RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW

NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX		CASE: PD-2017-02983 BRANCH OF SERVICE: MARINE CORPS	SEPARATION DATE: 20050430

SUMMARY OF CASE: Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E3, Rifleman, medically separated for “predominantly right- sided groin pain and scarring,” with a disability rating of 0%.

CI CONTENTION: No specific contention was made. 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 Medical Evaluation Board (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 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 - 20041213	VARD - 20050516	
Condition	Code	Rating	Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Predominantly Right-Sided
Groin Pain and Scarring	8730	0%	Residual Tender Scarring, Secondary
to Genital Wart Fulguration	7899-7801	10%	20050203	
COMBINED RATING: 0%	COMBINED RATING OF ALL VA CONDITIONS: 30%	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:

Predominantly Right-Sided Groin Pain and Scarring. According to the service treatment record and MEB narrative summary (NARSUM), the CI underwent surgical closure of an open wound after liquid nitrogen removal of genital warts in January 2003 and surgical revision in December 2003. The 4 November 2004 MEB examination (recorded on DD Forms 2807-1 and 2808), 6 months prior to separation, revealed increased scar tissue from the base of the penis extending laterally. There was a 4-inch scar from the plastic surgery incision. There was general deformity of the skin in the pubic area. The 5 November 2004 MEB NARSUM examination, 6 months prior to separation, noted complaints of right groin pain and decreased lower extremity range of motion. Physical examination revealed approximately 2x2 cm scarring at the base of the penis. Several genital warts were present. There was full, painful right leg motion. The examiner noted pain distribution was along the illioinguinal nerve. There was a recommendation for electroshock therapy or nerve removal.

At the 3 February 2005 VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination, 3 months before separation, the CI reported persistent right groin numbness and pain. The pain increased with

squatting, prolonged standing, and picking up objects. The pain also prohibited running. Physical examination revealed extensive scarring at the base of the penis which was indented and hyper- pigmented. There was atrophy and tenderness in the lesion. Genital warts were present.

The panel directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence. The PEB rated the predominantly right-sided groin pain and scarring 0%, coded 8730 (ilio-inguinal nerve neuralgia). The VA rated the predominantly right-sided groin pain and scarring 10%, analogously coded 7899-7801 (burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are deep and nonlinear), based on the C&P examination, citing residual tender scarring, secondary to genital wart fulguration. The panel noted that both the scarring and neuralgia contributed to the right-sided groin pain. Although there was no rating higher than the PEB adjudication under 8730, painful scar met criteria for a 10% rating under 7804 (scars). After due deliberation, considering all the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the panel recommends a disability rating of 10% for the right-sided groin pain and scarring, coded 7804.

BOARD FINDINGS: In the matter of the predominantly right-sided groin pain and scarring, the panel recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded 7804 IAW VASRD §4.118. There are no other conditions within the panel’s scope of review for consideration.

The panel recommends the CI’s prior determination be modified as follows, effective the date of medical separation:

CONDITION	VASRD CODE	PERMANENT RATING	
Right-Sided Groin Pain and Scarring	7804	10%	

The following documentary evidence was considered:

2	PD-2017-02983

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY COUNCIL OF REVIEW BOARDS 720 KENNON STREET SE STE 309
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC 20374-5023

IN REPLY REFER TO
6040
CORB:003 14 May 21

From: Director, Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards To:	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Subj:	Physical Disability Board of Review Determination Ref:	(a) 6040.44(Series)
1.	The Physical Disability Board of Review (PBDR) reviewed your case in accordance with reference
(a) and forwarded their recommendation for action.

2.	On 23 April 2021 the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) accepted the PDBR’s recommendation of an increase in disability rating to 10%. This decision was then sent to Navy Personnel Command for appropriate action.

3.	The PDBR determination is final and not subject to appeal or review.