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

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2018-00053 

	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 a Reserve E7, Integrated Avionics Systems Instrument and Flight Controls NCO, medically separated for “major depressive disorder [MDD]” with a disability rating of 10%, coded 9434 (MDD), citing mild social and industrial impairment.  Panel members first agreed that the provision of VASRD§ 4.129 (mental disorder due to a highly stressful event) were not applicable.  The panel noted the absence of psychiatric hospitalizations, the stability of symptoms in the 3 months prior to separation and the normal mental status examination.  The CI reported that his only symptom was panic attacks that occurred once every 2-3 weeks.  Panel members agreed that a 10% rating was justified 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.”  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 MDD.     

SAF/MRB
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2018-00053.

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.