AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01101
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain”as unfitting, rated 10%,with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01103
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. A commander’s performance statement, dated 23 February 2008, noted the following: “The CI exhibited psychological conditions that would prevent him from continuing with military service. Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01114
The PEB rated the depression at 10% using code 9434 (Major Depressive Disorder) and determined the pain disorder was a Category II condition related to the back pain, while the VA rated the depression 30% also using code 9434. Additionally, his symptoms improved with psychotherapy and continuous medication thereby favoring a 10% rating, although the NARSUM noted his back condition was “complicated by his morbidity of depression” and the addendum noted “the condition alone [was] so severe...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01122
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. The thoracolumbar spine exam showed moderate spasm and flattening of the lower lumbar spine. From 1 to 10 (10 being the worst pain) the pain level is at 6.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01123
Right Knee Condition . By avoiding strenuous weight bearing “he is fine.” On examination, gait was normal without assistive devices.The knee ‘looked normal’ and had full ROM without pain, DeLuca findings, or laxity.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB rated the right knee pain condition 0% using codes 5099 musculo-skeletal disease, rated alternatively as 5020 synovitis (inflammation of the joint)citing knee pain and the use of...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01137
The right hip condition, characterized as “right hip femoral acetabular impingement” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic right hip femoral acetabular impingement”as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01143
SEPARATION DATE: 20070121 Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain, Secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease5299-523710%Intervertebral Disc Syndrome with Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine (Mechanical Back Strain-5237)524340%20090910Nerve Root Irritation, Right Lower Extremity8520Deferred**20090910Nerve Root Irritation, Left Lower Extremity8520Deferred**20090910Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 15 RATING: 10%RATING: 70% *Derived from VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01144
The penile pain syndrome condition, characterized as “chronic pelvic pain/penile pain” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The PEB adjudicated “painful penile retraction syndrome evaluated as neuralgia, ilioinguinal nerve,” rated 0%citing the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20080505VA -(At Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Painful...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01149
The Informal PEB adjudicated “exertional chest pain” as unfitting, rated 10% with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). 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 gives consideration to VA evidence, particularly within 12 months of separation, but only to...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01150
SEPARATION DATE: 20070706 Low Back Pain Condition . He was noted to have pain with maneuvers not expected to be painful.The commander’s statement dated 18 January 2007 indicated the CI was unable to perform his duties as an MP because of his medical condition, which required him to go on sick call, numerous appointments and his physical profile.A physical therapy examination on 31January 2007 noted that his gait was normal, spasm was absent and range-of-motion (ROM) was within functional...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01152
The MEB also forwarded congenital club foot, noting that it existed prior to service (EPTS).The Informal PEB found the right ankle condition unfitting, and rated it 20%,citing criteria of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The PEB determined that the right ankle condition was EPTS, but permanently service-aggravated.The CI made no appeals at that time and was medically separated. The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01154
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. Examination noted normal lumbar spine ROM with pain and normal bilateral hip ROM.An orthopedic evaluation on 27 March 2009, 5 months prior to separation, noted a 16-month history of pelvic pain following pregnancy. At...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01159
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20060206VA – (1 week Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain…523710%Discogenic Disease and Spinal Stenosis…524320%20060228Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 3 Combined: 10%Combined: 40% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20060321 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The Board acknowledges the CI’s contention that a higher rating should have been granted for the unfitting medical...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01176
Repeat examination on 27 June 2004 also recorded that there was no edema of the lower extremities. On examination, the left calf and both thighs were tender to touch, and several distended veins were felt on the left lower calf and right upper thigh.A Coumadin Clinic encounter on 9 December 2005, recorded the CI experienced muscle pain when he overdid activities such as standing too long or playing basketball. The CI complained of edema of the lower extremities relieved with elevation on...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01177
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic right knee pain without degenerative joint changes”as unfitting, rated at 10%, referencing the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition was determined to be not unfitting.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20081231VA* -(3 Days Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Right Knee Pain5099-500310%Chronic Right Knee...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01180
Always in back pain. In the matter of the degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 20%, coded 5242 IAW VASRD §4.71a. I direct that all the Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected accordingly no later than 120 days from the date of this memorandum.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01186
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 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. Bilateral Knee...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01193
The Informal PEB adjudicated “low back pain”as unfitting, rated 10%, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01200
Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Hearing Loss61000%Bilateral Hearing Loss61000%20040705Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 1 RATING: 0%RATING: 0% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20100522(most proximate to date of separation (DOS). Both the PEB and VA coded the hearing loss condition under 6100 with ratings of 0% citing no compensable hearing loss. SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation for...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01231
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 theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. The diagnoses of left peroneal nerve injury and scars...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01236
On 10 June 2009, the CI underwent a separation physical examination that recorded constant hip pain as the only clinical finding. The examiner noted radiographs of the pelvis on 2 June 2009 demonstrated elements consistent with a healing stress fracture of the right femoral neck. 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-2014-01237
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. §4.71a Rating 20% PEB 20% VA 10% cervical spine; 10% scarThe Board directed attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB assigned a 20% rating using code 5241 (spinal fusion), while the VA...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01238
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 Left Hip Pain501910%Left Hip Pain and Stiffness Diagnosed as Chronic Greater Trochanteric Bursitis, Left Hip525110%20090911Other x 4 (Not in Scope)Other x...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01239
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 PEB coded the left foot Injury condition as 5284 (other foot injuries) and rated at 10% for “ moderate.” The VA considered the left ankle sprain, s/p talus fracture with residual plantar fasciitis and rated at 20% for “…for marked limited motion of the ankle.” The...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01240
The wrist condition, characterized as “left wrist and forearm pain status-post open reduction/internal fixation,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501;no other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “limitation of pronation left (non-dominant) wrist following ORIF…”as unfitting, rated 0%, referencing the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.It also noted that the condition existed prior to service (EPTS), but was permanently...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01245
Multiple subsequent X-raysfrom this time through the time of separation from the military revealed good healing of the fracture sites without malunion, arthritic changes or hardware difficulty.On orthopedic evaluation performed on 2 October 2008, the CI reported “stiffness of the wrist.”Motor and neurologic evaluations of the hand were normal and operative sites were healing well.On occupational therapy (OT) evaluation performed on 11 December 2008, the CI reported wrist pain with lifting...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01251
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. DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01252
RATING COMPARISON : FPEB – 20090325 VA Rating Decision 1 - 20120227TDRL Placement – 20070725 CodeRatingConditionCodeRating Proximate ConditionTDRLPlacementTDRL RemovalTDRL 2 TDRL 3 Removal Fractured Right Dominant Scaphoid…5299-521230%---Right Wrist Fracture5003-5215NA10%Arthritis Due to Trauma, Right (Dominant) Wrist5010---10%Other x 1 (Not in Scope)Other x 2 RATING: 30% → 10%RATING: 20% 1. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01272
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 CI reportedly had pre-deployment documented issues with chronic pain, anxiety and anger after his second deployment, but declined further assessment and treatment; and the 2007 pre-deployment assessment documented...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01278
The lumbar spine and jaw conditions, characterized as “chronic low back pain due to degenerative joint and disc disease” and “chronic jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction secondary to traumatic fracture andORIF,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded two other conditions(right knee pain due to osteoarthritis and parasomnia not otherwise specified [NOS]) for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB adjudicated “degenerative arthritis,...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01279
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 lumbago condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01285
The InformalPEBadjudicated ulcerative colitis as unfitting, rated 10%with application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Both the PEB and VA applied VASRD code 7323 (ulcerative colitis) and rated it 10% citing “moderate with infrequent exacerbations.” Rating options for Colitis are based on health during remissions, complications and frequency of attacks/exacerbations. Both exams document that he was on medications and the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01293
Three months prior to separation, a follow-up EMG/NCS evaluation was performed which was normal and the CI was evaluated by PT where thoracolumbar spine range-of-motion (ROM) measurements were accomplished and are summarized in the chart below.The goniometric ROM evaluations in evidence which the Board weighed in arriving at its rating recommendation, with documentation of additional ratable criteria, are summarized below: tenderness & muscle spasm; Normal sensation; decreased strength left...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01296
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. RATING COMPARISON : IPEB – Dated 20040922VA* -(9 Days Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Subjective Low Back Pain, Without Neurologic Abnormality5299-523710%Lumbar...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01298
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 examiner noted a normal, slow gait and noted that the orthopedic pain was to be evaluated by a specialist. Thus, although the ankle ROM noted in the VARD may not reflect disability at separation, in this case it...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01301
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. DoD Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01304
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain without neurologic abnormality, chronic left non-dominant shoulder pain, and chronic neck pain” as unfitting, rated 10%, 20% and 0% respectively, with application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) for the left shoulder and back conditions and referencing application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy for the neck condition. Prior to TDRL Placement) - Effective 20031216On TDRL -...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01313
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Left Shoulder Pain5099-50030%Left Shoulder Status Post Rotator Cuff Repair5201-501910%20070102Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 0%RATING: 20% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01316
At the VA C&P examination, the CI reported bilateral foot pain. 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 | CY2014 | PD-2014-01332
The bilateral stress fractures, characterized as “chronic bilateral leg pain” 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 tibial stress fractures”as unfitting;each rated 10% for a combinedrating of 20%. Bilateral leg X-rays on 14 January 2009 noted chronic stress changes along both tibiae.At the MEB examination performed on 12 March 2009, 2 months prior to separation, the CI reported...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01339
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the VASRD standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Low Back Pain ... (Subuming Spondylolysis/Spondylosisthesis)523920%Lumbar Spine Spondylolysis ... (Subsuming Bilateral Radiculopathy)523920%20091228Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 0 RATING: 20%RATING: 20%...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01345
SEPARATION DATE: 20080516 The PEB and VA both rated the back condition at 10% for painful motion using code 5242 (arthritis spine), IAW VASRD §4.71a. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01364
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 Ankle Condition . At the MEB examination on 23 November 2005, 4 months prior to separation, the CI reported constant right ankle pain worsened by weight bearing activities or twisting of the ankle treated with...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01384
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 ROM measurements cited in the NARSUM are from a physical therapy (PT) examination conducted 2 days earlier, and are charted below.There are two additional VA C&P examinations in evidence within 12 months of...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01395
The MVP with the three regurgitations and the neurocardiogenic syncope are two separate diagnoses.The neurocardiogenic syncope is treated with the pacemaker, not the MVP.” 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. The CI had an exercise stress test 14 months prior to separation that documented a workload of...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01405
A neurosurgery consultation dated 14 April 2008, noted thata MRI dated 10 April 2008, noted there was mild broad-based disc bulging at L4/5 without nerve root involvement. The Board noted the CI was not evaluated for a MH condition at the VA until 2014. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01418
The CI’s chronic bilateral foot pain, chronic low back pain (LBP), plantar fasciitis and pes planus conditions were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The IPEB did not address the remaining conditions (plantar fasciitis, pes planus and adjustment disorder).The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB) which reaffirmed the IPEB’s findings for the chronic low back condition as unfitting, rated at 10%, but changed the chronic foot pain (bilateral) diagnosis to bilateral...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01420
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. A 10% rating under these codes stipulates “Workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or; continuous medication required.” The CI’s exercise capacity easily exceeded 10 METs. BOARD FINDINGS :...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01433
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. Thoracolumbar ROM (Degrees)MEB ~ 8 mos. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01449
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic pain left (non-dominant) shoulder pain, with partial supraspinatus tear” as unfitting, rated 10%, referencing criteria 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 theVeterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of...