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 XXXXX
	Case Number PD-2017-05886 

	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 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 covered individual (CI) was an active duty E5, SATCOM System Operator/Maintainer, medically separated for “left knee, other impairment” with a disability rating of 20%. The PEB coded 5257 (knee, other impairment), citing 2+ Lachman’s IAW DoDI 1332.39, paragraph E2.A1.1.15.2.2.  The VA rated the left knee condition 10%, coded 5257, based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.  Panel members considered a higher (30%) rating under code 5257, but agreed the CI’s left knee instability did not approximate severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.  The panel considered alternative knee and analogous codes, but all were less applicable 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 knee condition.  

AR20200009856, 

Dear XXXXX:

	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.