AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02528
The NARSUM examiner recorded a complaint of intermittent lower extremity radiating numbness.However, the presence of functional impairment with a direct impact on fitness is the key determinant in the Board’s decision to recommend any condition for rating as additionally unfitting. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02535
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. Follow-up chiropractic notes document continuing back pain rated 7/10 with left leg radicular pain; and, note findings of spasm, tenderness, gait disturbance, and decreased (degree not specified) range-of-motion (ROM). ...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02541
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. In the matter of the low back condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.In the matter of the contended right wrist pain, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and neck pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02544
SEPARATION DATE: 20031003 RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination. Accordingly, the Board recommended no re-characterization or modification of your separation.I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02558
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. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20050131VA* -Based on Service Treatment Record (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain…52370%Low Back Pain w/ Small Disc Bulge L5-S152370%*STR**Other x 0...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02564
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2014-02564BRANCH OF SERVICE: ArmyBOARD DATE: 20141120 After surgery the fracture healed without malunion or deformity.X-rays obtained in January 2006, revealed the fracture to be “nearly healed with good anatomic alignment.” Post-operatively the CI developed pain in the wrist, weakness of grip and numbness on the back of his hand.On an occupationaltherapy (OT) evaluation on 24 March 2006, range-of-motion...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02573
The conditions, characterized as “lower back pain” and “left knee pain”, were forwarded as the sole submissions to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The Informal PEB adjudicated the conditions as unfitting, rated 10% each,referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy the left knee condition. The VA rating decision (VARD) referenced the lack of service evidence for “any complaint of, treatment for, or diagnosis of any back pain or other back...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02578
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. Although the narrative summary (NARSUM) dates the onset of both the cervical and lumbar complaints to a fall in July 2006, the service treatment record (STR) contains an entry from May 2006 with a complaint of “mild...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02579
Furthermore, the Board’s authority is limited to assessing the fairness and accuracy of PEB rating determinations and recommending corrections, where appropriate. 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. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02592
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. Multiple entries in the STR document normal gait, normal lower extremity neurologic findings, grossly normal or modestly impaired range-of-motion (ROM); and, there was no documentation of incapacitation.The narrative...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02599
The VA rated it at 10%, coded 5237 (lumbosacral strain).The Board agreed that the evidence in record supported the 10% rating according to the current Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)general formula for rating the spine based upon combined TL ROM of greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees. Bilateral knee conditions . In the matter of the chronic LBP condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02648
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 Right Lower Extremity Pain5099-500310%Right Femoral Neck Fracture s/p Percutaneous Screw Fixation525520%Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 1 RATING: 10%RATING:...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02653
The “seizure disorder” condition was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The examiner stated that normal Dilantin levels were obtained after a week of increased daily dosage and opined that “it is likely that the patient will continue to...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02668
Asthma Condition (With Possible Vocal Cord Dysfunction) .The narrative summary (NARSUM) in March 2004 (a month prior to TDRL placement)notedthe CI had asthma which was moderate and persistent with shortness of breath with exercising. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02669
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 Chronic Bilateral Leg Pain…Tibial Stress Fractures5099-500310%Right Tibial Stress Fracture with Ankle Strain5299-526210%20051117Left Tibial Stress...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02685
SUMMARY OF CASE : Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active dutyE-3(Fuel and Electric Services Repair Specialist)medically separated forchronic left groin pain.The left groin condition could not be adequately rehabilitated to meet the physical requirementsof his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)or satisfy physical fitness standards.He was issued a permanent L3 profile and referred for a Medical Evaluation Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02691
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 Generalized Seizures…891010%Seizure Disorder891110%20050310HypertensionNot UnfittingHypertensionDeferred**Other x 0Other x 6 RATING: 10%RATING: 20% *Derived...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02692
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Therefore, based on a thorough review of the evidence in the treatment record, the Board determined that, at the time of separation, a 20% disability rating was appropriate for the CI’s chronic back condition. BOARD...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02698
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 theVASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Various STR clinic entries throughout the course...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02716
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 Knee Pain ...5099-500310%Right Knee PFS526010%20080128Left Knee PFS526010%20080128Other MEB/PEB Conditions x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 4...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02733
Left Wrist Pain and Instability . The CI continued to report left wrist pain despite physical therapy and pain medications. The physical examination demonstrated left wrist tenderness and weakness.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02739
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain5299-523720%Lumbosacral Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)524320%20080221Adjustment DisorderNot Unfitting /Not CompensableAnxiety Disorder941310%20080304Adjustment Disorder9440NSC20080304HyperlipidemiaNot UnfittingNo VA PlacementOther x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 20%RATING: 30% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20080722(most proximate to date of separation [DOS]) Low Back Pain (LBP) . The...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02741
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. Chronic Right Shoulder Pain. PT, activity modification, and pain medications did not relieve the right shoulder pain and the CI was referred to the MEB.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02758
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. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20030915VA* -based on Service Treatment Records (STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain, Status Post-Operative Pinning of Femoral Neck Stress...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02787
SEPARATION DATE: 20030912 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. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02832
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The record shows that the CI was on daily medications. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02852
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. IAW DoDI 6040.44, this Board must consider the appropriate rating for the CI’s back condition at separation based on the VASRD standards in effect at the time of separation. Under the 5292 code a 20% rating is...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02859
On orthopedic evaluation performed on 19 November 2002, 4 months post-operatively and recorded in the chart below, the knee was found to be stable with reduced range-of-motion (ROM).On physical therapy (PT) evaluation performed on 9 January 2003,a month prior to the NARSUM evaluation, knee evaluation was unchangedas recorded in the chart below.At the MEB/NARSUM evaluation performed on 26 February 2003, 6 months prior to separation, the CI reported continued pain in the left knee below the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02866
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated her stress fractures as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria ofthe US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The VA rated the condition of pes planus with calcaneal stress fractures at 10%, coded 5276.The Board first considered if each foot could be reasonably justified as separately unfitting. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02931
SEPARATION DATE: 20050502 The Board noted that despite medication and talk therapy, the CI continued to demonstrate “consistently poor mood and work performance.” 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 dysthymic disorder condition. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02943
The Informal PEB adjudicated his back condition as unfitting, rated 10%, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). IPEB – Dated 20081120VA* - Service Treatment Records (STR) and VA RecordConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic LBP with DDDat L3-4 and L4-55299-524310%DDD, Lumbar Spine52420%Missed ExamAdjustment DisorderNot CompensablePost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)941110%20100805Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 4 RATING: 10%RATING: 20%...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02944
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. Service Treatment Record Exhibit C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Treatment Record DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02962
The Informal PEB adjudicated “wrist pain”as unfitting, rated 10%with application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). On physical examination (PE), wrist ROM was full and neurological exam was normal. Wrist ROM was not recorded at that exam.The CI separated from service in August 2008.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02990
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Knee Pain5099-50030%Bilateral Knee Pain5299-5262NSC**20030529Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 10 Rating: 0%Combined: 30% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20030820(most proximate to date of separation)**Subsequent VARD dated 20060428 rated left and right knees (5099-5014) at 10% each, effective 20050927 The Army PEB combined the CI’s knee pain into a single unfitting condition: “Bilateral knee pain, without any...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02991
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. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03065
SEPARATION DATE: 20081028 The heart condition, characterized as “coronary artery disease,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123.The Informal PEB adjudicated “myocardial infarction, status post coronary artery stent placement,”as unfitting, rated 10%,referencing the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. There were no further cardiac hospitalizations, no...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03148
Both the Air Force PEB and the VA coded the pulmonary condition 6602 (Asthma). The PEB rated it 10%, and the VA rated it 30%. Eight months later, she was using the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid Motametasone.Following a thorough review of the evidence in the treatment record, the Board concluded that it was more likely than not that the CI was using inhalational anti-inflammatory medication at the time of separation from service.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03167
The C&P exam noted the CI was treated for contact dermatitis for less than 6 weeks within the past 12 months with a topical corticosteroid cream. BOARD FINDINGS : 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 contact dermatitis to hydraulic fluids condition and IAW VASRD §4.118 (Schedule of Ratings –Skin), the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.There were no other...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03210
The Board determined that cervical flexion not greater than 30 degrees documented at the VA examination mostly closely approximated the CI’s functional limitations at the time of separation and met the criteria for a 20% disability rating.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends a disability rating of 20% for the chronic cervical strain condition. In the matter of the left lower extremity pain (knees and...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03288
SEPARATION DATE: 20040809 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-2014-03325
The MEB forwarded the following Axis I conditions to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123 and 44-113:“maj depressive disorder/recurrent/moderate; anxiety disorder NOS; alcohol dep.” The MEB also forwarded “borderline personality traits” as an Axis II condition.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated the referred Axis I conditions, less the alcohol dependence condition, as a single unfitting condition (for rating purposes), “major depressive disorder...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03334
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD-2014-03334BRANCH OF SERVICE: AIR FORCEBOARD DATE: 20141209 On a Health History form dated 27 December 2004 (2 months prior to separation);the CI indicated that he was using albuterol for asthma; no other medications were listed.On the Report of Medical Assessment dated 25 January 2005 (a month prior to separation) the CI listed Albuterol as the only medication he was using for asthma.During the VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03381
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. Depressive Disorder, NOS .The treatment records indicated the CI was diagnosed with ADHD and alcohol abuse in August 2004 that was treated with an anti-depressant medication (bupropion). The CI continued to report...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03407
The InformalPEBadjudicated “recurrent episodes of heat exhaustion/heat intolerance” including atypical chest pain in its disability descriptionas unfitting, rated 10%,with application of theVA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).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 recurrent episodes of heat exhaustion and heat intolerance...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03428
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 Ankle Condition . DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03429
The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated the shoulder condition as unfitting, rated 10%, citing application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The IPEB also determined there was compelling evidence to support a finding that the seizure condition existed prior to service (EPTS) and was not permanently aggravated beyond natural progression by military service. The Board noted the CI experienced another seizure in April 2009, 3 months after separation and the ER physician indicated...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03635
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain right knee, dueto patellofemoral syndrome” as unfitting, rated 0%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition was 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 theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03671
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. It records 4/5 quadriceps strength, notes that the CI was able to perform 20 straight leg raises, and contains the entry “tenderness to palpation mid-quad muscle belly; area of hardness – probable scar tissue.” There...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03788
The narrative summary (NARSUM), dated 31 May 2002 (3 months prior to separation), documented persistent left-sided neck and LUE pain (rated 8/10, “moderate and constant”); there was no mention of sensory symptoms, but “some clumsiness in the [LUE].” As with the VA exam, no physical limitations or functional consequences were elaborated. The evidence likewise supported a conclusion that the ROM limitation was fairly characterized as moderate, and the intermittently normal ROM (as documented...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-03858
The MEB also identified and forwarded two other conditions (see rating chart below) for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEBadjudicatedthe left ankle pain as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Post-Sep(20081011)Dorsiflexion (20 Normal)1515 or 20*Plantar Flexion (45)5040 or 45**the CI had two separate VA C&P exams on 20081011, with different ankle ROM resultsThe Board directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the...