RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW

NAME:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	CASE:  PD-2014-02755
BRANCH OF SERVICE:  Air Force 	SEPARATION DATE:  20080128

SUMMARY OF CASE:  Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E4, Integrated Avionics Systems Journeyman; Instructor Flight Controls, medically separated for “Diabetes Mellitus Type I,” with a disability rating of 20%.  

CI CONTENTION:  The applicant makes no specific contention in his application.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.  

SCOPE OF REVIEW:  The Board’s scope of review is defined in DoDI 6040.44.  It is limited to those conditions determined by the Physical Evaluation Board (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.  Any conditions outside the Board’s defined scope of review and any contention not requested in this application may remain eligible for future consideration by the Board for Correction of Military Records.  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.  The Board has neither the role nor the authority to compensate for post-separation progression or complications of service-connected conditions.  That role and authority is granted by Congress to the Department of Veterans Affairs, operating under a different set of laws.  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.   

RATING COMPARISON:  

SERVICE PEB - 20080110	VARD - 20120710	
Condition	Code	Rating	Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Diabetes Mellitus Type I	7913	20%	Diabetes Mellitus Type II	7913	20%	20120419	
COMBINED RATING:  20%	COMBINED RATING OF ALL VA CONDITIONS:  20%	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:  

Diabetes Mellitus Type I Condition.  The diabetes mellitus Type I was discovered during a separation physical in September 2007 and required treatment with oral hypoglycemic medication, insulin and dietary restriction.  According to an endocrine clinic evaluation on 15 October 2007 (3 months prior to separation) the examiner confirmed that current medications were an oral hypoglycemic agent and insulin.  The examiner advised exercise as tolerated, and did not indicate that avoidance of occupational and strenuous recreational activities was medically necessary.  The final profile on 26 November 2007 (2 months prior to separation) affirmed that the CI was cleared to run 1.5 miles and perform weight and strength training.  Review of the service treatment record (STR) showed no hospitalizations for treatment of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia, and no evidence of diabetic complications.  

The Board directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.  The PEB rated the diabetes condition 20%, coded 7913 (diabetes mellitus).  The Board agreed that the requirement for insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent plus restricted diet justified a 20% rating.  Because there was no evidence of medically prescribed regulation of activities in addition to the required restricted diet and prescribed insulin, no higher rating was supported.  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 for the diabetes mellitus Type I condition.

BOARD FINDINGS:  In the matter of the diabetes mellitus Type I condition and IAW VASRD §4.119, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.  There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration.  The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.   

The following documentary evidence was considered:

Exhibit A.  DD Form 294, dated 20140602, w/atchs
Exhibit B.  Service Treatment Record
Exhibit C.  Department of Veterans Affairs Treatment Record

SAF/MR
1500 West Perimeter Road, Suite 3700
Joint Base Andrews, MD  20762

Dear XXXXXXXXXX:

Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2014-02755.

After careful consideration of your application and treatment records, the Physical Disability Board of Review determined that the rating assigned at the time of final disposition of your disability evaluation system processing was appropriate.  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.  I concur with that finding and their conclusion that re-characterization of your separation is not warranted.  Accordingly, I accept their recommendation that your application be denied.

Sincerely,

Attachment:
Record of Proceedings