RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW

NAME:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	CASE:  PD-2014-03692
BRANCH OF SERVICE:  Army	SEPARATION DATE:  20050517

SUMMARY OF CASE:  Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was a National Guard E5, Signal Support Systems Specialist, medically separated for rhabdomyolysis, rated at 0%.  

CI CONTENTION:  The CI requested that the Board review all of his conditions.  His 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 - 20050414	VARD - based on Service Treatment Records (STR)	
Condition	Code	Rating	Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Rhabdomyolysis	5099-5021	0%	Rhabdomyolysis	5099-5024	0%	STR	
COMBINED RATING:  0%	COMBINED RATING OF ALL CONDITIONS:  0%	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:  

Rhabdomyolysis Condition.  The record shows that the CI was admitted for rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of skeletal muscles) on 20 January 2005, 2 weeks after activation for the Warrior Training Course.  He rapidly improved with rest and hydration, but remained at risk for a second episode if he resumed vigorous training again.  Following discharge from the hospital, he also underwent an extensive evaluation for chest pain which was essentially normal and not duty limiting.  The narrative summary (NARSUM) noted was dated 17 March 2005, 2 months prior to separation, and noted that the CI was stable, but at risk for recurrence if he underwent vigorous exercise again.  His physical examination and laboratory findings were normal.  The VA utilized the service treatment records (STRs) for its rating determination.  

The Board directed its attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.  The PEB and VA both assigned a non-compensable 0% rating, coded 5099-5021 (analogous to myositis) and 5099-5024 (analogous to tenosynovitis), respectively.  The rating criteria for either code are the same.  At the time of separation, the CI had recovered from the acute rhabdomyolysis condition without sequelae or ongoing treatment.  He was found unfit due to a likelihood of recurrence if he again engaged in vigorous exercise.  The Board found no route to a rating higher than the 0% adjudicated by the PEB and VA.  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 rhabdomyolysis condition.  

BOARD FINDINGS:  In the matter of the rhabdomyolysis condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a and 4.73, 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 20140722, w/atchs
Exhibit B.  Service Treatment Record
Exhibit C.  Department of Veterans Affairs Treatment Record

SAMR-RB

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander

SUBJECT: Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation
for XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, AR20160009315 (PD201403692)

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. Under the authority of Title 10, United States Code, section 1554a,
I accept the Board's recommendation and hereby deny the individual's application.
This decision is final. The individual concerned, counsel (if any), and any Members of
Congress who have shown interest in this application have been notified of this decision
by mail.

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:

Enclosure

CF:
( ) DoD PDBR
( ) DVA