AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01344
SEPARATION DATE: 20040722 Both the PEB and VA rated the DLE condition at 10% analogously coded 7809-7806. Covered skin was not susceptible to rash.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01347
The Informal PEB found the“chronic back pain, status post lumbar fusion” unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain, Status Post Lumbar Fusion524110%Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)524310%20040709Bladder Dysfunction, related to HNP5243-754210%20040709Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 10%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01352
The right knee chondromalacia condition was listed on the permanent profile dated 3 March 2004, along with the 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 for rating chronic right ankle pain was operant...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01354
A review by the US Army Physical Disability Agencyreaffirmed the IPEB’s findings and the CI was medically separated. 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. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01355
RATING COMPARISON : ServiceIPEB – Dated 20040107VA* -based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Lower Extremity Stress Fractures/Reaction50220%Left Tibial Stress Fractures5299-526010%STRRight Tibial Stress Fractures5299-526010%STROther x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 0 Combined: 0%Combined: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040210 (most proximate to the date of separation (DOS)) Bilateral Stress Fractures . When the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01360
The MEB examination of the lungs and heart was normal.The permanent profile listed “obstructive lung disease.”The commander’s statement indicated that the CI’s required use of a CPAP device for his “obstructive lung disease” and his “numerous health problems” made him unfit for duty.At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) respiratory examination,4 months after separation, the CI reported his OSA. The CI was not diagnosed with a specific obstructive or restrictive lung disease by the PEBand...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01362
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. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. Accordingly, the Board recommended no re-characterization or modification of your separation.I have carefully reviewed the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01364
The Informal PEB adjudicated left knee ACL deficiency surgically treated as unfitting, rated at 10% with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). I am in pain all the time, and additional surgery has been recommended. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01365
At retention physical dated 4 September 2002, the examiner documented a prior history of bilateral hip osteoarthritis, a 2001 right hip replacement, and noted “decreased ROM left hip” (no measurements were documented). Thus, the Board cannot recommend a separate service rating for this condition. In the matter of the osteoarthritis bilateral knees condition, the Board unanimously determined that neither knee was separately unfitting and that the condition EPTS and was not permanently...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01366
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Shoulder Pain5099-500310%Residuals of Remote Left Shoulder Injury; S/P Reconstruction520120%20100420Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 520100420 Combined: 10%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20100614 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board notes the earliest VA evaluation was over 5 years after the date of separation. DoDI 6040.44 provides for consideration of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01371
However, based on a later exam, the VA increased the rating to 40% effective the day after separation.Under the §4.71a spine formula, forward flexion of 30 degrees or less justifies a 40% rating and flexion greater than 30 degrees but not more than 60 degrees, combined ROM not greater than 120 degrees or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour justifies a 20% rating. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01375
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. He rated his pain 4/10. DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01377
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. Knee501010%20041102Other x2 (Not In Scope)Other x10 RATING: 20%RATING: 30% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20060106 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Condition . RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01378
The MEB also forwarded fibromyalgia (FM) and seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis conditions as medically acceptable.The Informal PEBadjudicated “degenerative disk disease associated with herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1 with left radicular pain” as unfitting, rated 20%, citing the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01379
At the MEB NARSUM examination(approximately 3 months prior to separation), the CI reported left hip pain. President Physical Disability Board of Review SAMR-RB MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, US Army Physical Disability Agency (AHRC-DO), 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22202-3557SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation forXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20150006430 (PD201301379) I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01380
Chronic LBP Condition . All exams proximate to separation documented chronic LBP with activity. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01381
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEBadjudicated “right shoulder pain, bursitis, and impingement and hepatitis C” as unfitting, rated 10% and 10% respectively, citing criteria of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy for the shoulder condition. The Board therefore based its rating recommendation for the unfitting shoulder condition on the examination results for the left shoulder. The VA rated the chronic Hepatitis C condition 0% noting the CI...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01382
If the Board judges that two or more conditions are reasonably justified as separately unfitting, then each separate condition must be rated IAW the VASRD §4.71a. Accordingly, the Board does not recommend a separate disability rating for the functional bowel symptoms. Right Hip Pain .
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01384
The retention people said he needs to get … an MEB for that so he is here.”On examination, ROM of the back was “normal.” Gait was normal. Straight leg raising was “minimal on the left.”The surgeon recommended a P2 profile for his low back and recommended treatment.Follow-up orthopedic examination on 14March 2005 noted CI complaint of back pain radiating into both legs and to the toes. The Board also noted there was no reported intervening injury prior to the post separation VA examination...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01387
(2).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. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Posttraumatic Arthritis, Left Knee, Secondary to Gunshot Wound (GSW)501010%Residual of GSW to the Left Knee withTraumatic Arthritis and Partial Left Saphenous andSural Nerve Injuries531130%20050627Scars, Residual...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01388
The CI was placed on the TDRL with a 30% disability rating. Four months later, on 12 January 2004, the CI was removed from the TDRL and permanently separated from military service with a disability rating of 10%. IAW the VASRD §4.130 General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, a rating of 30% would require occupational and social impairment, with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, due to such symptoms as: depressed...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01390
Left Knee Condition . The range-of-motion (ROM) was flexion to 140 degrees (normal).There is one physical therapy note in the STR from September 2004 (after the NARSUM, 5 weeks prior to separation) which states “popping gone/clunking gone” (indicating pre-operative signs of loose cartilage had resolved); it also documents a normal gait with “mild” tenderness as the only positive finding, with nodocumentation of effusion, cartilage signs or instability.The VA Compensation and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01394
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. Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease without Neurologic Deficit .Service treatment records showed the CI deployed to Iraq from September 2004-September 2005. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01398
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. Low Back Pain with Grade I Spondylolisthesis .The record and narrative summary (NARSUM) indicated that the CI had constant low and mid back pain with increase on activity and with pain radiating up his back. A treatment note from 4 months prior to separation documented...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01399
Service FPEB – Dated 20050131VA - (3.5 Months Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain with LLE Symptoms524310%LLE Radiculopathy with Paresthesia’s, Herniated Disc, Lumbar Spine862020%20050618Herniated Disc, Lumbar Spine524310%20050618Other x0Other x0 Rating: 10%Combined Rating: 30%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20050825 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01400
The headache condition, characterized as “chronic migraine headaches” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) 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 CI’s civilian neurologistnoted that the CI ran out of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01402
The Board considers DVA evidence proximate to separation in arriving at its recommendations; and, DoDI 6040.44 defines a 12-month interval for special consideration to post-separation evidence. The VA rated the right ankle condition (right ankle instability) 10%,coded 5024-5271 (tenosynovitis - limitation of ankle motion) citing instability and limitation of motion that was not more than moderate. The right ankle limitation of motion recorded at the time of the MEB NARSUM examination was mild.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01403
The bilateral foot condition, characterized as “plantar fasciitis (PF)” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The Board therefore, only reviewed to see if a higher combined rating was achieved with any applicable VASRD code. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01404
A subsequent PEB reconsiderationadjudicated “lumbar degenerative disc disease with grade I spondylolisthesis”as unfitting, rated 10% with application of application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The MEB exam, 6 months prior to separation, detailed “back flexion” of 90⁰ (normal 90⁰), combined ROM of 220⁰ (normal 240⁰), normal strength of lower extremities (slight decrease in right hip flexion) and normal gait. The VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 6 months...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01406
SEPARATION DATE: 20071220 It did note that the VA subsequently raised the rating for the ankle to 30%, but not until the 19 January 2011 rating decision which was effective 4 November 2009 (24month after separation) and based on an examination obtained in April 2010 (28 months post-separation). In the matter of the left ankle condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded 5010 IAW VASRD §4.71a.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01409
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain Secondary to Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease, Status Post Diskectomy L4/L55243-5299 523710%Low Back Condition523720%20040524 Rating: 10%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040727 ( most proximate to date of separation) Chronic Low Back Pain Secondary to Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease Condition . The PEB adjudicated the chronic LBP secondary to multilevel DDD as unfitting with a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01412
Right Foot 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 right foot condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01413
During an examination at a VA medical center in 1 March 2001 approximately 3 years prior to separation, the CI noted “constant discomfort at the lower back at 3/10 intensity,” increasing to 6/10 with exacerbations and radiating into the left thigh and knee. In the matter of the low back pain with herniated disc condition, and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB rating, but recommends a change to VASRD code 5243, IAW the VASRD rating standards for the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01414
The CI was medically separated. 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 (delete if spelled out above) (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Although the VA C&P exam reported normal ROM without painful motion, other exams reported either decreased ROM or painful motion (or both).
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01415
No other condition was submitted by the MEB for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB combined the “degenerative disk disease” and “left sciatic neuritis” conditions and adjudicated “chronic back pain with radiation to legs, without neurologic abnormality”as unfitting, rated at 10%,with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Application of the next higher rating of 20%, using the VASRD General...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01417
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. During repair, the operative report identified Grade 1 chondromalacia (arthritis) with synovitis, and normal medial and lateral menisci.Despite rehabilitation, the CI continued to have knee pain and effusions (swelling...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01419
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain (Right Shoulder) w/Posterior Instability 5099-500310%Right Shoulder Posterior Instability s/p Reconstructive Surgery 520220%20040217Chronic LBP5299-523710%LBP5237Not Service Connected (NSC)20040217Other x 0Other x0 Combined: 20%Rating: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20040518 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01420
Left Shoulder Condition . Physical Disability Board of Review XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, former USN: Disability separation with a final disability rating of 20 percent (increased from 10%) effective date of discharge.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01421
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 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01425
Anesthesia consult pain clinic.”The CI underwent back surgery on 20 December 2002, 4 months after separation to decompress the left S1 nerve root. The CI noted constant lower back and “radicular pain of the left lower extremity extending to the foot, as well as paresthesias of the left foot only with stress,” the NARSUM noted some motor weakness in the left quadriceps (L4-5) and the neurosurgical note of 20 December 2002 stated “intractable left lower extremity pain” as the basis for going...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01429
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated chronic pain, left knee as unfitting, rated at 10%,cited application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain, Left Knee… 5099-500310%Left Knee DJD500310%20040609Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 1 (Not in Scope)20040609 Rating: 10%Rating: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01431
invalid font number 31502 invalid font number 31502 Service IPEB – Dated 20040225VA* - Based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Subjective Back Pain with L4-5 Spondylolisthesis523910%Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and Spondylolisthesis5239-523540%STRChronic Arthritis Right Knee5003---%Arthritis, Right Knee5010-525910%STROther x0 (Not in Scope)Other x0 (Not in Scope) Combined: 10%Combined: 50%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01432
He reported sharp pains with “twitches “in his foot and legwith tingling,and numbness of the ankle and entire foot once a week.On physical examination, there was mild swelling of the inner aspect of the foot near the heel,with tendernessunder the arch of the left foot. At the MEB examon 13 May 2004, 12 months prior to separation, the CI reported mid-foot pain with continued activity. The Board reviewed to see if a higher evaluation was achieved with any applicable code.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01434
Chronic Low Back Pain Condition . The evidence documents that the CI did have an intervertebral disc syndrome that could be rated based on incapacitating episodes; however, the evidence did not contain any documented episodes of incapacitation that met the VASRD definition, “For purposes of evaluations under diagnostic code 5243, an incapacitating episode is a period of acute signs and symptoms due to intervertebral disc syndrome that requires bed rest prescribed by a physician and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01437
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 Bilateral Metatarsalgia527910%Bilateral Metatarsalgia s/p Metatarsal Fractures527910%20040914Other Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 0 RATING: 10%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01438
The Board did not find evidence that supported more than a moderate deformity of the talus.The PEB listed sinus tarsi syndrome of the right ankle as a condition related to the primary unfitting right ankle condition but not separately ratable (Category II). Pes planus was noted on the MEB NARSUM examination however service treatment records reflect treatment for ankle pain but not for impairment due to pes planus.The condition was reviewed and considered by the Board. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01439
At the CI’s post-operative visit with his Neurosurgeon, 19 months prior to separation, the CI stated that he “ [did] get occasional lumbar discomfort if he [sat] for prolonged period of time … o/w [the CI was] doing very well.” The neurosurgeon documented that the CI “ [arose] from a chair to a standing position without difficulty.” At a PT evaluation, approximately 16 months prior to separation, the CI stated that his pain level was a “2.5/10” and his “back is doing pretty good but does...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01447
SEPARATION DATE: 20041206 The LBP, characterized as “chronic low back pain” and “degenerative disc disease (DDD),” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “degenerative disc disease with chronic low back pain”as unfitting, rated 10%.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 all...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01448
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 profile completed 11 months prior to separation only noted the cervical stenosis s/p fusion condition as duty limiting. The Board could not find evidence in the service treatment record that documented any...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01449
The psychiatric narrative summary (NARSUM) notes the CI developed mental health (MH) symptoms of anxiety and depression with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors while deployed. At the MEB psychiatricexaminationon 5 January 2004(approximately 2 months prior to separation), the examiner noted, “While his [the CI] mood has improved and he seems less obsessive, he continues to complain of a general sense of anxiety and depression.” On mental status examination (MSE) the CI was noted to...