AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01679
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. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20040129VA* -based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain, Status Post Compression Fractures… 523510%Fracture of the Thoracic Spine5299-523510%STROther x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 4...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01681
The neuropsychological report dated 12 April 2004, 3 months prior to separation, reported the CI had concentration and memory problems and mild headaches about twice a week. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 10% for the left hip condition only.Members agreed that based on the evidence, the right hip pain was not separately unfitting. In the matter of the left hip condition, the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01683
DATE OF PLACEMENT ONTO TDRL: 20000131 DATE OF REMOVAL FROM TDRL: 20040324 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. RATING COMPARISON : Final PEB – 20040303VA Rating Decision 1 - 20000620TDRL Placement – 20000131Code RatingConditionCodeRating Proximate ConditionTDRLPlacementTDRL RemovalTDRL 2 TDRL 3 Removal...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01685
When seen in primary care a week later, he had a normal gait, but continued to report pain. He again reported persistent pain when seen in PT on 4 May 2004, but had a normal posture, gait, and ankle range-of-motion (ROM). I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01686
SEPARATION DATE: 20041209 No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated the back pain condition as unfitting, rated at10%. XXXXXXXXXXXX President Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01688
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 the MEB exam, 5 months prior to separation, the CI reported she had had right knee swelling and tenderness approximately 25% of the day. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01690
Psychiatry entry dated 4 April 2003 noted the CI reported ongoing stress at work and harassment by the commander. The CI continued to report worsening mood symptoms and reported he was being harassed at his job.The psychiatric MEB dated 13 May 2004, approximately 6 months prior to separation, contained clinical information related to the single hospital admission on 30 March 2003, including the recorded MSE, and the hospital course of treatment. A rating of 30% requires “occupational and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01691
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The informal PEBadjudicated “chronic subjective back pain, without significant neurological abnormality” as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria of theUS Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy and, the CI was medically separated. The NARSUM documents a surgical consultation (not in evidence) with “adamant refusal”; and, there is a medical advisory opinion to the PEB stating “His informed decision is reasonable.” The MEB’s ROM...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01692
Left Ankle Condition . Left Knee Condition . At the MEB examination on 20 January 2004, 6 months prior to separation, the CI reported left knee pain.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01695
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. Right Knee Condition. Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the individual was separated by reason of temporary disability effective the date of the original medical separation for disability with severance pay:
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01696
At the MEB examination on 3 May 2004, the CI reported chronic back pain. The Board concluded that the CI requested that a review his records for the presence of an unfitting MH 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01702
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20050420VA -( **Day of Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bipolar Disorder943210%Bipolar Disorder943230%20060615Other MEB/PEB Entries x 3Other x 22 Combined: 10%Combined: 60% ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the presence of PTSD as a service-connected condition by the VA, but notes that the scope of its recommendations does not extend to conditions which were not diagnosed or in evidence at the time of medical separation. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01703
At the deployed clinic encounter on 30 December 2002, when the CI complained of episodes of testicular pain, the examiner recorded, “denies any other problems.” In the deployed clinic encounters on 2 January 2003 and 5 January 2003, there was no complaint or history of bowel problems recorded. The CI was seen the next day in the clinic and the encounter recorded “states he has seen blood in stools as of late.” The history of ulcerative proctitis was noted and he was referred to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01706
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 Left Inguinal Pain following Hernia Repair8799-87300%Left Ilioinguinal Nerve Entrapment….Hernia Repair7338-853010%20040525Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 3 Combined: 0%Combined: 40% *Derived from VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01707
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-01707BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20141107 The MEB physical exam noted a normal respiratory rate at rest and a normal lung examination.The MEB narrative summary (NARSUM)(5 months prior to separation) noted a diagnosis of “mild persistent asthma, with exercise induced component.” The MEB dated 5 August 2005 (performed 4 months prior to separation) recommended a return to duty. The IPEB (7...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01710
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 : AdminCorrection IPEB – Dated 20040220VA* – based on Service Treatment Record(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Degenerative Arthritis of Right Knee50030%Degenerative Joint Disease of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01718
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 Low Back Pain Following Lumbar Fusion524110%Status Post Lumbar Spine Fusion, with Retained Hardware at L4-5 and L5-S1, with Bone Grafting from Left iliac Crest and Left Sciatica (also Claimed as Numbness in...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01720
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain in Multiple Locations Including Bilateral Peroneal Tendon Subluxation s/p Repair on the Right, Bilateral Knee Pain and Right Shoulder Pain5099-500320%Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Right Knee5099-501410%20051017Right Shoulder Biceps Tendonitis5099-502410%20051017Peroneal Tendon Subluxation, Left Ankle5099-527110%20051017Surgical Residuals, Right Ankle5099-527210%20051017Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 6 Rating:...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01728
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 Bilateral Foot Pain and Dysthesias5099 500310%Neuropraxia of the Right Foot with Plantar Fasciitis andMetatarsalgia8599-852410%20040915Neuropraxia of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01730
The VA rated the service connected chronic back condition as degenerative arthritis of the spine (5242-5003) at 10% citing painful motion.Although the PEB and VA used different codes, both codes are rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, based on limitation of thoracolumbar ROM. In the matter of the chronic back pain condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded 5299-5242 IAW VASRD §4.71a.There were no other conditions...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01733
The Informal PEBadjudicated the condition as “chronic left wrist pain (right dominant)” unfitting, rated 10% with application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. A magnetic resonance imaging study was normal.On 15 February 2005 (4months prior to separation), the MEB exam noted painful motion.At the narrative summaryexam on 1 March 2005, the CI complained of pain in her wrist that was “present 50% of the time.” She reported an inability to lift heavy objects or...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01735
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and those conditions identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB when specifically requested by the CI.The rating for the unfitting bilateral plantar fasciitis condition is addressed below.The requested low back condition, which was determined to be not unfitting by the PEB, is likewise addressed below.The requested posttraumatic stress disorder condition was not identified by...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01737
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. Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Knee Pain Status Post Meniscal Repair5099-50030%Postoperative Residuals, Left Knee lateral Meniscal Tear Repair525910%20050727Other x 0 (Not In...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01738
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. To that end, the evidence for the left knee and right shoulder conditions are presented separately; with attendant recommendations regarding separate unfitness, and separate rating if indicated. At the VA C&P...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01739
The Board considered the CI’s history of significant back pain with muscle spasm and radiation of pain with mild weakness and decreased sensation of the right lower leg. However, notes in the STRs proximate to separation indicated daily use of a muscle relaxant medication and later evidence in record suggests episodes of muscle spasm continued, consistent with the lumbar spine abnormalities noted on MRI.Board members consensus was that the totality of evidence in record supports the 20%...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01742
RATING COMPARISON : Final Service PEB - 20040930VA (3 Wks Post Sep) - Effective 20030406On TDRL - 20030406Code Rating Condition CodeRatingExam ConditionTDRL Sep.Bipolar Disorder943230%10%Bipolar Disorder 943250%20030429Other x 1 (Not in Scope)Other x 220030429 Rating: 30% → 10%Combined: 50% *Reflects VA rating exam proximate to TDRL placement; no VA rating evidence proximate to permanent separation. He noted neither current manic symptoms nor problems with pressured speech, racing thoughts,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01744
The DVA, operating under a different set of laws (Title 38, United States Code), is empowered to compensate service-connected conditions and to periodically re-evaluate said conditions for the purpose of adjusting the veteran’s disability rating should the degree of impairment vary overtime.The Board’s authority as defined in DoDI 6044.40, however, resides in evaluating the fairness of DES fitness determinations and rating decisions for disability at the time of separation.The Board utilizes...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01745
The knee condition, characterized as “bilateral anterior knee pain” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E. 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 VA coded it 5258 (cartilage, semilunar, dislocated) and assigned a rating of 20% to each knee.At the May 2004 C&P exam, the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01750
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis5399-531020%Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis5299-527620%20040511Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 4 (Not In Scope) RATING: 20%RATING: 40% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040908(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). While the CI had bilateral tenderness at the insertion of the plantar fascia, her gait was normal, she was able to walk a mile, and had a normal examination other than pain. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01752
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. Over several months she noted improvement with Zoloft, which when discontinued in December1998, she again became depressedand it was reintroduced.In June 1999, she became overwhelmed by a move to a new duty station and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01753
Neck 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 LBP condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01756
The left hip pain condition, characterized as “left hip pain secondary to hip flexion strain,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. Left Hip Pain S/P Injury Condition . The orthopedist noted left hip flexor strain with improvement after convalescent leave; however, the CI reported continued left hip pain with running.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01762
Normal ankle and foot exam. For the ankle condition, the VA applied code 5271 (limited motion of the ankle) and rated it 10% consistent with “moderate” based on “minimal functional impairment.”Since the NARSUM and C&P exams addressed both the foot and ankle conditions together, the Board first considered which exam was the most probative exam on which to base its rating recommendation. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01764
The neck pain was gone. Therefore, the Board did not find each condition reasonably justified as separately unfitting and does not recommend a separate disability rating for these conditions. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01767
A mental status exam (MSE) reported a depressed mood and affect. 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 bipolar disorder condition,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01769
Right Foot Condition .The treatment record reflected that the CI had two separate right foot injuries in September 2003. There was no evidence suggesting ankle or foot instability, abnormal movement, deformity or mal-alignment.There was no comment on the presence of painful motion; although, the examiner specifically stated on the Form 2807, “The [CI] still with continued pain in right foot with ambulation.”The diagnosis remained unchanged. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01771
SEPARATION DATE: 20040520 SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active dutyE-6 (Infantryman)medically separated for right shoulder, neck and right temporomandibular pain.Theseconditions could not be adequately rehabilitated to meet the physical requirementsof hisMilitary Occupational Specialty or satisfy physical fitness standards.He was issued a permanent U3 profileand referred for a Medical Evaluation Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01772
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD‐2013‐01772 BRANCH OF SERVICE: NAVY BOARD DATE: 20140624 SEPARATION DATE: 20040525 invalid font number 31506 SUMMARYOFCASE :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01773
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Foot Pain Due to Plantar Fasciitis5399-53100%Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis527610%20040601No Additional MEB/PEB EntriesOther x 420040601 Combined: 0%Combined: 30%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20041210 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). Post-separation evidence is probative to the Board’s recommendations only to the extent that it reasonably reflects the disability at the time...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01774
Post-Separation)*ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain, without Neurological Abnormality5299-523710%Diffuse Lumbar Spondylosis5003-524210%20050104Left L5-S1 Radiculopathy 8599-852010%20050104Other x 0Other x 3 Rating: 10%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050323 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) Low Back Pain (LBP) . A 10% rating is also warranted when combined thoracolumbar ROM is greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01775
The commander’s letter reflected that the CI’s medical condition of asthma wouldpreclude him from further military service in a field situation.Although absent any VA C&P examination, a subsequent VARD indicated not service-connected (NSC) for a respiratory condition noting “…fail to show any follow-ups for your respiratory symptoms.” 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01776
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Low Back with Herniated Disc523720%Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, Lumbar Spine524320%20060424Left Sciatic Nerve Deficit Associated with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome852010%20060424Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 020060424 Rating: 20%Combined: 30% * Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060724 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Low Back with Herniated Disc: Service treatment records (STR) show the CI developed LBP...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01780
Migraine Headache Condition. The CI reported feeling isolated and more depressed during her deployment. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01781
RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows, effective as of the date of her prior medical separation: Physical Disability Board of Review 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-2013-01784
Scars Condition . The Board directed its attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB assigned a 10% rating under the 7801 code (scars that are deep and nonlinear) for the right leg scar while the VA also rated the scar at 10%, but used the 7804 code (scars, unstable or painful).While the VA also assigned a 0% rating for multiple other scars, the PEB’s rating addressed only the unfitting right leg scar. At the MEB exam 4 months prior to separation the CI...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01787
The Board’s role is thus confined to the review of medical records and all evidence at hand to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, compared to VASRD standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation; and, to review those fitness determinations within its scope (as elaborated above) consistent with performance-based criteria in evidence at separation. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01789
The MEB examiner described the CI’s current functional status as “required to miss fairly frequent work duties due to the migraine headaches.”The MEB examiner provided a pain rating of slight/intermittent.The commander’s statement noted that “at various times” the CI had to “leave work due to migraines or abdominal pains that incapacitates her to work.”The VA C&P exam on 25 February 2005, performed 2 monthsafter separation, did not address the migraine condition, but listed 12 conditions...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01790
The wrist condition, characterized as “bilateral chronic hand pain,” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123.The Informal PEBadjudicated “bilateral chronic wrist pain” as unfitting, rating the left and right wrist at 10% each with application of theVA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no recharacterization of the CI’s...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01791
The MEB also forwarded four other conditions (see rating chart below) as meeting retention standards, for further PEB consideration.The Informal PEBadjudicated the chronic neck pain as unfitting, rated 20%. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01793
The Board’s authority as defined in DoDI 6044.40, however, resides in evaluating the fairness of DES fitness determinations and rating decisions for disability at the time of separation. The PEB adjudicated the left groin condition at 10% coded 8730 (neuralgia; ilio-Inguinal nerve) whereas the VA dual coded (inguinal hernia-paralysis of ilio-Inguinal nerve) at 10%. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB...