MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on Case Number PD-2017-06022
	
	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 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 covered individual (CI) was an active duty E5, Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, medically separated for “left thumb laceration with loss of grip strength” with a disability rating of 20%.  The PEB coded 5308 (Muscle Group VIII function: extension of thumb), citing thumb extensor strength is 4/5 which is mild to moderate strength loss.  The VA rated the left thumb condition 10%, presumably coded 5228 (thumb, limitation of motion), based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing functional limitation of the left thumb secondary to pain.  The physical therapy and narrative summary examinations were more comprehensive than the VA examination and clearly quantitated the functional limitations of the left thumb, and hand and wrist status post extensor pollicis longus laceration and subsequent repair.  Code 5308 is more applicable than code 5228 since there was a gap of less than one inch between the thumb and opposing fingers.  However, since the CI was right-handed, the maximum rating for his left non-dominant hand/thumb is 20% and there is no other rating consideration for the thumb, hand, or wrist to warrant a higher 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 thumb laceration with loss of grip strength condition.  

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2017-06022.

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.