MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2017-06155

	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 E5, Utilities Systems, medically separated for “chronic low back pain, status-post microdiscectomy L4-5” with a disability rating of 20%.  The PEB rated the lumbar spine condition 20%, coded 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome), and the VA rated the condition 10%, coded 5242 (degenerative arthritis of the spine), based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing the applicable VASRD §4.71a spine rating criteria for flexion and combined range of motion.  The PEB’s 20% rating was consistent with limitation of flexion greater than 30 degrees, but not greater than 60 degrees, and there was no documentation of incapacitating episodes which would justify a higher rating under that formula.  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 lumbar spine condition.

	Sincerely,

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2017-06155.

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,