AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01199
The MEB forwarded no other conditions to the PEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “right shoulder instability status post two shoulder surgeries”as unfitting, rated 10%.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Physical Disability Board of Review DEPUTY COMMANDANT, MANPOWER & RESERVE AFFAIRSSubj: PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW (PDBR) RECOMMENDATIONSRef: (a) DoDI 6040.44
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01201
The CI was on chronic immunosuppressive medications and had four (4) emergency department visits in the 2 years prior to separation that may be considered exacerbations of SLE (PE, dizziness, fatigue and chest wall pain). Given the CI’s kidney disease related to SLE, the VASRD note for rating under 6350, the VA’s rating at separation based on the treatment record and the totality of evidence in the case; the Board determined that the CI’s disability more nearly approximated the disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01204
The record contains well documented evidence of significant left thigh muscle injury with an open, comminuted femur fracture that required ORIF and subsequent bone grafting. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; and, that the discharge with severance pay be recharacterized to reflect permanent disability retirement, effective as of the date of his prior medical separation: DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01205
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 Board also considered that the VA did not apply §4.129 to the CI’s initial rating, thereby reflecting their opinion that this threshold was not met as well.The Board therefore will consider only the VASRD §4.130 impairment present at separation for a single rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01209
I was medically boarded out of the Army at this time.” 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 Back Pain, without Significant Neurologic Abnormality5299-523720%Thoracic Spondylosis to include Dextroscoliosis524240%20040810Other x 0 (Not In...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01213
Myofascial Back Pain Condition . is unable to carry a weapon [and] was returned from a deployed location because of his condition and is not deployable.” The narrative summarydated 16 December 2003 addressed noted the CI’s history of lower back pain and the various treatments and added he was “experiencing limitations at work, home, and social activitiessecondary to his back pain.” He had a full ROM with tenderness of the midline/paraspinal area from L2-S1 and the examination was otherwise...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01214
A physical therapy note, the next day 26 March 2004 found range-of-motion (ROM) of 75 degrees flexion and 30 degrees of extension. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; and, that the discharge with severance pay be recharacterized to reflect permanent disability retirement, effective as of the date of his prior medical separation: Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01215
The bilateral feet, pubic symphysis, bilateral wrist and left ankle condition, characterized as “bilateral foot bunionectomies with chronic pain,”“pubic symphysis pain,” “bilateral wrist pain,” and “left ankle pain” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain Bilateral Feet Following Bunionectomy, Pubic Symphysis, Bilateral Wrists, Left Ankle5099-500310%Residuals of Bunionectomies Both...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01222
The orthopedic surgeon noted that X-rays of the lumbosacral spine and the sacroiliac joints were normal. On examination, recorded on form DD Form 2808, the extremity examination only noted the sacroiliac joint pain on the right and no abnormality of the knee was recorded.There was no VA C&P examination proximate to separation (the first after separation examination was 8 September 2004, 17 months after separation).The Board first considered whether the right knee pain was unfitting when...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01223
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) / VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Left knee X-rays on 11 April 2003 were normal. Knee ROM was extension-flexion of 0-125degrees (normal 0-140), limited by pain.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01224
Bilateral 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 bilateral knee pain condition, the Board unanimously recommends...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01226
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 Extreme and Recalcitrant Left Ankle Pain…527110%S/P Left Ankle Arthroscopy…52710%20041109Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 1 RATING: 10%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20050225 (most...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01228
The knee condition, characterized as “chronic right knee pain secondary to severe chondromalacia patella”was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic right knee pain” as unfitting, rated 10%with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01251
Separation Date: 20050906 The back condition, characterized as “chronic lower back pain (LBP) with right lower extremity radiculopathy,” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01252
The LBP condition, characterized as “ chronic nonradicular low back pain,” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20040430VA -based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Subjective Low Back Pain… 5299-523710%Chronic Low Back Pain5299-52370%STROther x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 0STR Rating: 10%Combined: 0%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050418. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01253
Two weeks later, he was medically evaluated and given a muscle relaxant medication, which improved his symptoms. The Board considered the MEB NARSUM to be the most probative for a rating at the time of separation because it was the most proximate to the date of separation, and consistent withthe onset of pain limitations from the VA C&P examination and the MEB physical examination. The MEB physical exam on 12 July 2004, 4 months prior to separation, noted decreased and painful cervical...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01255
The record in evidence documented the CI sustained an additional injury having impact on the back after this exam.The Board unanimously agreed the evidence in closest proximity to the date of separation,the PT evaluation of August 2009 (3 months prior to separation) and the C&P evaluation (4 months after separation), were probativeand both supported a rating of 10% using ROM criteria for a reduced spinal flexion of 80 degrees. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01259
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. Three months after separation, the VA rated the knee at 10% for retropatellar pain syndrome (coded 5261).The service treatment record(STR) did not document any compensable ROM impairment under the specific knee codes; however, the MEB, NARSUM, and VA C&P all documented...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01261
DoDI 6040.44 provides for consideration of post-separation VA findings, particularly within 12 months of separation, although the Board’s recommendation is premised on the degree of disability at separation. The VA’s (belated) 10% rating was under code 5284 (foot injuries, other) for “moderate disability,” which offers a 20% rating for “moderately severe” and 30% for “severe.”Members agreed, that IAW VASRD §4.7 (higher of two evaluations), 5003 was not the optimal code for rating in this...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01265
SEPARATION DATE: 20040730 The examiner noted the CI had difficulty breathing (especially with running) despite Albuterol inhaler use. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows, and that the discharge with severance pay be recharacterized to reflect permanent disability retirement effective the date of medical separation:
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01269
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-01269BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20140618 SEPARATION DATE: 20041105 I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01273
Straight leg raises were negative for radicular symptoms and muscle strength and reflexes were normal.The MEB narrative summary (NARSUM)on24June 2004, noted the back pain was aggravated by bending, twisting, stooping, running and interfered with carrying heavy loads while marching.During examination thoracolumbar flexion ranged from 57 degrees anddecreased to 63 degrees, by the third repetition (57, 60, and 63). The Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01274
Examination and X-rays were normal. The examinations also recorded a normal gait, full motion, normal strength and sensation.A 14 February 2003 clinic encounter records increased left hip pain after scrubbing floors. The physical therapist concluded there was no clinical evidence of spine, hip or other lower extremity abnormalities and recommended an exercise program.The MEB narrative summary performed on27January 2004, noted the CI had been evaluated at a civilian pain clinic where hip...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01275
Right Ankle 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.As discussed above, PEB reliance on the USAPDA pain policy DoDI 1332.39 for rating right ankle condition was operant in this case and the condition was adjudicated independently of that policy/instruction by the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01277
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam performed 3 months prior to separation, the CI reported she was treated with various modalities (chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, and pain medications) - all...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01281
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 first note in the treatment record dated 9 September 2000 indicated the CI had an 8-year history of discoid lupus and not systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, there were annotations that the diagnosis of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01282
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Pes Planus with History of Plantar Fasciitis5299-52760%Left Plantar Fasciitis527610%20040602Right Plantar Fasciitis527610%20040602Other X 0 (Not in Scope)Other x1520040602 Combined: 0%Combined: 50%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20041027(most proximate to date of separation) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the presence of “breathing problems, sleep apnea, depression, knees” as sevice-connected conditions by the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01283
The Informal PEB adjudicated her “chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease, without neurologicabnormality, combined thoracolumbar range of motion 195 degrees”as unfitting, rated 10%,with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. SLR test was negative bilaterally and deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) in both legs were normal.The MEB (3 months prior to separation) forwarded to the PEB the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01287
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Neck Pain5237 20%Cervical Strain523720%20050519Other x 2 (Not In Scope)Other x 13 RATING: 20%RATING: 40% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050708(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Painful Neck Condition . The PEB and the VA both rated the neck condition 20%, code 5237 (cervical strain). RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01291
The bilateral knee condition, characterized as “bilateral knee pain,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic bilateral knee pain”as unfitting, rated 0%citing criteriaof the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01294
The left Achilles tendonitis condition, characterized as “chronic left Achilles tendinitis secondary to shrapnel injury” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. Orthopedic examination dated 2 March 2004 recorded left leg tenderness to palpation, ankle with full range-of-motion (ROM), muscle strength of 5/5 with some pain and no evidence of neurovascular compromise. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01297
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. RATING COMPARISON IPEB - Dated 20040730VA*- Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Type I Diabetes Mellitus791320%Diabetes Mellitus791320%STROther MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01298
CI CONTENTION : “I was found unfit for the Army for the medical condition Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis with slight pes planus. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Foot Pain with Plantar Fasciitis5399-53100%Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis with Slight Pes Planus and Slight Hallux Valgus5299-527610%20050110Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 9 (Not in Scope)20050110 Combined: 0%Combined: 20%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050311 ( most proximate to date...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01299
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Knee Pain due to Chondromalacia5099-500320%Chondromalacia Patella L Knee526120%20050311Chondromalacia Patella, R Knee526120%20050311Other X 0 (Not in Scope)Other x020050314 Combined: 20%Combined: 40%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20050412 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01311
The lumbar spine condition, characterized as “chronic mechanical low back pain (LBP),”was forwarded to the PEB IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic mechanical low back pain, without neurologic abnormality” as unfitting, rated 10%. 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)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01312
Notes in the service treatment record indicated that the CI reported right leg pain after running and was evaluated for anterior leg pain. The evidence supports that the CI experienced symptoms during exercise referable to the deep peroneal nerve of anterior lower leg pain and foot numbness, but otherwise had a normal gait with no permanent sensory or motor deficits of the leg and no symptoms at rest. The Board agreed that the ECS condition exceeded the criteria for slight muscle injury...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01314
SEPARATION DATE: 20040120 The Board considers VA evidence within 12 months only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the disability 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.As discussed above, PEB reliance on AR 635-40 for rating the chronic low...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01316
The lower extremity pain, characterized as “bilateral proximal tibial stress fractures, symptomatic on the right,” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic lower extremity pain, due to bilateral proximal tibial stress fractures, symptomatic on the right”as unfitting, rated at 0%, citing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. In support...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01317
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, right knee”and “chronic low back pain, w/o neurologic abnormality” as unfitting, rated 10% and 10% respectivelyciting the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policyfor the knee and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. After being and having surgery on my right knee other issues came about such as back pain, hip pain, right foot pain with more pain the right knee. An...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01319
Chronic neck pain continued and she was referred for a MEB.At the MEB examination (3 months prior to separation), the CI reported“spasms in her neck and flares in her neck pain,” with “herniated discs in my neck which are irreparable.”She reported that “load bearing equipment and Kevlar headgear worsen her neck pain.”The Report of Medical History (DD Form 2807) for the MEB reported the presence of herniated discs with “no surgery.”The MEB physical exam noted surgical scars on the right palm...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01323
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “chronic left shoulder pain…”as unfitting, rated 0% with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The US Army Physical Disability Agency made an administrative change that did not affect the disability rating percentage (the change merely indicated the soldier would be separated with severance pay). The VA rated the shoulder at 0% as well, using the same code analogously, noting that the CI did...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01324
Accordingly, the Board recommends a separate Service disability rating for each of the pain problems. After a thorough review of the evidence, the Board determined that a separation disability rating of 10% was appropriate for the LBP 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-2013-01327
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 also noted the CI had 2 year history of neck and shoulder pain with decreased RUE strength and sensation, and decreased shoulder ROM.On the DD Form 2807,the CI reported neck pain since his fall in December...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01329
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, left ankle”as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Chronic Left Ankle Pain . The VA rated the chronic ankle pain condition at 10% for pain limited motion.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01331
Knee pain . Therefore, the Board does not recommend a separate disability rating for each of the knees. The Board determined that it is appropriate for the right knee pain to be bundled with the left knee pain, and treated as a single unfitting condition.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01332
SEPARATION DATE: 20040820 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 ROM in evidence on the VA examination and the initial MEB measurements support a 20% rating.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01335
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, left leg, due to tibial stress fracture”as unfitting, rated 10%, referencing theUS Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) 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 theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. A VA Compensation and Pension...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01337
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Left Hip and Bilateral Knee pain5099-50030%Residuals, Left Hip Stress Fracture5099-501010%20011212Right Knee Chondromalacia5099-501010%20011212Left Knee Chondromalacia5099-501010%20011212Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 2 RATING: 0%RATING: 30% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20020708(most proximate to date of separation(DOS)) Left Hip and Bilateral KneePain .This CI entered the Army in May 1999. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01338
On admission the CI reported worsening depression and anxiety symptoms, auditory hallucinations of people calling her name and anger episodes involving hurting herself, though she denied SI or homicidal ideation (HI). 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01341
SEPARATION DATE: 20041104 At theophthalmology examination performed on 30 October 2003, the CI was unable to count fingers at ten inches in front of his left eye and at following ophthalmology examination dated 3 November 2003; theexaminer opined that current objective eye findings, non-physiologic vision loss could be a factor.Anophthalmology consultation dated 10 December 2003, noted the CI’s subjective complaint of inability to see from the left eye and also that “exams indicate vision...