RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW

NAME:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	CASE:  PD-2017-02363
BRANCH OF SERVICE:  Army 	SEPARATION DATE:  20051122

SUMMARY OF CASE:  Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E5, Petroleum Supply Specialist, medically separated for “diabetes mellitus, type II” with a disability rating of 20%. 

CI CONTENTION:  “Diabetes is not able to be controlled as of this time.”  Review of additional conditions not identified by the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) was requested.  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 PEB to be unfitting for continued military service, and when specifically requested by the CI, those conditions identified by the MEB, but determined by the PEB 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.  The panel’s authority is limited to assessing the fairness and accuracy of PEB rating determinations and recommending corrections when appropriate.  The panel’s assessment of the PEB rating determination is based on review of medical records and all available evidence relevant to application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) standards for 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, which operates 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 disability at the time of separation.  

RATING COMPARISON:  

SERVICE PEB - 20050815	VARD - 20060606	
Condition	Code	Rating	Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Diabetes Mellitus, Type II	7913	20%	Diabetes Mellitus, Type II	7913	20%	STR	
COMBINED RATING:  20%	COMBINED RATING OF ALL VA CONDITIONS:  20% 	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:  

Diabetes Mellitus (DM).  According to the service treatment record (STR) and MEB narrative summary (NARSUM), the CI developed symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and weight loss in October 2003.  He was diagnosed with DM and hospitalized.  He was treated with diet alone until February 2005, but ultimately required treatment with insulin.  The STR showed no episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring hospitalizations or frequent visits to a diabetic care provider (twice a month or more frequently).  There was no evidence of diabetic complications.  The permanent profile did not restrict activities.  

The 10 June 2005 MEB NARSUM examination, 5 months prior to separation, noted management of the CI’s DM required insulin twice a day.  The CI reported hypoglycemia three times per week which he treated with orange juice.  The examiner did not indicate that avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities was medically necessary.  There was no VA examination proximate to separation in evidence however the panel noted the VA reviewed the STR.

The panel directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence.  The PEB rated the diabetes condition 20%, coded 7913 (DM), citing fair control on insulin.  The VA also rated the diabetes condition 20%, coded 7913, based on the STR, citing requirement for insulin and restricted diet.  The panel agreed that the requirement for treatment with insulin and restricted diet supported a 20% rating, coded 7913.  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 diabetes condition.  

BOARD FINDINGS:  In the matter of the diabetes condition and IAW VASRD §4.119, the panel 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 20170304, w/atchs
Exhibit B.  Service Treatment Record
Exhibit C.  Department of Veterans Affairs Record 

AR20180013295, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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,					       

Enclosure