AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00007
Using the criteria in code 7101 yields a 30% rating under code 7533 that states, “…or hypertension at least 10 percent disabling under diagnostic code 7101.”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 nephralgia back pain attributed to polycystic kidney disease condition. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows; and, that...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00010
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB found the chronic LBPunfittingand rated it 20%with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The sleep apnea condition was adjudicated as Category II (a condition that can be unfitting, but not currently compensable or ratable).The CI made no appeals and was separated. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00013
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2014-00013BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20140527 Bilateral Knee Pain w/Patellofemoral Chondromalacia s/p Bilateral Patellar Chondroplasty . Despite medications, her knee pain continued and she had an injection of the right knee on 23 October 2003.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00021
CI CONTENTION :“Worsening condition of thoracic spine and cervical spine strain. Chronic Neck Pain Condition . RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI's disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00038
The Informal PEB adjudicated bradycardia and sick sinus syndrome, transient light headedness, chest pain, mild distal esophageal stricture currently asymptomatic, dyspnea on exertion, and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) currently controlledas unfitting, rated at 0%.The remaining conditions, migraines, chronic lower back pain and obesity conditions were determined to be Category III and not unfitting.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The NARSUM examiner noted that the CI was...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00047
SEPARATION DATE: 20070412 RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no recharacterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20150003761 (PD201400047)I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and record of proceedings pertaining to the subject individual.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00062
SEPARATION DATE: 20060824 No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated the knee pain as unfitting, rated at 10%with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The MEB’s orthopedic examination dated 6 April 2006 noted an antalgic gait, tenderness to palpation posterior thigh just above the left knee, with full knee flexion and a lack of extension of 5 degrees to 10 degrees.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00064
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 Board will consider the Category II condition as stated above, in its review of the unfitting right knee condition. Right Knee Condition .
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00068
The back condition, characterized as “chronic low back pain with associated right leg and knee pain” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The VA rated the CI back conditions at 40% with code 5242 (degenerative arthritis of the spine) for “forward flexion 30 degrees or less”.source MEB ROMs documented pain-limited forward flexion to 30 degrees (similar to the VA exam) and the Board found the similar measurements and disability ratings from these two exams close...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00096
The left knee condition, characterized as “chondromalacia of patella,” “tear of medial cartilage or meniscus of knee,” “pain in joint involving lower leg” and “unspecified orthopedic aftercare” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E. Post-SepFlexion (140 Normal)115105Extension (0 Normal)-0Commentantalgic gait; crepitus;painful motion; antalgic gait§4.71a Rating10%10%The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00098
RATING COMPARISON : PDA AdminCorrection – Dated 20080307VA -(11 Days Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain Secondary to Scoliosis5299-52370%Lumbago Secondary to Scoliosis523710%20080312Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 320080303 Rating: 0%Combined Rating: 40%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20080411 ( most proximate to date of separation) Low Back Pain (LBP) . At the VA C&P examination in March 2008the thoracolumbar ROM was normal. I...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00100
The MEB forwarded the degenerative disc disease with herniation at L3/4 through L5/S1 condition, characterized as “other and unspecified disc disorder of lumbar region” to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E. The rating for the unfitting degenerative disc disease with herniation at L3/4 through L5/S1 condition isaddressed below;no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. Post-Separation)...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00103
The bilateral exertional compartment syndromecondition was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “bilateral exertional compartment syndrome, status post fasciotomies, leftleg”as unfitting rated 0%, with application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The VA separately rated the left leg for residual surgical scars...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00106
He is having radicular symptoms predominantly in the right buttock, posterior thigh, anterolateral leg and dorsal foot”.The “lower back” exam documented “flexion to approximately 60 degrees, extension to 0 degrees,” an absent ankle jerk reflex on the right, a positive right straight leg raise test (for radiating symptoms)and otherwise normal sensory and motor exams (without any mention of spasm, contour, or gait). Of note, a remote VA exam, over 5 years after separation, documented right...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00114
All evidence considered there is not reasonable doubt in the CI’s favor supporting a change from the PEB’s rating decision for the MDD, single episode, with anxiety disorder condition. In the matter of the contended PAT condition, the Board unanimously recommends no change from the PEB determinations as not unfitting.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00120
SEPARATION DATE: 20070515 Cervical ROM (Degrees)VA C&P ~ 10 Mo. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00130
The Board agreed that the evidence in the record at both the MEB and C&P examinations supported the 10% rating IAW VASRD §4.59 (painful motion) for painful limited arm motion that did not meet the threshold compensable rating of 20% for “limited motion at shoulder level.” Board practice when rating ascode 5201 has considered 90 degrees of abduction or flexion “shoulder level.” There was no evidence in record of any other ratable impairment of the shoulder or incapacitating episodesallow for...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00157
Rating the condition as “moderate” would result in a 10% rating, no different from the ratings posted by the PEB and VA, so the Board considered whether the condition could be rated as “moderately severe” at 20%. During the 5 years prior to separation, the CI noted increasing pain, stiffness, decreased ROM and increasing difficulty performing required duties. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00171
Further surgical treatment was not recommended.At the MEB exam performed on 14 March 2007 (performed 3 months prior to separation), the CI reported continued left groin pain with activity. Data quoted were: 1) well healed 9 x 2 cm scar in the left inguinal area, tender to palpation; 2)well healed 5x1 cm scar in right inguinal area tender to palpation and 3) no evidence of recurrent groin hernias.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00187
The MEB also identified and forwarded 10 other conditions.The Informal PEB adjudicated “Tic, convulsive”as unfitting, rated 10%,with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to meet retention standards.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. 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 tic...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00204
The FPEB exam indicated right shoulder pain-limited motion to 90 degrees of flexion and extension (180 degrees normal) without winging of the shoulder blade (indicating good muscle strength). 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 | CY2014 | PD 2014 00205
SEPARATION DATE: 20071029 The narrative summary (NARSUM) performed on 13 June 2007 (4 months prior to separation), the CI reported “consistently feels SOB with exertion.” His physical examination (PE) was normal and the corresponding pulmonary function test (PFT)was 96% and 93% predicted for FEV1 and FVC respectively. Additionally, secondary to the inconsistent documentation, members also considered the probative value between the MEB and VA examination and concluded that the MEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00229
At an orthopedic evaluation 6 months after the surgery, the CI denied frank instability, but reported weakness “after walking and running a while.” Testing for instability revealed mild instability with a firm PCL endpoint. The examiner rendered a diagnosis of symptomatic right knee laxity.At a VA internal medicine evaluation dated 15 February 2006, 2 months prior to separation, the CI reported right knee pain with weakness. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00237
SEPARATION DATE: 20060411 No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “low back pain with lumbar degenerative disc disease”as unfitting, rated at20%with referenced application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI appealed to the Formal PEB which affirmed the PEB findings and recommendations and the CI was medically separated. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00269
The back condition, characterized as “low back sprain”, was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501; no other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain…” as unfitting, rated 0%with possible application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Any conditions or contention not requested in this application or otherwise outside the Board’s defined scope of...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00286
810010%20070910Other x 2 (Not in Scope)Other x 10 Rating: 10%Combined: 40%* Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20071120 ( most proximate to date of separation) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the CI’s contention that suggests his ratings should have been conferred for other conditions documented at the time of separation. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXPresident Physical Disability Board of Review SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00299
The only recorded symptom that day was weak ankle.Orthopedic consultation to the MEB NARSUM dated 6 March 2006, (approximately 11 weeks prior to separation), noted the CI had returned to full duty in July 2005 but had continued to have pain, swelling and numbness in the leg.The CI indicated he had swelling in the region of the surgical incision whenever he attempted to run. Physical examination noted muscle bulging in the anterior compartment with no evidence of a fascial defect, there was...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00304
The commander’s statement to the PEB (2 months prior to the CI’s separation),noted that the MEB would evaluate the CI’s ability to perform his duty based on limitations imposed by his permanent physicalprofile for bilateral ankle instability. The left knee condition was 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 original medical separation for disability with...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00305
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 VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation. Full range-of-motion (ROM) of the lower extremities was present.The examination was silent regarding gait or other functional observations.At the MEB separation exam on 6 November 2007, the CI reported numbness, tingling and daily...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00319
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2014-00319BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20141114 SEPARATION DATE: 20011217 I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00321
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. There were no reports of angina recorded in the examinations proximate to the CI’s separation (after a medication change), use nitroglycerine,faintness, or an exercise tolerance less than 10 METS. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00341
The MEB forwarded “sleep apnea requiring CPAP” condition as “not meeting retention standards” to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. In addition, the CI was notified by the Army that his case may be eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of his mental health (MH) condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00343
The chronic low back and hip pain condition, characterized as “Chronic low back and hip pain,”was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back and hip pain”as unfitting, rated 10%with likely application of the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1332.39and VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The rating for the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00376
The rating for the unfitting right knee is addressed below; no additional conditions (the contended left knee, arthritis, nerve damage, GERD and hiatal hernia) are not within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. The examiner opined that theCI’s history of prior knee surgery was most likely exacerbated by the fall.The MEB NARSUM physical exam findings are summarized in the chart below.The VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam performed on 3 August 2005,10 months after separation,...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00415
Low Back Pain Condition . The Board noted that the CI does not state when the nerve block was accomplished nor specify which evaluation followed it in his contention. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00427
The right knee condition, characterized as “pain in joint multiple sites” and “unspecified disorder of lower leg joint,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW 1850.4E.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated “right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, probable chondromalacia”as unfitting, rated at 10%. Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Treatment Record Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00428
The rating for the unfitting bilateral foot condition is addressed below. The Board first considered whether each foot condition remained separately unfitting, having decoupled them from the combined PEB adjudication.The evidence clearly established that the right foot was more impaired than the left foot. 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 | CY2014 | PD 2014 00450
The condition, characterized as “chronic left hip pain, status post percutaneous pinning of a left femoral neck stress fracture” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated his condition as unfitting, rated at 10%,citing criteria of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Hip Pain…5099-500310%Status...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00451
SEPARATION DATE: 20050430 The treatment notes documented painful motion of each knee and the NARSUM “Noble compression test” is considered painful motion. 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 the bilateral...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00463
The left knee condition was not considered by the PEB. The pain was rated at 9 out of 10. The MEB NARSUM examiner documented chronic left knee pain that was medically managed.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00470
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain due to back injury with findings of a disc protrusion at L5/S1” as unfitting, rated at 10%with likely application of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20060421VA -(3 Days Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic LBP w/ disc protrusion at L5/S1523710%L5/S1...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00474
The examiner diagnosed left ankle pain s/p ankle fracture and repair.During the VA Compensation and Pension exam performedon 29 January 2007 (9 months after separation), the CI reported pain, weakness, stiffness and instability of the left ankle. 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 | CY2014 | PD 2014 00601
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 knee condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00605
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2014-00605BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20140827 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.IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability determinations. Neurocardiogenic...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00624
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2014-00624BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20140829 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 | CY2014 | PD 2014 00677
Separation Date: 20071031 The Board considers VA evidence proximate to separation in arriving at its recommendations; and, DoDI 6040.44 defines a 12-month interval for special consideration to post-separation evidence. The CI was given a temporary U3 profile for left shoulder pain; however, there were no associated limited duties.The CI underwent a diagnostic arthroscopy with debridement of the shoulder labrum on 24 January 2007.Throughout 2007, the CI was treated by PT for chronic left...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00682
Migraine headaches Condition . The Board also noted that from January to June 2007, the CI was seen 9 times for conditions not related to either the migraine headaches or mental health conditions and was placed on 24 hours quarters twice. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows and that the discharge with severance pay be recharacterized to reflect permanent disability retirement, effective as of the date of hisprior medical separation:
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00715
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy523710%Mild Central Bulge L3-4524310%20040315Other x6 (Not in Scope)Other x7 (Not in Scope)20040315 Combined: 10%Combined: 40%*Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20040518 (most proximate to date of separation) invalid font number 31502 ANALYSIS SUMMARY : LBP with Radiculopathy Condition . RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI's...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00760
Service IPEB – Dated 20090504VA - (2 Days Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Right Shoulder Pain and Stiffness Post Repair5099-500310%Right Shoulder Impingement, Status Post Right Labral Tear Surgery520120%20090728Other x0 (Not in Scope)Other x320090728 Combined: 10%Combined: 40%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20091015 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY : The Board acknowledges the CI’s information regarding the significant...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00814
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Anterior Lumbar Fusion524120%Low Back Strain with Sciatica5243-523720%20100128Left Leg Numbness Associated with Low Back Strain with Sciatica852010%20100128L5-S1 Herniated DiskCategory IISee Above20100128MicrodiskectomyCategory IISee Above20100128Other x1 (Not in Scope)Other x520100111 Combined: 20%Combined: 70%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20100420 (most proximate to date of separation) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The PEB...