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-2017-05890

	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 was an active duty E6, Military Police, medically separated for “chronic back pain” with a disability rating of 10% which the PEB coded 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome), citing tenderness.  The VA also rated the back condition 10%, analogously coded 5010-5237 (traumatic arthritis - lumbar spine strain) based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing X-ray evidence of arthritis and painful motion.  The panel agreed that a 10% rating, but no higher, was justified for limitation of flexion (greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees) as reported on the MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) examination proximate to separation.  Although the NARSUM examination documented increased lordosis, it was not related to muscle spasm or guarding, thus the next higher 20% rating was not justified on this basis.  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 back condition. 

AR20200009857 

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.