DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC

Office of the Assistant Secretary

SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

MEMORANDUM FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, MANPOWER
AND RESERVE AFFAIRS

SUBJECT: Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on Case Number PD-2017-05954

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 Navy. 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, E3, Seaman Storekeeper Striker, medically separated for “fibromyalgia” with a disability rating and coding of 10% and 5025 from both the PEB and the VA. The VA based the rating on the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination, citing the findings and diagnosis of the examiner confirmation. Both the narrative summary (NARSUM) and C&P examinations confirmed the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, inclusive of multiple symptoms, including depression. The diagnosis was complicated by the back arthritis and an elevated enzyme but there were consistent findings of 16/18 trigger points. The NARSUM examination, more proximal to separation, noted CI report of symptoms often associated with fibromyalgia. Although she was not working in her primary military speciality, the non-medical assessment noted she was able to work in assigned duties without a loss of days. Both NARSUM and C&P examinations noted the CI never appeared in acute distress and her measure of function was described as mild. There was no evidence to meet the criteria for 20% disability of symptoms that were episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion but that are present more than one-third of the time. 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 fibromyalgia.

Sincerely,

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:
1850
CORB: 003
10 Sep 20

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

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 ofno 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.