SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on Case Number PD-2017-02842

	In accordance with Title 10 § 1554a and in compliance with DoDI 6040.44, the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) adjudicated the disability rating accompanying the medical separation of the covered individual (CI) from the United States Army.  After carefully reviewing the application and medical separation case file, the PDBR recommended no re-characterization of the separation or modification of the disability rating previously assigned.  I recommend you accept this proposed decision.

The CI was an active duty E3, Avionic Equipment Repairman, medically separated for “left ankle pain from recurrent sprain” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB rated the left ankle condition 10%, analogously coded 5099-5003 (degenerative arthritis), citing limitation of motion of one major joint.  The VA also rated the left ankle condition 10%, but analogously coded 5299-5271 (ankle, limited motion), based on the Compensation & Pension examination, citing painful motion. In this case, use of VASRD code 5271 was the most appropriate for rating clinical findings, with a 10% warranted for “moderate” limitation of motion as documented by the MEB NARSUM examination, which was most proximate to separation.  Alternative VASRD ankle and analogous codes were considered, but all were less applicable and/or not advantageous to rating.  After due deliberation, considering all 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 left ankle condition.

AR20200004393

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX:

	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.