RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW

NAME:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	CASE:  PD-2016-01376
BRANCH OF SERVICE:  Air Force 	SEPARATION DATE:  20040719

SUMMARY OF CASE:  Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E3, Weather Forecaster Journeyman, medically separated for “palpitations and arrhythmias” with a disability rating of 10%.   

CI CONTENTION:  “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 it reasonably reflects the severity of the disability at the time of separation.  

RATING COMPARISON:  

SERVICE PEB - 20040406	VARD - 20050428	
Condition	Code	Rating	Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Palpitations and Arrhythmias	7010	10%	Supraventricular Arrhythmia	7010	10%	20030322	
COMBINED RATING:  10%	COMBINED RATING OF ALL VA CONDITIONS:  10% 	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:  

Palpitations and Arrhythmias.  According to the service treatment record and Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) narrative summary (NARSUM), the CI’s cardiac condition began in January 2003 when the CI was hospitalized for tachyarrhythmia following a pre-syncopal episode while navigating stairs.  The CI was diagnosed with symptomatic atrial arrhythmia and possible pre-excitation syndrome to anomalous pathway conduction.  The CI was placed on Flecainide (antiarrhythmic drug) and discharged.  On 20 January 2003, a cardiac stress test and thyroid-stimulating hormone studies were normal.  Ejection fraction was noted to be 58% (normal 55 to 70).  A Holter monitor report on 9 September 2003 documented effective suppression of the CI’s atrial tachyarrhythmia.  At the 25 September 2003 cardiology evaluation, the examiner noted effective medical control of the atrial arrhythmia.  The examiner recommended no restriction of active physical duty, but recommend restriction of deployment to overseas locations lacking medical support.  

The 20 November 2003 MEB NARSUM examination, 8 months prior to separation, noted reports of daily episodes of palpitations without shortness of breath, dyspnea, chest pain or pre-syncope.  The cardiac examination was normal.  On 24 March 2004, 4 months prior to separation, the MEB NARSUM examiner indicated the findings of the above MEB NARSUM were current and valid.  Based on the 20 April 2004 stress echocardiogram, the examiner concluded the CI had no exercise-induced symptoms or arrhythmia and the CI could perform all required physical activities of his job.  At the 22 March 2005 VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) evaluation, 8 months after separation, the CI reported palpitations about once a month, which last for 10-15 minutes and are not related to any specific activity.  The cardiac examination was normal.

The panel directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.  The PEB rated the cardiac condition 10%, coded 7010 (supraventricular arrhythmias), citing DoD and VASRD guidelines.  The VA also rated the cardiac condition 10%.  The panel agreed the evidence did not support a 30% rating (more than four episodes of symptomatic atrial tachycardia documented by ECG or Holter monitor).  After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the panel concluded there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication for the cardiac condition.  

BOARD FINDINGS:  In the matter of the cardiac condition and IAW VASRD §4.104, the panel unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.  There are no other conditions within the panel’s scope of review for consideration.  Therefore, the panel recommends 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 20160929, w/atchs
Exhibit B.  Service Treatment Record
Exhibit C.  Department of Veterans Affairs Treatment Record 

SAF/MRB

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX:

Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2016-01376.

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