RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW
NAME: BRANCH OF SERVICE: USAF
CASE NUMBER: PD0900012 COMPONENT: ACTIVE
BOARD DATE: 20090604 SEPARATION DATE: 20031014
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SUMMARY OF CASE: This covered individual (CI) was an Air Force SSgt Security Forces Craftsman medically separated in 2003 after almost 9 years of service. He developed significant urinary frequency and despite an extensive medical evaluation, no cause for his condition was ever determined. His condition had progressed to the point of preventing him from reasonably performing the duties of his office, grade, rank, and rating and the Air Force PEB found him unfit for continued service in October 2003.
An initial PEB found the CI fit for service. Both the CI and his commander submitted letters of exception stating he was not fit for service. The Air Force PEB subsequently found the CI unfit and rated 7599-7542 Neurogenic bladder at 10%. Irritable bowel syndrome and generalized anxiety disorder were found to be category II, not unfitting and history of alcohol abuse was category III, not separately unfitting. The VA initially rated 7599-7512 Irritable bladder syndrome at 20%, 7319 Irritable bowel syndrome at 10%, 9400 Generalized anxiety disorder at 0%, 5237 Chronic cervicothoracic strain with degenerative disc disease at 10%, 5237 Chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease at 10% and Tinea pedis, left foot at 0%. The initial VA ratings were based on medical and mental health examinations in April 2004, six months prior to separation from service. After subsequent evaluations and appeals, the VA changed the mental health diagnosis to panic disorder 9412 and increased the rating to 30% effective September 2006 which is 3 years after separation. Concerning the bladder condition, regardless of which analogous code is used, the condition is rated as voiding dysfunction in paragraph 4.115a.
The CI contends that despite his continued medical treatments his conditions only continue to deteriorate and affect his daily living negatively. He would like the rating changed to support his living efforts to include retirement from the USAF and healthcare for him and his dependents.
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BOARD FINDINGS: After careful consideration of all available information, the Board concluded that the CI’s disability is appropriately rated at 40% under VASRD 7599-7512. This rating is based on the urinary frequency of daytime voiding interval less than one hour and awakening to void every one to two hours at night. The board also concluded that no other conditions were unfitting at the time of separation.
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RECOMMENDATION: The Board recommends the Secretary of the Air Force increase CI's disability rating for 7599-7512 Irritable bladder to 40% effective 15 October 2003.
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The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 294, dated 20081231, w/atchs.
Exhibit B. Service Treatment Record.
Exhibit C. Department of Veteran's Affairs Treatment Record.
MICHAEL F. LoGRANDE
President
Physical Disability Board of Review
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