AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01942
The diabetes and mental health (MH) conditions, characterized as “insulin dependent diabetes mellitus” and “depressive disorder, not otherwise specified,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded one other condition (chronic foot pain) for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated “diabetes, type I, requiring insulin” and “depressive disorder not otherwise specified requiring psychotherapy”as unfitting, rated 20% and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01944
SEPARATION DATE: 20050701 Treatment with Myobloc seemed ineffective.On examination, the CI had severe cervical dystonia with laterocollis and frequent head turning to the right with flexion of the neck and some secondary movement of the arms. In the matter of the cervical dystonia condition, the Board unanimously recommends adisability rating of 30%, coded 8103 IAW VASRD §4.124a.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01945
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain, right ankle, rated as slight/constant” and “right (dominant) small finger contracture and pain following tendon reconstruction as unfitting, rated 10% and 0% respectively, citing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01947
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, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Treatment Record
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01950
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. He indicated he had been hospitalized for suicidal ideations and gestures to include a deliberate overdose. The plan was for the CI to follow his self-care plan, be released to his First Sergeant, be separated that...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01953
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEBadjudicated “recurrent heat exhaustion” as unfitting, rated 0%, with likely application of 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 the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board did not surmise from the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01954
SEPARATION DATE: 20050331 The Board found the CI met the higher 30% evaluation due to “ inhalational anti-inflammatory medication” (Advair)use at the time of separation as specified under code 6602.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 30% for the asthma condition. Under the authority of Title 10, United States Code, section 1554(a), I approve the enclosed recommendation of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01955
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 PEB assigned a 20% rating using code 5201 (Arm limitation of motion) for limitation and weakness of the right upper extremity s/p IED blast fracturing the humerus with an active ROM recorded at 90 degrees in its...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01956
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. Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Metatarsalgia527910%Bilateral Pes Planus527610%20050106Other Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 4 RATING: 10%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA Rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01962
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. At a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation consult dated 7 March 2005 the CI reported left patella dislocation when not wearing the knee brace and rated the knee pain at 5/6 on a scale of 1/10. H istory of instability,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01963
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 Board next considered that at the time of separation, although the CI’s asthma was relatively well controlled,treatment notes in the STR, the MEB and C&P exams consistently documented use of the anti-inflammatory inhaler and oral bronchodilator medications, with...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01964
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 requires close medical follow-up, and consideration should be given to TDRL status.”On 4 January 2004, the CI was placed on the TDRL with a rating of 60%. The CI’s asthma was not severe enough to justify a higher...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01965
The rating for the unfitting s/p left ACL reconstruction condition is addressed below; no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. Members deliberated if this negatively impacted their ability to render a fair assessment and agreed that the available evidence was sufficiently probative; evidence presumed not accomplished would not materially affect the Board’s final recommendation.The PEB coded the left knee Grade II chondromalacia patellae s/pleft...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01966
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 Neck Pain with Radiating Shoulder Pain523710%Degenerative Disc Disease, Cervical Spine5242-500310%20060320Radiculopathy, Right Upper...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01967
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty SGT/E-5 (63B/Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic) medically separated for chronic subjective low back pain (LBP). Weakness of the left leg muscles was present at 4/5 as well as diminished sensation in the left L4, L5 and S1 nerve root distributions. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt) and 4.7 (higher of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01968
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Heat Exhaustion, Recurrent7999-79000%Heat Stroke8099-8019NSC20051107Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 620051107 Rating: 0%Combined: 10%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060418 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). Other Contended Condition .The CI’s application asserts that a compensable rating should be considered for the asthma condition. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01969
The Board agreed that the evidence supports the 20% rating according to the VASRD spine rating rules in effect at the time of separation for flexion greater than 30 degrees and not greater than 60 degrees and also for muscle spasm associated with an abnormal gait.The Board deliberated if a higher evaluation was supported by the ROM evidence with consideration of the C&P examination 9 months after separation. Right wrist . At the MEB examination the CI reported right wrist pain.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01970
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20050708VA -(7 Mos. Physical Disability Board of Review I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01972
The Informal PEB adjudicated “median nerve injury, left (dominant) upper extremity consisting primarily of sensory deficit,” and “chronic pain, left arm, s/p humerus fracture”as unfitting, rated 10% and 10% respectively,citing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain for the arm, and the VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities (VASRD) for the nerve.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. She was described as an “invaluable asset to any team.” The permanent profile listed...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01973
After aggressive physical therapy, LIMDU statusand three spinal [steroid] injections the CI did had mild symptoms improvement but continued to experience intermittent back pain and had persisted abnormal foot sensation throughout the balance of his career.Surgical intervention was not recommended and there were no reports of incapacitation.The MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) dated 8 April 2005 (5 months prior to separation),the examiner noted tenderness and spasm of the left lower back and...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01975
On 24 February, her lumbar flexion was limited to 20 degrees (90 is normal), but she had normal ROM in the other planes including extension and a normal gait. The ROM on the VA examination was normal in all planes and supports a 0% rating; in addition, atrophy was absent implying that her function was typically normal or near normal. The pain clinic examination remote from separation noted normal, but painful flexion and reduced and painful extension.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01976
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 Low Back Pain5299-529510%Left Paracentral Disc Herniation 5293-529220%**20020122Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 6 RATING: 10%RATING: 20%...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01977
The MEB examination cited a physical examination dated 22 February 2001 and noted continued hand swelling, near full flexion and extension of her fingers, but decreased wrist ROM with extension/flexion of 30 degrees/45 degrees (normal 70 degrees/80 degrees) with normal skin color, temperature and appearance and normal sensation.At physical therapy visitsfrom April 2001 to July 2001, after the NARSUM cited February examination wrist ROM was noted to be flexion/extension 75 degrees/65 degrees,...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01978
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “bilateral anterior knee pain” as unfitting, rated 10%. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The examiner recommended an NSAID, continued use of a splint, aggressive PT and Hyalgen...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01979
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. Only VA evidence which can be reasonably interpreted to reflect disability at separation is probative to the Board’s recommendations. The CI reported the medications helped some while he was in the service.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01980
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. Papilledema was reported to have decreased with the treatment, but the headaches persisted.A headache required an ER visit; treatment was with IM Toradol in December 2002.Headache symptoms were limited when she was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01981
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCASE: PD-2013-01981 BRANCH OF SERVICE: ARMY BOARD DATE: 20140528 SEPARATION DATE: 20051126 The MEB also identified and forwarded for Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) adjudication one other condition, depression, as medically acceptable. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01983
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. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain523710%Degenerative Disc Disease 5242-524320%20051123Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 8 RATING: 10%RATING: 70% *Derived from...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01985
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20050224VA -Based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Bilateral Knee Pain Secondary To Osgood-Schlatter Disease5099-50030%Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Left Knee5299-526010%STROsgood-Schlatter Disease, Right Knee5299-526010%STROther Conditions in Scope x 0Other x 6 Combined: 0%Combined: 20%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050526 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). BOARD FINDINGS :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01987
Burn Scar Right Hand Condition . cm.At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinationperformed 2 days after separation, the CI reported pain and paresthesia of the scar involving the dominant right hand and forearm. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20150003243 (PD201301987)I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and record of proceedings...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01989
SUMMARY OF CASE :Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty SGT/E-5 (96B20/Intelligence Analyst) medically separated for chronic radiating low back pain. The back condition, characterized as “chronic low back pain”, “spondylolisthesis L5 on S1” and “bilateral pars interarticularis defects,” wasthe only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01990
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain524110%Residuals Of Herniated L5-S1 Disk524120%20051128Other x0Other x2 RATING: 10%RATING: 20%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060207(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Chronic Low Back Pain: The CI suffered a low back injury in September 2000 while lifting a heavy object at his civilian job. There is thus no evidence of a separately ratable functional impairment (with fitness...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01992
Review of the available service treatment record revealed that the CI first developed joint symptoms in April 2003.She presented in September 2003 with complaints of morning stiffness and pain and swelling of her hands wrists and shoulders. This was the approach taken by the VA, who assigned separate 10% ratings under a combination 6350-5002 code (5002 – rheumatoid arthritis) for each wrist and each hand (identified as right finger joints and left finger joints, or “group of minor joints”)....
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01993
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. Chronic Right Knee Pain Condition . The Board’s threshold for countering fitness determinations is higher than the VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt) standard used for its rating recommendations, but remains adherent to the DoDI 6040.44 “fair and equitable” standard.The Report...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01994
The Board reviews medical records and other available evidence to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, using the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation. During the CI’s TDRL removal, the PEB rated the MDD disorder at a 10%. Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the individual was separated by reason of permanent disability retirement effective the date of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01997
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. Active ROM “was hands to her toes, and up with slight knee flexion; good lateral bending, rotation, and extension without pain.” Neurologic examination was unremarkable. Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01998
Pain medication required.” *VARD dated 25 July 2008 rated Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, right ankle 10% using code 5271 effective 24 March 2008 and Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, left ankle 10% using code 5271 effective 24 March 2008 and retained a 30% rating using code 5299-5276 for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis (previously evaluated as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction bilaterally, plantar fasciitis bilaterally) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the CI’s information...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02000
SEPARATION DATE: 20050622 The Board considered that the MEB exam, although closest to the date of separation, did not align with the more severe disability picture and limited ROMs noted in the service treatment record through multiple treatment episodes. The PT and chiropractic exams, coupled with the continued limited motion noted on the DD Form 2808 closer to separation, provided reasonable doubt of greater ROM limitation than that documented at the NARSUM.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02001
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 Bilateral Chronic Retropatellar Pain Syndrome500310%Retropatellar Pain Syndrome, Left Knee5299-52600%20040721Retropatellar Pain Syndrome, Right...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02002
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20051018VA* -(6 Days Pre-Sep) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain…523710%Chronic Lumbosacral Strain523710%20051214DDD, Cervical SpineNot UnfittingDJD, Cervical Spine524210%20051214Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 3 (Not in Scope)20051214 Combined: 10%Combined: 40%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060307(most proximate to date of separation) LOW BACK PAIN Condition: The narrative summary (NARSUM) performed on 14...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02003
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-2013-02005
The PEB and the VA rated the condition at 10% under the code 9434 (major depressive disorder). In the matter of the major depressive disorder, the Board unanimously recommends an initial TDRL rating of 50% in retroactive compliance with VASRD §4.129, as DoD directed and §4.130; and a 10% permanent rating at 6 months IAW VASRD §4.130.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02006
Members agreed that this fitness-based documentation reasonably justifies the conclusion that the right knee condition was integral to the CI’s inability to perform his MOS and accordingly a separate rating is recommended.The evidence reviewed by the Board did not document any physical finding or injury that would allow application of a knee specific VASRD code for its rating recommendation. Right Elbow Pain . Right Foot Pain .
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02007
Contended Left Foot Condition :The Board then undertook a review of the left foot condition, adjudicated as not unfitting by the PEB, but contested by the CI. The Board noted the presence of a large, well healed abdominal scar consistent with an upper abdominal operative procedure at service entry.The Board found no evidence in the record of any documented major abdominal operations, as would be required for gastric resection, during the duty period or the period of convalescent leave. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02008
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20050817VA*ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam DJD, Both Knees associated with Chondromalacia500320%Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Left Knee, s/p Surgical Procedure5299-525910%20110919*Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Right Knee, s/p Surgical Procedure5299-525910%20110919*Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 1020110919* Rating: 20%Combined: 40% * Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20111118 (VARD and C&P examinations most proximate to date of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02010
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Neck and Upper Back Pain523710%Chronic Cervical Spine Strain52370%20060607Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 420060607 Combined: 10%Combined: 0% * Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20061011(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). Chronic Neck and Upper Back Pain Condition .Aservice treatment record (STR) entry reflected the CI was previously undergoing physical therapy (PT) fora gradual onset of trigger point...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02014
The ratings for the unfitting lumbar and migraine conditions are addressed below;the associated Category II back pain condition will, by its nature, be subsumed in the Board’s recommendation for the overall lumbar spine condition. The last STR entry from July 2004 (7 months prior to separation) documented “full” ROM and there are no entries that suggest significant ROM limitation. The commander’s non-medical assessment did not mention headache, recording overall work loss for medical...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02021
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2013-02021 BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army BOARD DATE: 20150505 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. Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans Affairs Treatment Record
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02022
The Informal PEB adjudicated LLE radiculopathy and low back pain (LBP) as unfitting rated at 20% and 10% respectively. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB’s adjudication for the left leg radiculopathy condition upon entry into TDRL.With regards to the permanent rating recommendation,Board members considered and agreed that during TDRL, the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02026
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. Right Knee Pain Condition . RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.