RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW
NAME:  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	CASE: PD-2017-05207
BRANCH OF SERVICE: NAVY	SEPARATION DATE: 20060619

SUMMARY OF CASE: Data extracted from the available evidence of record reflects this covered individual (CI) was an active duty E6, Propulsion Plant Operator-Mechanic, medically separated for “major depressive disorder” with a disability rating of 10%.

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 - 20060126	VARD - 20070314	
Condition	Code	Rating	Condition	Code	Rating	Exam	
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)	9434	10%	Major Depression	9434	30%	20061020	
COMBINED RATING: 10%	COMBINED RATING OF ALL VA CONDITIONS: 80%	

ANALYSIS SUMMARY:

MDD. According to the service treatment record and MEB narrative summary (NARSUM), the CI’s mental health (MH) disorder began in the form of a depressed mood in January 2005. Symptoms worsened significantly in July and he presented in August for examination. The CI reported that he slept only 3 hours nightly, felt worthless and guilty about letting down his shipmates, and reported fatigue, poor concentration and attention. He reported intermittent thoughts of suicide with a plan but had not acted on them due to concern for his family. The CI also reported difficulty performing his duties and his officer application was rejected. Mental status examination (MSE) showed a dysphoric mood with congruent affect and one episode of intense crying. He was treated with anti-depression medication and a sleep aide. He was diagnosed with MDD and his Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score was 55 (moderate impairment.)

The 12 December 2005 MEB NARSUM addendum, 6 months prior to separation, noted sleep improvement, decreased worthlessness and guilt, improved energy, and good appetite. He felt his depression was about 70-80% resolved, was hopeful for his future, and had improved social supports. He had done well handling conflict at his temporary duty station and wanted to remain

in the Navy. He was compliant with anti-depression and sleep medication and saw a therapist weekly. The MSE was within normal limits and the GAF score was 65 (mild impairment.)

At the 20 October 2006 VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination, 4 months after separation, the CI reported mild depression and trouble falling asleep most nights, but continued to take anti-depression medication and a sleep aid. He was working part-time while seeking full time work. The MSE showed mildly depressed affect and mood. The examiner opined the episode of major depression had largely remitted and he was considered minimally disabled and capable of working full time from a MH point of view.

The panel directed attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence. The PEB rated the MDD 10%, coded 9434 (MDD). The VA rated the MDD 30%, coded 9434, based on the C&P examination, citing occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal). The panel considered the provisions of VASRD §4.129 (mental disorders due to traumatic stress), and agreed there was no evidence of a traumatic event or stressor that caused the MH disorder.

The NARSUM addendum noted mild symptoms but most had largely abated with treatment. Depression and sleep problems had significantly decreased. The C&P examination noted the CI was working part time and searching for full time work in his area. His symptoms remained mild. Members agreed the CI’s condition most closely approximated the criteria for a 10% disability with “occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication. 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 MH condition.

BOARD FINDINGS: In the matter of the major depressive disorder and IAW VASRD §4.130, 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:

2	PD-2017-05207

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

IN REPLY REFER TO:
1850
CORB: 003
10 Sep 20

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

Subj: PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW (PDBR) Ref:	(a) DoDI 6040.44
1.	Pursuant to reference (a), the PDBR reviewed your case and forwarded its recommendation to the Department of the Navy on 13 Aug 2020 for appropriate action.

2.	On 27 August 2020, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) accepted the recommendation of the PDBR of no change to your characterization of separation or disability rating assigned by the Department of the Navy's Physical Evaluation Board.

3.	The Secretary's decision on your PDBR application is final and is not subject to appeal or additional review by the Board for Correction of Naval Records.