responding to treatment. 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 | PD2013 00647
At times that her headache severity was reported to be 9 out of 10 (on a 0-10 scale), she appeared to be in “no apparent distress, watching TV, and conversing normally.”The neurologist stated: “I strongly suspect her headaches are not as severe as she reports...” and “I doubt I will be able to provide any treatment that she states will be useful for headache control.”The commander’s statement on 16 June 2006 (4 months prior to separation) noted that the migraine headaches severely limited...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00648
There was evidence of degenerative changes on X-rays of both knees and, by report in the C&P, evidence of meniscal tears bilaterally on MRI. The profile was for bilateral knee pain, although the commander noted that the CI was limited secondary to pain in his right knee. The CI had positive DeLuca findings for both knees on the VA C&P examination, an abnormal gait secondary to left knee pain on the NARSUM examination and was noted by his commander to have duty restrictions secondary to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00651
The informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain right hip and left shoulder” and “bilateral plantar fasciitis” as unfitting, rated 10% and 0%,respectively (IAW the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy). The CI was given a U4/L4 Profile for right hip pain, left shoulder pain and bilateral foot pain. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00659
The requested hearing loss condition was not identified by the MEB or PEB, and thus is not within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. 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.As discussed above, provisions relied upon by the BCMR reliance on an...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00662
The hip was not separately examined. Pre-SepFlexion (90 Normal) 60 90 (95) Combined (240)--- 240 Comment §4.71a Rating 20% 0%The Board first considered if the back pain was a separately unfitting 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00667
In addition, the CI was notified by the Army that her case may eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of any mental health condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 and whose mental health diagnoses were changed or eliminated during that process. Left Knee Condition . Although the CI was seen in the mental health...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00673
However, the examiner noted that the CI did not socialize as much as he had before. At the VA C&P examination, the examiner noted that the CI was able to continue to work with the aid of medications. Regardless, the examiner determined that the CI did not have prostrating headaches in this examination only one month after separation.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00674
At a VA examination, dated 10 June 2010, the CI complained that “the left knee pain and swelling had gotten worse since the left knee arthroscopic surgery.” The VA physician noted tenderness only “along the medial and lateral patellar facets,” but noted the absence of effusion or instability. Left foot pain condition. Right knee pain condition .The Board considered whether the right knee pain condition was unfitting for continued military service.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00677
The bilateral knee pain condition, characterized as fails retention standards,was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded five other conditions (chronic sleep apnea, migraine headaches, bilateral foot pain, lumbar degenerative disc disease and diffuse myalgia)for PEB adjudication. The PEB adjudicated chronic bilateral knee pain as unfitting, rated at 0% with application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency pain policy.The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00694
The CI had a long history of bilateral foot pain finally diagnosed as chronic bilateral fasciitis in 2001. The NARSUM and the C&P exam contain language that the CI was functional but had pain in both feet only with prolonged activity. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00698
; No muscle spasm invalid font number 31502 Also noted in evidence was a VA PT exam dated 13 months after separation that documented “Trunk ROM is limited 50% flexion, lateral flexion left and 25% rotation left. The VA coded the lumbar spine DDD, scoliosis and strain condition as 5242, degenerative arthritis of the spine, rated at 20% based on a forward flexion of 40 degrees.The general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine considers the CI’s pain symptoms “With or without...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00699
The PEB determined the VCD syndrome condition was unfitting and not sufficiently stable for final adjudication, and placed the CI on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) on 1 April 2003 with a rating of 30%, with application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The PEB determined the adjustment disorder was not unfitting and not ratable. The Board noted the VA to rate the symptoms of SOB, thought related to the VCD at 30%, coded6602, asthma, IAW §4.97 citing FEV-1 of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00717
There are compelling opinions and evidence from subsequent VA neurologic and psychiatric evaluations that there was a very substantial psychological contribution to the physical disability in this case, which will not be elaborated here; but is probative to the Board’s rating recommendation which must be based on the disability confined to the unfitting knee condition(s) based on criteria of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) §4.71a. The Board,IAW VASRD §4.7 (higher of two...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00743
The PEB adjudicated “anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS)”as unfitting, rated 10% with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The CI is eligible for PDBR review of his conditions that were evaluated by the PEB. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for AR20130019206 (PD201300743) I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00769
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated the lumbar, mood disorder and bilateral knee conditions as unfitting: the lumbar spine rated 10%, citing criteria of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD); the mood disorder rated 10%, citing criteria of DoDI 1332.39 (E2.A1.5); and, the bilateral knee conditions rated 0% with presumptive application of AR 635-40 (B.24.f) and the USAPDA pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00782
Six weeks after the injury (18 June 2003), the orthopedic examiner noted the CI was without complaint and the left knee ROM was normal with flexion 0-110 degrees.In November 2005, the CI returned with a 2-week history of left knee pain. Although the examiner noted an effusion on physical examination, the MRI definitively noted, “there is no joint effusion” with evidence of degenerative changes. The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00785
The MEB also identified and forwarded two other conditions for PEB adjudication.Neither fell below retention standards.The PEB adjudicated “anxiety disorder with significant PTSD components”as unfitting, rated 10%,citing criteria of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), but without consideration or application of 4.129. The MEB physical examination dated 19 October 2007 did list PTSD as the diagnosis. Both conditions were reviewed and considered by the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00793
I request the review board consider: 1) the appropriate application of the VASRD rating for VA code 5237 based on the forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine documented in the NARSUM, 2) the rating of radicular pain as contributing to the unfitting condition in accordance with AR 635-40, Section 4-19f (6) (b), and 3) review all conditions identified but determined not to be unfitting by the PEB (see page 7 of NARSUM).” There is no evidence of a separately ratable functional impairment (with...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00805
The Board’s charge with respect to the MH conditions referred for review that were determined to be not unfitting by the PEB is an assessment of the appropriateness of the PEB’s fitness adjudication. The MH condition was reviewed and considered by the Board . Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00808
ROM testing is summarized in chart below, limited by pain upon repetitive use, and not additionally limited by fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance or incoordination following repetitive use.The narrative summary (NARSUM) on 6 October 2005, a month prior to separation, notes the CI improved somewhat after the second surgery, but had ongoing shoulder pain with over-head movement, lifting, and throwing a ball. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 00815
It noted that the CI was diagnosed with PTSD in both the service treatment records and on the VA C&P examination. The commander noted that the CI’s duty was impaired due to the physical conditions. The Board also reviewed the MEB and the VA MH examinations.