RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW

NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX		CASE: PD-2015-01168 BRANCH OF SERVICE: ARMY	SEPARATION DATE: 20050620

SUMMARY OF CASE: Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects that this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E1, Chemical Operations Specialist, medically separated for “chronic left hip and groin pain” with a disability rating of 0%.

CI CONTENTION: The CI requests review all conditions. The complete submission is at Exhibit A.

SCOPE OF REVIEW: The panel’s scope of review is defined in DoDI 6040.44. It is limited to review of disability ratings assigned 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 or non-compensable. Any conditions outside the panel’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 panel’s authority is limited to assessing the fairness and accuracy of PEB rating determinations and recommending corrections, where appropriate. The panel’s assessment of the PEB rating determination is based on 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(s) at the time of separation. The panel 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 panel 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 - 20050601		VARD – N/A	
Condition	Code	Rating		Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Chronic Left Hip and Groin Pain	5099-5003	0%		No VA Examination in Evidence	
COMBINED RATING: 0%		COMBINED RATING OF ALL VA CONDITIONS: N/A	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:

Chronic Left Hip and Groin Pain. According to service treatment records (STR) and the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) narrative summary (NARSUM), the CI’s left hip condition began in January 2005 during basic training. She was initially seen on 4 February 2002. She reported a history of left hip pain for 19 days, but that she had been pain free for the past 6 days. She had been in the field for training and was not able to report to sick call previously. Her examination was unremarkable and she was thought to have a resolved stress reaction. On 17 February 2002, she was seen in sick call for a 2-day history of recurrent pain and had reduced range of motion (ROM). She was placed on crutches for 1 week. On follow-up, she reported no change in her symptoms and was found to have a painful gait (antalgic). The ROM was full but painful. An X- ray was normal. She was continued on medications and returned to day. She had recurrent pain after a run 5 days earlier. A repeat X-ray on 21 March 2005 revealed a stress fracture of the left

inferior pubic ramus (IPR), the left side of the pubic bone. She was then placed on 30 days convalescent leave. She returned on 22 April 2005 and an X-ray showed healing left IPR and superior pubic ramus (SPR) stress fractures. In physical therapy she was noted to have a normal gait and full, pain free ROM. Her strength was reduced by pain. In physical therapy on 9 May 2005, the CI was noted to have good resolution since placement on convalescent leave. However, she was not motivated to return to duty or to complete rehabilitation. On examination, her gait was normal. The ROM was full but painful. Motor function was again limited by pain.

At the MEB examination (recorded on DD Forms 2807 and 2808) dated May 2005, 1 month prior to separation, the CI reported the history of stress fractures. On examination, the gait and ROM were normal. The left IPR was tender, but provocative maneuvers were normal (consistent with full or near resolution of the stress fractures).  The MEB NARSUM examination on 18 May 2005, 1 month prior to separation, noted complaints of mild left hip/groin pain aggravated by activity. It was also noted that she did not want to continued active duty. On examination, the gait and ROM were normal. The strength was also normal. The IPR and SPR were tender. There was no VA Compensation and Pension evaluation in evidence.

The panel directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence. The PEB rated the left hip and groin pain condition 0%, coded 5099-5003 (analogous to degenerative arthritis), citing full motion and normal strength of left lower extremity. The panel considered the evidence. The final X-ray, 2 months prior to separation, showed that the stress fractures were healing. Complete resolution is expected from this condition once the individual is removed from the stress that induced the fractures. The NASRUM noted a normal examination other than tenderness. The panel found no route to a compensable rating at separation. After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the panel concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication for the left hip and groin pain condition.

BOARD FINDINGS: In the matter of the left hip and groin pain condition and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the panel unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication. There were no other conditions within the panel’s scope of review for consideration. The panel, therefore, recommends that there be no modification or re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.

The following documentary evidence was considered:

Exhibit A. DD Form 294, dated 20150608, w/atchs Exhibit B. Service Treatment Record

AR20170012852, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX:

	The Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) reviewed your application and found your separation disability rating and your separation from the Army for disability with severance pay to be accurate.  I have reviewed the Board’s recommendation and record of proceedings (copy enclosed), and I accept its recommendation.  I regret to inform you that your application to the DoD PDBR is denied.  

	This decision is final.  Recourse within the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army is exhausted; however, you have the option to seek relief by filing suit in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
 
Sincerely,