VA - (3.3 Mos. Pre-Separation) | |||||||
Code | Rating | Condition | Code | Rating | Exam | ||
Chronic Low Back Pain Status Post Fusion of L4-S1 | 5241 | 20% | Chronic Thoracolumbar Strain (Claimed as Degenerative Disc Disease) | 5237 | 20% | 20080714 | |
Sciatica, Left Lower Extremity (Claimed as Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity) | 8520 | 10% | |||||
Sciatica, Right Lower Extremity (Claimed as Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity) | 8520 | 10% | |||||
Status Post Lumbar Spine Disc Fusion L4-5 and L5-Sl with Scars |
7805 | 0% | |||||
Other x 2 | |||||||
Combined: 50% |
Thoracolumbar
A
ROM (Degrees) |
MEB 5 Mo. Pre-Sep |
VA C&P 3 Mo. Pre-Sep |
Flexion (90 Normal) | 40 | 60 |
Extension (30) | 10 | 25 (26) |
Combined (240) | 105 | 2 05 |
Comment | Normal m otor strength in both legs normal l | Posture/gait normal; No radiating pain on movement; no back spasm, no ankylosis. No signs of nerve root involvement. |
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02161
Chronic Low Back Pain Condition .The CI experienced chronic low back pain that radiated into the right leg. The VA C&P examination noted a somewhat weakened hamstring muscle but lower extremity strength was otherwise normal and gait was normal.The Board also noted that the hamstring muscle is innervated by multiple spinal nerve roots L5, S1, S2 and S3 so significant weakness from a single nerve root is not expected. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01739
The Board considered the CI’s history of significant back pain with muscle spasm and radiation of pain with mild weakness and decreased sensation of the right lower leg. However, notes in the STRs proximate to separation indicated daily use of a muscle relaxant medication and later evidence in record suggests episodes of muscle spasm continued, consistent with the lumbar spine abnormalities noted on MRI.Board members consensus was that the totality of evidence in record supports the 20%...
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00814
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Anterior Lumbar Fusion524120%Low Back Strain with Sciatica5243-523720%20100128Left Leg Numbness Associated with Low Back Strain with Sciatica852010%20100128L5-S1 Herniated DiskCategory IISee Above20100128MicrodiskectomyCategory IISee Above20100128Other x1 (Not in Scope)Other x520100111 Combined: 20%Combined: 70%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD) dated 20100420 (most proximate to date of separation) ANALYSIS SUMMARY :The PEB...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-01588
The CI also attached a one-page statement to his application which was reviewed by the Board and considered in its recommendations. 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.In the matter of the chronic back pain s/p discectomy and fusion condition, the Board unanimously recommends...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02450
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 MEB physical exam noted decreased sensation in the right lower leg and foot but no motor weakness.The NARSUM examiner reported that the CI “could not flex his trunk greater than 30 degrees without pain,”but did not...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02346
Spasm was absent.At the MEB examination dated 4 November 2004, the CI reported lower back surgery on 23 July 2004. Thoracolumbar ROM (Degrees)MEB ~3 Mo. However, the Board does not recommend a rating lower than that adjudicated by the PEB.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02779
The Board thus determined that the VA C&P ROM was the most probative for a rating recommendation at the time of separation. I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board. I concur with that finding, accept their recommendation and direct that your records be corrected as set forth in the attached copy of a Memorandum for the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.
AF | PDBR | CY2014 | PD 2014 00068
The back condition, characterized as “chronic low back pain with associated right leg and knee pain” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. The VA rated the CI back conditions at 40% with code 5242 (degenerative arthritis of the spine) for “forward flexion 30 degrees or less”.source MEB ROMs documented pain-limited forward flexion to 30 degrees (similar to the VA exam) and the Board found the similar measurements and disability ratings from these two exams close...
AF | PDBR | CY2012 | PD-2012-00971
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX BRANCH OF SERVICE: ARMY CASE: PD1200971 SEPARATION DATE: 20030606 BOARD DATE: 20130306 SUMMARY OF CASE: Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty SFC/E-7 (63E40/M1A2 Tank Maintenance Supervisor) medically separated for a lumbar spine condition. The PEB adjudicated the separate MEB diagnoses as a single unfitting condition, characterized...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD-2013-02554
CI CONTENTION : “The PEB rated me 20% disabled while the VA rated 30%. 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.