AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01880
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 NARSUM and VA examinations documented right wrist limitation of motion and tenderness to palpation.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01884
The TDRL’s re-evaluation IPEB adjudicated the right wrist, right knee and left shoulder as a single unfitting condition, rated at 20%. However, the PEB combined the condition of the right hand with the right knee and left shoulder and rated the conditions under the pain policy. In the matter of the left rotator cuff and left shoulder pain condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded 5099-5003 IAW VASRD §4.59 at both TDRL placement and...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01885
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01897
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-2014-01906
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 the extent that it reasonably reflects the severity of the disability at the time of separation. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Neck Pain...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01921
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 the extent that it reasonably reflects the severity of the disability at the time of separation. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01922
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 Shoulder Multi-Directional Instability5299-500310%Tendinitis/MultidirectionalInstability, Right Shoulder5201-502410%20050922Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01926
The “bipolar II disorder” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123.The Informal PEB adjudicated “bipolar II disorder…mild”as unfitting, rated 10%, citing 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 Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01929
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. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back Pain ...52370%Myofascial Pain, Lumbar Spine523710%20041008Bilateral Knee Pain ...5299-50030%Degenerative Disease , Bilateral Knees501010%20041008Irritable Bowel Syndrome Not UnfittingIrritable Bowel...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01932
The low back and left knee conditions, characterized as “chronic low back pain” and “patellofemoral pain/chondromalacia patella, left knee,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.Hypertension and bunionectomy conditions were submitted by the MEB as medically acceptable.The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain (LBP) and chronic pain of the left knee”as unfitting, rated 10% and 0% respectively, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01939
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 pain . The Board determined that, since the left knee was implicated in the Physical Profile (DA Form 3349), and in the commander’s performance statement dated 10 May 2004, it was appropriate to document the...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01943
The knee and foot conditions, characterized as “internal derangement of the left knee” and “hammer toes,” were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded one other condition (hyperlipidemia), as medically acceptable.The Informal PEB adjudicated “tricompartment arthritis left knee”and “left digit 3 and 4 hammer toes, symptomatic” as unfitting, rated 0% and 0%, with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA)...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01945
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. 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-2014-01946
Pre-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Diabetes Mellitus, Type II791320%Diabetes Mellitus791320%20050228Other x0 (Not in Scope)Other x720050228 Combined: 20%Combined: 50%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050728(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. In this case, the CI required oral medication and insulin use along with...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01953
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 ROM was limited by pain and is charted below. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20150010459 (PD201401953)I have reviewed the enclosed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) recommendation and record...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01956
The MEB also identified and forwarded two other conditions (allergic rhinitis and gastroesophagealreflux disease [GERD]) as medically acceptable.The Informal PEB adjudicated “mild intermittent asthma”as unfitting, rated 10%,with likely application of the VA 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01959
SEPARATION DATE: 20021002 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. The allergist noted that despite daily use of BD and steroid inhalers symptoms remained.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01961
SEPARATION DATE: 20060623 Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain…5299-523710%Lumbar Spine DDD52420%20061208Other x 0Other x 3 RATING: 10%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20070322 (most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Back Pain . The Board reviewed the record in evidence and noted there were two other recorded ROM entries in the months prior to separation, both were consistent with the last recorded ROM for the MEB.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01962
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Physical examination (PE) of the right knee revealed deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Right Knee ROM (Degrees)MEB ~7 mos.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01968
CI CONTENTION : The CI stated “please consider all conditions.” He could heel-and-toe walk with pain (which would indicate full strength of the leg muscles). The Board found no evidence for a higher rating in the CI’s favor under applicable codes including paralysis, neuritis, or neuralgia.After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01969
The left foot pain, characterized as “complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), left foot” was the only condition forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The PEB adjudicated “chronic left foot pain”as unfitting, rated 10% with likely application of the VA 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 theVeterans Affairs Schedule for...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01975
The MDD was rated at 10%. RATING COMPARISON : Final Service PEB - 20060426 VA ( STR Used) - Effective 20040501On TDRL - 20040501 CodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam ConditionTDRL Sep.Major Depressive Disorder943430%10%Major Depressive Disorder943430%STROther x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 9STR Rating: 30% → 10% Combined: 40% *Reflects VA rating exam proximate to TDRL placement; no VA rating evidence proximate to permanent separation ANALYSIS SUMMARY :IAW DoDI 6040.44, the Board’s authority is...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01976
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. A permanent L3 physical profile dated 11 June 2007 was issued for the “Healed R foot stress fracture.” He “had stress changes of the R foot 3 rd & 4 th Metatarsals noted on 7March 2007. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01977
The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated “chronic neck pain” and “chronic low back pain” as unfitting, rated 10% and 0%, respectively, for a combined 10% disability, with likely reliance on AR 635-40 for rating. Disk protrusions were noted to decrease from 2005 through 2007 and the mild dilatation of the central thoracolumbar spinal canal (Syrinx) was stable.At the MEB exam, the CI reported back pain exacerbated by activity and rare left leg pain. In the matter of the back condition, the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01981
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 PE was normal including vital signs and blood pressure parameters. 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-2014-01984
The Board deliberated on if the CI’s degree of instability with additional meniscal signs of catching and pain with knee degeneration warranted a “severe” 30% rating under 5257, or dual knee rating with additional rating under 5259 for meniscal symptoms (catching and pain)that did not overlap with ACL instability symptoms (instability). The prior to separation VA exam documented normal hand findings. Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the individual...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01985
According to the VASRD rules for rating the spine in effect at the time of separation thoracic and lumbar spine conditions coded IAW §4.71a are provided a single disability rating and thus the thoracic DDD and the lumbago (listed by the PEB as separate conditions) are subsumed in the §4.71a rating that follows. Since the disability due only to the left foot cannot be isolated by the clinical evidence or from the fitness implications of the bilateral condition, the Board consensus was that...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01988
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 exam noted full neck range-of-motion (ROM) with pain and normal strength, sensation, and reflexes of the bilateral UE. At a PT visit the CI reported the LBP radiated to the right posterior mid-thigh and at a primary care visit on 23 June 2009 he reported numbness...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01989
The “chronic right leg pain due to stress fractures” and “right common peroneal nerve palsy” conditions were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditionwas submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB) adjudicated the right leg neuropathy and right leg healed stress fractures as unfitting, rated 10% and 0% respectively, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). ...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01992
SEPARATION DATE: 20020515 It was the more proximate to the date of separation and its objective examination was most detailed, accurate, and complete.The Board agreed that the PEB’s 10% rating was supported under the 5003 coding pathway by sufficient evidence of painful motion (§4.59); or alternatively, under the 5259 code due to surgical intervention and the removal of cartilage. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01997
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. 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...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-01999
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Back Pain, due to Degenerative Disk Disease, without Neurologic Abnormality5299-524220%Residuals, Lumbar Injury w/Traumatic Arthritis5010-523740%20040519Lumbar Radiculopathy, Right Leg (claimed as leg numbness) associated w/Residuals, Lumbar Injury w/Traumatic Arthritis852020%20040519Lumbar Radiculopathy, Left Leg (claimed as leg numbness) associated w/Residuals, Lumbar Injury w/Traumatic Arthritis852010%20040519Other x 0...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02001
The chronic right knee pain condition 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 knee painas unfitting, rated 0%.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. 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-2014-02004
This VA examination was used by the PEB for its final disability determination in lieu of a separate military examination.The Board directed its attention to its rating recommendation for TDRLplacement based on the above evidence. The Board noted that the FEV1/FVC ratio of 73% supported a 10% rating under code 6602. In the matter of the asthma condition at TDRL removal, the Board unanimously recommends a permanent disability rating of 10%, coded 6602 IAW VASRD §4.97.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02006
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 both the PEB and VA rated the condition of PTSD under the code of 9411; however, the PEB assigned a 10% disability rating and the VA assigned a rating of 30%. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends that the CI’s...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02007
SEPARATION DATE: 20080804 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 rating was based on clinical records that documented in October 2011 the CI reported pain and inflammation, and the VA respiratory examination in June 2012 that documented continued complaints of fatigue and intermittent chest...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02008
SEPARATION DATE: 20050628 The remaining condition was determined to be not unfitting. There was pain on flexion at 75 degrees; the examiner noted loss of motion with repetitive use secondary to pain.The Board directs attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02009
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Right Distal Fibular Fracture5009-50030%Right Ankle, Chronic Sprain with History of Fracture of Distal Fibula527110%20031231Other x 0 (Not In Scope)Other x 3 RATING: 0%RATING: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20100806(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)). Right Ankle ROM (Degrees)MEB ~12 weeks Pre-Sep PT ~4 weeks Pre-Sep VA ‘Ortho’ ~7 weeks Post-SepDorsiflexion (20 Normal) ‘full range of motion’‘within normal...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02013
He was taking two medications for mood and one for sleep. The commander’s statement in March 2007, noted the CI, “had been able to cope while performing his combat medic duties…while this Soldier’s technical performance is acceptable, his overall mental state would be questionable in a hostile environment.” At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for PTSD, dated 28 September 2007,performed less than 2 months after separation, the CI reported his symptoms included anger, anxiety, and...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02015
The Board’s assessment of the PEB rating determinations is confined to review of medical records and all available evidence for application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards to the unfitting medical condition at the time of separation. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Lower Extremity Stress Reaction w/o Evidence of Fractures5099-50220%Medial Stress Syndrome Tibial Shaft…Right Side52620%20140319Medial Stress...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02020
Right Shoulder Condition . The PEB chose to rate the condition at 0%, analogous to 5003 (degenerative arthritis) for slight and occasional pain.The VA used the same code to rate the condition at 0% citing the lack of clinical findings to support a compensable evaluation (the CI was a no show).In accordance with DoDI 6040.44, the Board is required to recommend a rating IAW the VASRD in effect at the time of separation. The Board undertook a careful review of the record in evidence and noted...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02024
DATE OF PLACEMENT ONTO TDRL: 20060101DATE OF REMOVAL FROM TDRL: 20070626 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. RATING COMPARISON : Final PEB – 20070511 VA Rating Decision 1 - 20060425TDRL Placement – 20060101Code RatingConditionCodeRating Proximate ConditionTDRLPlacementTDRL RemovalTDRL 2 TDRL 3 Removal...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02025
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 increased rating appeared to be based on a C&P exam performed on 4 April 2006.In assigning probative value to the examinations in evidence, the Board noted that: (1) the MEB NARSUM exam relied on an inclinometer to...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02026
At the VA Compensation and Pension examination(performed 11 months after separation), the CI reported during the acute heat injury he was hydrated and he had some heat intolerance; otherwise, he has no functional impairment, no residuals from heat exhaustion since 2004. The PEB adjudicated the recurrent heat intolerance and injury condition by applying the analogous VASRD code of 7999-7900 (hyperthyroidism)and rating it 0%. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02035
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. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02040
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. Examination tests for radicular signs were negative.The VA Compensation and Pension examination on 30 April 2007, a year after separation, recorded thoracolumbar flexion of 30 degrees after repetitive movement.The...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02041
The documentation supports that approximately a year prior to separation the CI’s back pain began to worsen as evidenced by a physical therapy (PT) range-of-motion (ROM) measurement of 40 degrees flexion (normal 90) in November 2003 and a subsequent PT ROM of 17 degrees in May 2004 (6 months prior to separation). A physical therapy exam was documented 6 months prior to separation that documented poor posture with painful motion. Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02043
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. Spinal contour was normal, but posture was “slightly abnormal, flexed forward at the lumbosacral spine region.” Lower extremity muscle strength was normal.An examination the following day recorded some muscle spasm of...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02055
At an Orthopedic follow-up visit 7 March 2007 the CI reported bilateral anterior knee pain and the exam noted patellofemoral tenderness with full motion of both knees, without effusion or instability. In the matter of the bilateral knee condition the Board recommends disability rating as follows: an unfitting right knee condition, rated 10% and an unfitting left knee condition rated 0% both coded 5299-5260 IAW VASRD §4.71a.In the matter of the contended anxiety disorder condition, the Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD-2014-02056
Bilateral Knee Condition . The examiner then noted that the MRI findings were for the left knee and that X-rays of both knees were normal. 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 knee pain...