AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01543
Her post-operative physical therapy went well and all exams after surgery documented no instability. 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 right knee injury condition was operant in this case and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01544
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.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 ankle condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01545
SEPARATION DATE: 20040915 Pre-SepDorsiflexion (20 Normal)“25-30”*20Plantar Flexion (45)45*45Comment+Tenderness, painful motion+Tenderness§4.71a Rating10%10% (VA 20%) *ROM was passive, not active The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB assigned a 10% rating under an analogous 5003 code (degenerative arthritis), while the VA rated the condition at 20% using an analogous 5271 code (ankle, limited motion of).The Board agreed that the PEB and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01549
She was then prescribed a different heartburn medication that provided “good relief” of her heartburn symptoms 4 months prior to 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 the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01552
The service treatment record (STR) initially reflected that the CI wasbeing worked-up for a respiratory condition noting the first of many spirometry/pulmonary function tests (PFTs) dated 28 August 2002. The CI was never placed on oral corticosteroids; therefore, Board members deliberated if the CI’s condition supported the 30% criteria level.Clearly, the final pulmonology report noted no use of medication for the previous “several months.”Additionally, the post-separation VA examination...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01553
The back and left shoulder conditions, characterized as “left shoulder rotator cuff tear, status post(s/p) repair and back pain secondary to T12 compression fracture” 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 the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01556
Prior to Adjudication Date*) - Effective 19991115On TDRL - 19990820 CodeRating Condition CodeRatingExam ConditionTDRL Sep.Chronic LBP5299-529510%Chronic LBP with Degenerative Disc Disease529220%19991217523710%Narcolepsy810820%0%Narcolepsy with Cataplexy810820%19991217Other x2 (Not in Scope)Other x8(Not in Scope) Combined: 30% → 10% Combined: 50% *Reflects VA rating exam proximate to TDRL placement (Final VA rating did not change at time of Separation) Chronic LBP Condition . The Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01560
The condition, characterized as “chronic low back pain,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The examiner stated, “He could full forward bend, side bend 25 degrees right and left [normal 30], extend 20 degrees [normal 30].” The medical records documented lower extremity peripheral nerve sensory deficits attributed to the CI’s diabetes. Following this exam, as noted above, the VA granted service-connection for the back condition with a 10% rating effective...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01561
SEPARATION DATE: 20041006 The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB adjudicated the chronic multiple joint arthralgias as unfitting with a disability rating of 0%, coded 5099-5002, analogous to rheumatoid arthritis. In the matter of the chronic multiple joint arthralgias condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 40%, coded 5099-5025 IAW VASRD §4.71a.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01562
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Left Knee Pain5099-50030%Degenerative Changes Left Knee5260-501010%20040915Other x 0 (Not in Scope) Combined: 0%Combined: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20041230(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Left Knee Pain with Chondromalacia Grade 1/2 Condition . At the MEB exam, 6 months prior to separation, the CI reported continuing left knee pain and recurrent episodes of locking. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01564
Those measurements are summarized in the chart below.Two months prior to separation from service, the CI had a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, the examiner noted that the CI was walking with a limp, and using a cane. Right Knee ROM (Degrees)MEB ~ 7 mos. In the matter of the right knee pain condition, the Board unanimously recommends a 10% disability rating, coded 5299-5259 IAW VASRD §4.71a.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01566
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The Board gives consideration to VA evidence, particularly within 12 months of separation, but only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the severity of the disability at the time of separation. RECOMMENDATION :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01567
The MEB also identified and forwarded four other conditions that were considered medically acceptable to the PEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “discoid lupus, controlled”as unfitting, rated at 0%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting therefore were not rated. BOARD FINDINGS : The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives outside the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01569
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. invalid font number 31502 invalid font number 31502 Service FPEB – Dated 20041103VA – 88 Months Post-SeparationConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Radiating LBP 52420%Chronic LBP5237NSC20120529Left Toe...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01572
The Board gives consideration to VA evidence, particularly within 12 months of separation, but only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the severity of the disability at the time of separation. The MEB examiner noted the headaches were secondary to a head injury and the CI was being treated with medication. 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-2013-01574
The PEB did not address the second MEB condition of “ other acute and subacute respiratory conditions due to fumes and vapors.” The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The MEB NARSUM dated 1 September 2004, recorded at the time of the MEB; the CI used only the “rescue” (quick acting to terminate SOB or prevent SOB) inhaler on as needed basis. The Board noted the NARSUM documented only intermittent use of a rescue bronchodilator inhaler.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01577
The right foot and back conditions, characterized by the MEB as “continued pain status post (s/p) excision of nonunion fragment right 5th metatarsal” and “low back pain,” 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 the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01579
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. The MEB narrative summaryexama monthprior to separation documented that the CI had only mild pain when he did not run. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01580
Low Back Pain (LBP) . 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 LBP condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01581
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 noted some mild swelling and minimal tenderness below the patella with a “tendency to sublux medially” and the CI was given a soft knee brace with a patella cut–out.At the MEB examination on17 June 2004, 6...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01582
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. Therefore, a 10% disability rating was appropriate for the back pain condition at the time of DOS. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01584
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20040826VA -(~8 Months Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Left Knee Pain with Degenerative Joint Disease5099-50030%Chondromalacia, Left Knee5099-501410%20050705Neck and Back Pain with Kyphosis and Myofascial Pain and Degenerative Changes5237---%Lumbosacral Spine Associated with Left Knee pain523710%20050705Cervical Spine Associated with Left Knee Pain523710%20050705Other x 4 (Not in Scope)Other x 1 Rating: 0%Combined:...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01588
The CI also attached a one-page statement to his application which was reviewed by the Board and considered in its recommendations. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.In the matter of the chronic back pain s/p discectomy and fusion condition, the Board unanimously recommends...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01589
Pre -Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam BILATERAL Knee Pain5009 50030%BILATERAL Knee Pain5009 501010%20041202Mental Health ConditionNot AdjudicatedAdjustment D/O944010%20041130Other x 0 (Not in Scope) Rated: 0%Combined: 20% * Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20050233 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The PEB combined the left and right knee pain conditions as a single unfitting condition rated as 5099-5003 (analogous to arthritis)...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01599
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam [Right] S/P Distal Fibula/Tibia Fracture…5099-50030%S/P Operative Open Reduction, Right Ankle (Tibia and Fibula)52620%20031106**Mental Health ConditionNot AdjudicatedNo VA Entry20031106**Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 4 (Not in Scope)20031106** Combined: 0%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20070703 (in evidence)Exam not in evidence, utilized VARD 20070703 comments ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board also acknowledges...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01601
Again medication was prescribed for his back pain. The condition was reviewed and considered by the Board. In the matter of the chronic LBP conditions and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.In the matter of the adjustment disorder,the Board unanimously recommends no change from the PEB determination of not unfitting.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01602
DATE OF PLACEMENT ON TDRL: 20030706Date of Permanent SEPARATION: 20040720 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 asthma condition and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01603
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic LBP…5299-529510%Degenerative Disc Disease, Lumbosacral Spine524220%20060315Otherx 0 (Not in Scope)Other x9 20060315 Rating: 10%Combined: 90%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20060708 most proximate to the date of separation (DOS) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability determinations. DoDI 6040.44 provides for consideration of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01604
The Board therefore will consider only the VASRD §4.130 impairment present at separation for a single rating recommendation. 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 DoDI 1332.39 for rating MDD was operant in this case and the condition was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01606
The Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.PEB rated the chronic LBP20%, coded 5237 (lumbosacral strain),citing flexion limited to 45 degrees and noting absence of radiculopathy.The VA rated the degenerative disease lumbar spine,back condition, at 10% ascoded 5243(intervertebral disc syndrome),citing the limitation of motion from the August 2004 C&P examination.The ROM reported at the time of the MEB NARSUM did not support a rating higher than the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01607
Right Shoulder Condition . Range-of-motion (ROM) was measured and is summarized in the chart below.In the MEB narrative summary, the diagnosis was, “Glenohumeral instability with scapular winging and scapular dyskinesis.”The Navy PEB found the shoulder condition unfitting. After thorough review of the evidence, the Board determined that a rating of 20% was appropriate.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01609
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic abdominal pain, status post a cholecystectomy” and “schizoaffective disorder with PTSD, requiring psychotropic medications” as unfitting, rated 10% and ---% respectively, citing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy for the abdominal pain and EPTS without permanent service aggravation to the schizoaffective disorder. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01610
I have contacted Evans Army Medical Facility to have my records forwarded to the Physical Disability Board of Review. While ROM limitations may have progressed over the 3-month time period, there is no evidence in the record from which to conclude that the severity near service separation approached that portrayed by the VA measurements.Board members agreed that the MEB examination revealed non-compensable limitation of motion, but evidence of degenerative arthritis was present to justify...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01613
Left Knee ROM (Degrees)MEB ~ 1½ mos. 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 left leg condition, the Board unanimously recommends a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01616
The CI was considered to have a stable condition, “not likely to get any better with or without surgery…since his symptoms were so minimal (without loading his back with his weight on his shoulders).” Physical examination was not recorded and the physician indicated range-of-motion (ROM) measurements would be completed by physical therapy.The initial IPEB sent the CI’s case file back to MEB for further evaluation. Physical examination noted normal gait, painful motion of the thoracolumbar...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01627
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 VA cited mal-union of the femur with moderate knee disability for its 20% rating.Members first agreed that measured ROMs were non-compensable and that sufficient evidence of painful motion was present to justify the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01629
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Patellofemoral Pain, Bilaterally… 5099-50030%Patellofemoral Syndrome…Left…525710%20050514Patellofemoral Syndrome…Right…52580%Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 4 Combined: 0%Combined: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050608 ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The PEB combined the bilateral knee pain conditions as a single unfitting condition rated at 0%, coded 5099-5003 (analogous to degenerative arthritis).The PEB relied on AR 635.40...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01635
Physical examination of the left knee revealed full range-of-motion (ROM), with marked patellar compression pain and the knee was ligamentous stablewith no meniscal pathology.The CI was separated from service on 8 April 2004 and his VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination performed 6 months later in October 2004. There was no path to a higher rating for the left knee since there was no evidence of joint instability, subluxation, or other significant knee abnormality.After due...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01636
The left shoulder, neck and bilateral feet, characterized by the MEB as “left shoulder impingement syndrome,” “adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder,” “cervical spondylolysis,” “cervical stenosis” and “bilateral plantar fasciitis,” wereforwarded 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01639
Back 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 low back condition, the Board recommends by majority decision (2:1 vote) a...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01640
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain, Left Ankle0%Left Ankle Strain5299-528420%20051110+20050610recordsBunion, Right Foot5280---%Hallux Valgus, Right Great Toe52800%20051110Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 12 RATING: 0%RATING: 60% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060501(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) Chronic Pain, Left Ankle Condition . The records noted normal feet on the CI’s entry exam (see above) and right foot pain had onset...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01641
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 reviewed both exams present for review to arrive at its rating recommendation. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01642
The conditions, characterized as “degenerative joint disease of the left knee,” “metatarsal deformity,” and “callous/corn,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEBadjudicated the knee and foot conditions as unfitting, rated them as a single unfitting condition at 10%, citing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01644
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. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows, effective as of the date of her prior medical separation: I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01647
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain5299-523710%Degenerative Facet Disease with Mild Diffuse Spondylosis, Lumbosacral Spine5243-523710%20040206Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 9 RATING: 10%RATING: 30% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20040322 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP) . The Board noted that the VA Rating Decision noted full ROM, “except flexion (0-50/90).” Although the MEB exam, 3 months...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01648
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXCASE:PD-2013-01648BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCE BOARD DATE: 20140716 Separation Date: 20040608 I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01649
No other conditions were forwarded for adjudication.The Informal PEBadjudicated “right shoulder pain,”as unfitting, rated 0%, with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. Right Shoulder ROM (Degrees)MEB ~ 4 Mo. I direct that all the Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected accordingly no later than 120 days from the date of this memorandum.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01650
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 record indicated that the CI developed pain in the hands, wrists,knees, and feet with morning stiffness in December 2002. Exam documented bilateral wrist swelling and tenderness with painful ROM to VA normal limits.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01652
The PEB adjudicated “bilateral ankle pain and instability post Brostrom reconstruction” and “chronic foot pain due to plantar fasciitis” as unfitting, rated 0% and 0%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The PEB found the referred left knee condition as not unfitting. Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Foot Pain due to Plantar Fasciitis5399-53100%Left Foot Plantar Fasciitis with Pes Cavus5299-502010%20040205Right Foot...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01653
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-01653 BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army BOARD DATE: 20140805 With the combination of therapy and medication (Celexa and Serzone), the CI reported improved symptoms, including denial of suicidal ideation and the psychiatrist noted that his MDD was in “partial remission.” The commander’s memorandum to the MEB (submitted after his hospitalization) reported that the CI’s work performance had always been...