AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01450
Left Shoulder ROM (Degrees)MEB ~ 4 mos. The Board determined that the painful shoulder condition was essentially non-compensable based on the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) §4.71a diagnostic codes for the shoulder and arm (5200 through 5203). SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for XXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20150006468 (PD201301450)I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01452
The military pharmacy medication record reflected prescriptions for the psychiatric medication up to the time of the MEB in May 2004.The medical hold commander’s comments signed 20 May 2004 noted the CI’s S3 physical profile and stated that the CI was not working in his primary military occupational service but was working in the administrative section of the military traffic management center with satisfactory duty performance.VA examinations dated 30 August 2004 and 2 September 2004 (a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01455
The rating for the unfitting epilepsy condition is 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 Board for Correction of Military Records.The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding Department of Veteran Affairs (DAV) compensation rating change from 20% to 10%...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01456
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam DJD,Bilateral Knees...[Surgical Residuals]500320%Left Knee DJD, post Meniscectomy5010-525910%20031208Right Knee DJD, post ACL Repair5010-526010%20031208Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 4 (Including 0% R and L Knee Surgical Scars)20031208 Combined: 20%Combined: 40%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040310 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). Bilateral Knee Condition . In the matter of the combined bilateral knee...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01458
The left foot and ankle condition, characterized as “chronic left ankle and foot pain, status post multiple surgeries and subtalar arthrodesis, left ankle loss of motion, secondary to post-traumatic changes and surgery, left ankle and foot dysesthesia, secondary to cutaneous nerve injuries from multiple surgeries,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated all three conditions, described as: “chronic...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01459
The left knee condition, characterized as “left knee pain status post patellar dislocation,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Knee Pain…5099-500310%Left Knee Strain5299-525710%20050118Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 020050118 Combined: 10%Combined: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050513(most proximate to date of separation) Chronic Left Knee Pain Status Post Patellar...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01460
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. Left Knee Condition(s) . 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-2013-01462
SEPARATION DATE: 20041117 The rating for the unfitting bilateral footcondition is addressed below; and, no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board.The Board unanimously agreed the calcaneal exostosis condition to be part and parcel of the bilateral foot conditions and will discuss it as well as the foot conditions.Any conditions or contention not requested in this application, or otherwise outside the Board’s defined scope of review, remain eligible...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01463
The back condition, characterized as “Chronic Low Back Pain,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501; and no other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic back pain” as unfitting, rated 10%,with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeal and was medically separated. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20041026VA -No C&P availableConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01464
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain, Left Foot5099-500310%Left Lateral Ankle Shrapnel Wound with Ankle Fracture527110%20041230Post Traumatic Sural Neuropathy of the Left...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01465
The knee and feet conditions, characterized as “right medial and lateral meniscal tears” and “bilateral foot pain”, were the only two conditions forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB combined the two conditions and adjudicated “chronic pain, right knee and bilateral feet”as unfitting, rated 10%,citing 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01467
The CI had also reported migraine headaches since he was 5-years-old, but medication reportedly worked well for that condition. The Board considered that there were “one or two occasions over the past seven months” where symptoms (that weren’t necessarily only related to MH) created some occupational difficulty, that he could work up to a 12-hour duty day and that the commander considered the CI fit for service in a non-combat capacity.While one or two 30% threshold symptoms were reported...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01468
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Right Snapping Scapula Syndrome5099-50030%Right Shoulder Injury5201-501910%20041115No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x0 Rating: 0%Rating: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20050406 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) invalid font number 31502 ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding the significant impairment with which his service-connected condition continues to burden him;...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01470
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain, w/o Neurologic Abnormality5299-523710%Lumbar Disc Bulge L4-L5523740%20050110Peripheral Neuropathy, LLE852010%20050110Peripheral Neuropathy, RLE852010%20050110Asthma6602---%Mild Seasonal AsthmaNSC20041227Other x 1 (Not in Scope)Other x 420041227 Combined: 10%Combined: 50%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050226(most proximate to date of separation)Increased to 60% on 20050110 for bilateral factor of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01471
But no rating for these conditions. The ROM was noted as normal. Straight leg raise caused lumbar pain, but radiating pain was not recorded.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01475
“Recurrent thoracic back pain attributed to moderate (12 degree) scoliosis, apreexisting developmental abnormality” was determined to be unfitting but unratable due toexisted prior to service(EPTS) without permanent service aggravation.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The examination was normal and X-rays showed mild scoliosis.According to the CI on her application, the pain was treated successfully after separation by chiropractic and injections.The Board directedits...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01478
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 therefore, with due consideration of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), recommends no change in the TDRL placement rating.The Board then turned to deliberation of a fair rating recommendation at the time of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01481
The CI was diagnosis with “instability” ofright wrist but the condition was not recommended for surgery.The MEB’s report of medical history (DD Form2807) dated 16 June 2004did not indicate that the right wrist condition impaired the use of the CI’s right arm and hand.On the MEBNARSUM evaluation dated 12 July 2004(performed 3 months prior to separation); the examiner noted the CI’s right wristROM as “full” with painful motion. The Board concluded that no rating higher than 10%, slight, could...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01482
The lower back condition, characterized as “chronic low back pain with mild recess stenosis of L4/L5 and a congenitally small lumbar spinal canal”was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded a“hypercholesterolemia”condition. The Board unanimously agreed the preponderance of clinical evidence in record did not support the back condition to rise to the level of 10% rating.The Board considered a rating under code 5243 (incapacitating...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01483
CI CONTENTION : The CI simply stated “Sleep Apnea.” A 50% disability rating is warranted when the disability requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01484
The Board reviewed the record. The ROM of the neck was recorded as either normal or full on multiple examinations in the months leading up to the PEB by a physical therapist, chiropractor, neurologist and the MEB physical examiner. The limitation recorded by the VA examiner is not explained by the remainder of the VA examination or the pathology in evidence in the records.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01486
SEPARATION DATE: 20040630 The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. At the VA C&P examination approximately 17 months after separation, the CI reported severe right hip and thigh pain with decreased sensation over the right thigh.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01487
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “diabetes mellitus, type II, poor control, requiring insulin and restricted diet”as unfitting, rated 20%,referencing the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. 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-2013-01492
The Board considered the 10% rating criteria – “localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.” All exams proximate to separation documented paraspinal tenderness at the mid to lower lumbar regions and the only exam with ROM measurements documented normal thoracolumbar ROM.The “General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine considers the CI’s pain symptoms “with or without symptoms such as pain (whether or not it radiates), stiffness or aching...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01504
It was only for my knees. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives outside the VASRD were exercised.In the matter of the chronic right knee pain, and IAW VASRD §4.40, the Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01505
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 CI had documented pain on motion and an increase of symptoms with repetition at the VA C&P examination just prior to separation, a 10% rating using code 5099-5003 is reasonable. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01506
The Board directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.The Informal PEB rated the right eye injury 10% using the code 6090-6079 (diplopia-Vision in one eye 20/100 and other eye 20/40) noting aphakia, correctable with a contact lens, post-operative residual diplopia, and visual acuity 20/70 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. X-rays dated 27 August 2003 for lower back pain with a normal examination and without a neurological deficit were reported to be...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01509
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 permanent L3 profile dated 4 April 2004 for right foot pain along with other conditions, had limitations of military functional activities and no physical fitness training or testing.At the VA C&P examination dated...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01510
The mixed chronic daily headaches and superimposed migraine condition, characterized as “headaches” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated “mixed chronic daily headaches and superimposed migraine”as unfitting, rated 0%citing criteria of VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01511
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Right Femoral Shaft Stress Fracture Condition . The diagnoses were listed asright femoral shaft stress fracture; bilateral medial tibial plateau stress reactions; right second metatarsal stress reaction; and bilateral...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01514
The MEB also identified and forwarded one other condition.The informal PEB adjudicated “s/p removal of shrapnel from left hip” as unfitting and rated 10%, citing criteria of the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1332.39 andVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition was determined to be CAT III.The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB), which made the following changes “s/p removal of shrapnel form left hip and shrapnel to both elbows” as...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01515
An L3 profile was issued for bilateral hallux limitus (big toes limited motion and pain) on 13 November 2003 with restrictions of no running, jumping, prolonged standing, climbing or crawling on or under military equipment.The MEB NARSUM dated 12 December 2003 indicated the CI underwent additional surgery to remove the hardware and correction of her right foot from the surgery performed in September 2000. Her persistent hip pain was aggravated by the same activities as her back and limited...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01516
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. Major Depressive Disorder Condition . Providing orders showing that the individual was retired with permanent disability effective the date of the original medical separation for disability with severance pay.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01517
The conversion disorder condition, characterized as “conversion disorder (mild-moderate)”was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E. Her GAF was 55 and the diagnosis of conversion (pseudo seizures) continued.At the VA Compensation and Pension mental evaluation on 15 October 2004, approximately 4 months after separation, the CI reported a history of one inpatient psychiatry admission in 2004 (24 hours), briefly took anti-epileptic medication and had...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01519
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20040604Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Knee Pain5099-50030%Residuals, Medial Meniscus Tear526210%STROther x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 0 Combined: 0%Combined: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060518(most proximate to date of separation) ANALYSIS SUMMARY : Bilateral Knee Pain Condition . The Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01521
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and when specifically requested by the CI, those conditions identified by the PEB, but determined to be not unfitting. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01522
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. Sensorineural Hearing Loss 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01524
The right knee pain and bilateral thigh weakness conditions, characterized as “Patellofemoral joint syndrome right knee” and “patella tendonitis,” were 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 theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01526
The left shoulder pain condition, characterized as “recurrent left shoulder instability status post (s/p) arthroscopic stabilization” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E.The Informal PEBadjudicated the “recurrent left shoulder instability” as unfitting, and rated 10%,with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Motor strength was slightly reduced in the left arm from pain and signs of forward instability,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01529
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. On 25 June 2004 a formal goniometric range-of-motion (ROM) testing from physical therapy was referenced in the NARSUM and documented active ROM of 0 degrees dorsiflexion (normal 20 degrees) and 30 degrees plantar...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01530
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. Left 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01531
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 DJD Bilateral Knees500320%Left Knee Condition5257NSC*20040610Right Knee Condition5257NSC*20040610Other x 0 (Not In Scope) Combined: NSC*Combined: 20%Derived...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01532
A significant component of the Board’s decision regarding the PEB’s final memorandum concerning their adjudication of this case is whether there was a separately unfitting and ratable psychiatric condition at service separation.Fibromyalgia is described in the VASRD as widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points with or without fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, paresthesia, headache, irritable bowel symptoms, depression, anxiety, or Raynaud’s like symptoms.The VASRD does not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01533
The Informal PEB adjudicated “TBI with residual neck pain and headaches;” “low back pain (LBP);” and “left knee pain with degenerative joint disease (DJD),” as unfitting, rated at 10%, 10%, and 0% respectively, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The Board could not find evidence in the commander’s statement or elsewhere in the treatment record that documented any significant interference of the neck pain condition with the performance of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01534
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. Restrictive Lung Disease Condition . The CI was diagnosed with restrictive lung disease of unclear etiology and the pulmonary specialist also noted possible chronic obstructive lung disease associated with smoking.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01535
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and when specifically requested by the CI, those conditions identified by the PEB, but determined to be not unfitting. 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. After due deliberation in consideration of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01536
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-01536 BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army BOARD DATE: 20150107 CI CONTENTION :“I feel I was underrated for disability by the US Army and wish the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) to review my case in order to determine if was properly rated for "Cardiogenic Syncope" (10%) and "Discogenic Disease and Fractured Disc at L5S 1" (10%). Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01540
In 2005 I was only medical boarded and rated 20% for my Right Shoulder. The Board considered that following the two surgeries, the CI had painful limited left shoulder ROM with evidence of posttraumatic arthritis on X-rays. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01541
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20040617VA -Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain Secondary to EPTS Injury, Permanently Service Aggravated 523710%Low Back Pain524310%STRLeft Lower Extremity Radiculopathy Associated with Low Back Pain852010%STRChronic Left Hip Pain50190%Left Hip Trochanteric Bursitis5019-52520%STROther x 6 (Not in Scope)Other x 4 Combined: 10%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01542
There was extremely limited service treatment record (STR)in evidence related to the low back pain condition for the Board to consider for rating recommendation. Bilateral Hip Pain .The PEB combined the bilateral hip pain conditions under a single disability rating analogously coded, 5003. As noted above, the Board,IAW VASRD §4.7 (higher of two evaluations), must consider separate ratings for PEB bilateral joint adjudications; although, separate fitness assessments must justify each...