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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2018-00135

	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.

	This covered individual (CI) was an active duty E3, Mental Health Service Journeyman, medically separated for “Piriformis Syndrome” with a disability rating of 20%.   The PEB rated the Piriformis Syndrome condition 20%, analogously coded 5318 (Group XVIII. Function: Outward rotation of thigh and stabilization of hip joint. Pelvic girdle group 3: (1) Pyriformis; (2) gemellus (superior or inferior); (3) obturator (external or internal); (4) quadratus femoris.).  The 20% rating and no higher was justified for moderately severe impairment from the muscle condition.  The NARSUM recorded normal movement of all extremities and normal gait, and the pain clinic examiner noted normal gait, but abnormal hip motion, not described.  There was no documentation of shooting pain, and no evidence of sciatica.  The CI’s profile restricted running but allowed walking at own pace and distance.  Hip weakness was absent and muscle strength and bulk of the lower extremities were normal.  There were no additional appropriate codes to consider for rating recommendation.  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 piriformis condition.  

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-2018-00135.

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.