MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY
	
SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on 
            Case Number PD-2017-05932

	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 Air Force.  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 E2, Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman, medically separated for “atrial fibrillation” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB rated the heart condition 10%, coded 7010 (supraventricular arrhythmias), citing lifelong treatment with anticoagulation medication.  The VA rated the heart condition 0%, coded 7010, based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing a non-compensable evaluation.  The MEB narrative summary examiner noted that since a cardiologist began managing the CI’s condition, there were only occasional flutters and no new onset of atrial fibrillation; and the commander stated that he was still working in his military specialty and had not lost any time from work.  The service treatment record showed no evidence of more than four episodes of atrial fibrillation documented by ECG or Holter monitor to meet criteria for the next higher 30% disability rating.    

Upon assessing the fairness of the PEB determination that the severe obstructive sleep apnea was not unfitting, it was noted that the condition was not listed on limited duty forms or implicated in the commander’s statement, and did not fail retention standards.  There was no performance-based evidence from the record that the condition significantly interfered with satisfactory duty performance at separation.  

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 atrial fibrillation; or in the PEB fitness determination for the contended condition, so no additional disability rating is recommended.

Dear XXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2017-05932.

After careful consideration of your application and treatment records, the Physical Disability Board of Review determined that the rating assigned at the time of final disposition of your disability evaluation system processing was appropriate.  Accordingly, the Board recommended no rating modification or re-characterization of your separation.

I have carefully reviewed the evidence of record and the recommendation of the Board.  I concur with that finding and their conclusion that modification of your disability rating or characterization of your separation is not warranted.  Accordingly, I accept the recommendation that your application be denied.