AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00852
SEPARATION DATE: 20081105 The commander’s statement on 20 May 2008 confirmed this statement.Although he was unable to drive at night and experienced difficulty focusing on objects due to spots in his vision, he continued “to perform all of his primary in-garrison military duties without restrictions, minimal limitations or work-a-rounds.”A follow-up note on 4 August 2008 (3 months prior to separation) indicated the CI’s condition was “stable on treatment.”The final STR note in evidence...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00879
Right Knee Condition. There was no instability of the knee or patella. The Board agreed the record in evidence did not support a rating, under ROM codes.The Board considered a rating under code 5257, (knee/patella instability).
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00920
Separation Date: 20050923 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 recurrent right shoulder instability condition, the Board unanimously...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00941
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “right knee pain, patellofemoral syndrome with history of medial meniscus injury”and “left knee pain, patellofemoral syndrome” both as unfitting, rated at 0% each, referencing application of DoD guidance for application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. There was no ligamentous instability or meniscus problem or for consideration under respective...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00959
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty SrA/E-4 (2F051/Controller) medically separated for a chronic back pain condition. No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEBadjudicated “chronic low back pain (LBP), with mild degenerative changes of L3-4” as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). I have carefully reviewed the evidence of...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00972
Cervical Neck Pain Condition . Right Foot Pain Condition . I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00998
SEPARATION DATE: 20090626 The back condition, characterized as “low back pain for greater than a year” by the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “intervertebral disc syndrome”as unfitting and rated it at 10% citing criteria of Department of Defense Instructions and the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01017
The InformalPEBadjudicated the snapping hip syndrome [bilateral] condition as unfitting, rated 10%, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20090402VA* - Based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Snapping Hip Syndrome [Bilateral]531610%Snapping Hip Condition, Left5299-52550%**STRSnapping Hip Condition,...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01018
LBP due to DDD S/P Microdiscectomy and Fusion L5-S1 Condition .The CI underwent the following surgeries:1. Two days later the primary care provider noted significant lumbar muscle spasm, tightness, left straight leg raising significantly restricted and decreased reflex of the left lower extremity. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01026
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “hallux limitus”as unfitting rating each great toe separately at 10% with a 20% combined rating, which included the bilateral factor. The remainder of the foot and ankle examination was normal.The MEB NARSUM concluded with diagnoses of hallux limitus (decreased motion of the toe) and metatarsal head metatarsalgia (pain at the base of the great toe). There was painful motion of the great toes, but the remainder of the foot...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01046
The Board unanimously agreed the record referenced above supported a rating of 10% for the back condition for reduced ROM of 80 degrees coded 5243 (disc syndrome) on examinations proximate to separation. The Board found no other appropriate codes for considerationfor the back condition.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 back condition.In summary the Board recommends a...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01081
At the rheumatology evaluation on 24 February 2009, she was doing well and her joint examination was normal (without swelling, tenderness or limitation of motion of any joint).The MEB narrative summary dated 31 March 2009 reported the CI had responded well to treatment and had no symptoms or pain at that time. The examination of the joints was normal (no swelling, tenderness, limitation of motion or guarding of movement) and the examiner concluded there was no evidence of active rheumatoid...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01094
Loss of greater than 50% of vertebral height.§4.71a Rating10%10%The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.For the purposes of this review, the Category II “low back pain” and the history of “L2 burst fracture” were subsumed under the unfitting “posterior fusion” condition, as “one disabling thoracolumbar spine disability,” as also noted in the VARD, dated 9 June 2009. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01136
Following partial bowel resection, the CI denied symptom of abdominal pain or abnormal bowel movements and service exams documented normal abdominal exams. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX PresidentDoD Physical Disability Board of Review I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01158
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic right knee pain due to patellofemoral syndrome”as unfitting, rated 10%,referencing application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01163
SEPARATION DATE: 20090203 BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives outside the VASRD were exercised.In the matter of the chronic left wrist pain, status-post repair of tear of triangular...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01204
SEPARATION DATE: 20051215 The asthma condition, was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) SECNAVINST 1850.4E. 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 his prior medical separation:
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01210
invalid font number 31502 Service FPEB – Dated 20050119VA - (1Mo. Physical Disability Board of Review 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 severance pay.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01337
CI CONTENTION : “My initial diagnosis given by the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB) in 2006, category I unfitting conditions: “Depressive Disorder, not otherwise specified associated with cognitive disorder, not otherwise specified possibly related to blast injury (or anxiety) Social and Industrial Adaptability Impairment. invalid font number 31502 RECOMMENDATION :The Board recommends that the CI’s prior determination be modified to reflect a disability rating of 50% for the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01466
SEPARATION DATE: 20090426 The CI was still taking oral medications only (no injected insulin) and had undergone surgery in March 2008 (Abdominoplasty) with continued high blood sugar levels (glucose 262 with normal 74-106) and high Glycosolated hemoglobin levels (A1C 9.5 with normal 4.2-7.0). I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01477
The psychiatric addendum to the NARSUM is dated 31 July 2008 (10 days following above admission, preceding later STR evidence just cited, and ~12 months pre-separation). It documents a baseline pain rating of 6/10 “increasing to 9-10/10 with activity.” The physical exam noted trochanteric tenderness and provided the ROM measurements charted below.The post-separation (10 months) VA C&P evaluation documented “fell on hip yesterday is having extreme bilateral hip pain and is unable to walk.”...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01500
He took no medication for his back pain condition. 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 01530
Post-SepFlexion (90 Normal)“Guarding occurring at 10⁰ off vertical” (with pain)90(70) 68/66/6880Combined (240)Unk/incomplete--240220230Comment“otherwise deferred”; painful motion; tendernessNo painful motion; normal gait; normal peripheral nerve examTender;painful motion“ Pain from 80-90⁰ flexion” §4.71a Rating10%-40%0% (VA NSC)10%10% (VA 10%)The Board directs attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01686
SEPARATION DATE: 20040722 The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB disability description stated “Probable posttraumatic epilepsy, spells manifested as confusion, vertigo and paresthesias, without generalized seizures, occurring 1-2 times every two weeks.” And the PEB rated the condition at 10% with coding of 8045 8999 8911 which is 8045 (Brain disease due to trauma) analogous to 8911 (Epilepsy, petit mal) and uses the criteria of the VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01708
Separation Date: 20061215 The MEB narrative summary exam approximately 15 months prior to separation documented that the CI demonstrated a depressed mood, congruent affect, occasional tearfulness and suicidal ideation. 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 his prior medical separation:
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01797
The examiner further noted that the CI was advised that she would have chronic knee pain associated with various activities and she would likely require ongoing therapy and medical follow-up. The non-medicalassessment documented that the CI had recent surgery and was not likely to be able to complete a physical fitness test; however if she was retained until her expiration of active service, she would still be able to perform her duties and also complete her physical therapy. Physical...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01882
The right knee condition, characterized by the MEB as “tricompartmental chondromalacia of the right knee,” “lateral meniscus tear” and “left knee neuroma” (Board believes this to be an error and should have been right knee), were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW SECNAVINST 1850.4E. The Informal PEB adjudicated “tricompartmental chondromalacia of the right knee” as unfitting, rated at 10%, with likely application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01883
The CI was then medically separated. Seizure Disorder Condition . Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Treatment Record
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01894
The MEB physical exam performed 3.5 months prior to separation noted a normal appearing right ankle with no tenderness and “full active range of motion.” Gait was normal and sensory, motor and reflex exams were normal. Physical Disability Board of Review After careful consideration of your application and treatment records, the Physical Disability Board of Review determined that the rating assigned at the time of final disposition of your disability evaluation system processing was appropriate.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01909
The left leg condition, characterized as “post-surgical S1 nerve root impingement causing radiculopathy with weakness in left leg and foot” by the MEB, was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123. The Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB adjudicated the left S1 radiculopathy secondary to L5-S1disk herniation status-post left L5 hemilaminectomy and L5-S1 micro-diskectomy condition as unfitting with a disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01924
invalid font number 31502 Service IPEB – Dated 20080711VA - based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Lumbar DDD523710%Lumbar DDD with Radiculopathy524220%STROther X 0 (Not in Scope)Other x1 Combined: 10%Combined: 30%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20090124 (most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is limited to making recommendations on correcting disability determinations. A...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01948
The examiner further noted “Full range of motion was present except for rotation and side bending.”The commander’s statement dated 7 June 2007 (4 months prior to separation) reported that the CI was unable to perform non-administrative duties; and a physician directed that she miss two duty days during the prior 3 months due to her back condition.The narrative summarydated 11 June 2007 reported a normal gait.At the MEB examination for range-of-motion (ROM) dated 23 July 2007 (2 months prior...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01960
A left knee X-rayfor chronic left knee pain was normal. VASRD §4.71a specifies for 5003 that “satisfactory evidence of painful motion” constitutes limitations of motion and specifies application of a 10% rating “for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion.” The left knee condition could not be reasonably rated higher than 10% using any exam proximate to separation or any alternate coding schema.While the VA exam is approximately 5 years remote from...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01982
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; and, to review those fitness determinations within its scope (as elaborated above) consistent with performance-based criteria in evidence at separation. Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Treatment...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 01990
Physical examination of the chest was normal with good air movement.The examiner stated the CI had continued to report left-sided chest wall pain, SOB,and had continued to refuse to work with pressurized aircraft. The VARD noted the service treatment records did not indicate that there had been any residual lung condition associated with the CI’s symptoms and the VA physical examination that included chest X-rays, found no lung abnormalities; however, noted the CI had not cooperated with...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 02036
SEPARATION DATE: 20040423 Depressive Disorder Condition . I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 02245
The left knee condition, characterized as “left knee pain with chondromalacia patella” by the MEB, was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123. The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.Although the final PEB diagnosis was persistent knee pain “due to Patellofemoral Syndrome” and the MEB diagnosis was due to “chondromalacia patella,” the NARSUM diagnosis was due to “subluxation.” Radiographs indicated degenerative changes...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 02363
The PEB also adjudicated surgical scar of residual of amputation 5th ray, moderately disfiguring, persistent digital neuroma and loss of grip strength secondary to 5th ray resection as Category II (contributing to unfit) conditions. 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. In addition to rating the 5th digit...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 02448
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain with degenerative disc disease”as unfitting, rated 10%, referencing application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 02890
SEPARATION DATE: 20070705 Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Coagulopathy, Protein C Deficiency, with History of Deep Vein Thrombosis7199-71210%Thrombophlebitis of Popliteal Vein, Left Leg7121NSC*20070223Other x 0 (Not in Scope) Combined: 40%Rated: 0%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20070802. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 02900
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. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 03102
The PEB and VA both rated the back condition at 20% for decreased spinal ROM using different codes;the PEB used code 5241 (spinal fusion) and the VA, code 5237,(lumbosacral strain), IAW VASRD §4.71a.A rating of 20%, under both codes, requires forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.The next higher rating, 40%, under both codes requires forward flexion of 30 degrees or less or ankylosis of the entire thoraco- lumbar spine. ...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00001
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. Right Knee Condition . The Board agreed the evidence supported the application of VASRD §4.40 compensable rating for functional loss (described in the CS).After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00003
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 Ankle Pain501010%Right Ankle DJD5010-528410%2006031720060306Left Ankle DJD5010-528410%20060317 20060306Other x 3 (Not in Scope)Other x 10...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00005
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 : IPEB – Dated 20060128VA* -(~6 Days Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Injury to Left Knee… 525720%Chronic Strain Left Knee with Pain and Instability, TornAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear525710%20060411Other x 2 (Not In...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00006
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Left Shoulder Condition. In the matter of the left shoulder pain condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded 5099-5003 IAW VASRD §4.71a.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00017
Right Shoulder Pain Condition . Both the PEB and VA rated the peripheral nerve condition using code 8722 at 10% (Neuralgia of the musculocutaneous nerve; “moderate”). Later VA ratings corrected the nerve code to 8517 for partial paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve in the upper extremity.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00018
Separation Date: 20060127 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. Accordingly, the Board recommended your separation be re-characterized to reflect disability retirement, rather than separation with severance pay.I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00019
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Right Knee Tibial Plateau Stress Fracture… 5099-50220%Right Knee Strain52600%20060915Left Knee Degenerative Arthritis… 5003---%Osteoarthritis Left Knee501010%20060915Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 0%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20070430(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). Left Knee Condition . I direct that all the Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-00024
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Left Knee Condition . The Board agreed the left knee condition had someforward laxity but no lateral instability/subluxation after surgery, given the normal gaits, and findings on examinations proximate to...