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 DIRECTOR, ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT: Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on Case Number PD-2018-00083

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 Army. 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 E2, Human Resources Specialist, medically separated for “lumbar degenerative disc disease with sacroiliitis” with a disability rating of 20%. The PEB
rated the back condition 20%, dual coded 5236-5242 (sacroiliac injury and degenerative arthritis of the spine), citing an abnormal gait due to guarding. The VA rated the back condition 10%, coded 5237 (lumbosacral strain) based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing thoracolumbar flexion greater than 60 degrees. A 20% rating, but no higher, was justified for guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait as reported on the NARSUM examination. There was no documentation of intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes which would provide for 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 back condition.

Attachments:

AR20200004670,

Dear

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY 251 18TH STREET SOUTH, SUITE 385
ARLINGTON, VA 22202-3531

The Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) reviewed your application and found your separation disability rating and your separation from the Army for disability with severance pay to be accurate. I have reviewed the Board’s recommendation and record of proceedings (copy enclosed), and I accept its recommendation. I regret to inform you that your application to the DoD PDBR is denied.

This decision is final. Recourse within the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army is exhausted; however, you have the option to seek relief by filing suit in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

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