MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on Case Number PD-2017-06084

	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 E3, Supply Management Journeyman, medically separated for “panic disorder without agoraphobia” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB coded the condition 9412 (panic disorder and/or agoraphobia), citing mild civilian social and industrial adaptability impairment. The VA also rated the condition 10%, coded 9413 (anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified), based on the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination, citing §4.130 10% criteria rating.  The service treatment record demonstrated absence of panic attacks in the 6 months prior to separation, and during the 5 months after separation.  The narrative summary indicated that panic attacks were absent in settings unrelated to the military.  The C&P examination documented the CI’s report of continued use of medication and no anxiety attacks since separation.  Panel members agreed, the 10% rating and no higher was warranted for “occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication.”  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 panic disorder.  
	
	Sincerely,

Dear XXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2017-06084.

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.

						Sincerely,

								

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