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-2018-00138

	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 E5, Operations Resource Management Craftsman, medically separated from the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) for “migraine headaches” with a disability rating of 10%. The PEB used code 8100 (migraine), citing DoD and VASRD guidelines which is based on the frequency of “prostrating attacks” over the “last several months.”  The VASRD does not further define prostrating attacks, however commonly accepted definitions include “utter physical exhaustion or helplessness” (Webster's New World Dictionary of American English), “complete physical or mental exhaustion” or “extreme exhaustion or powerlessness” (Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary).  The TDRL neurology re-evaluation examination was the only examination the panel had in evidence probative to its rating recommendation at TDRL removal.  Although the CI reported two migraines per month at the TDRL re-evaluation, she also noted treatment medications provided some relief and did not describe any prostrating qualities, such as inability to work or needing to rest in a dark room, etc.  Other mental health treatment notes in record within a year of TDRL removal mentioned the migraine condition, but did not provide evidence of ongoing prostrating headaches.  After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the panel concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB adjudication for the migraine headaches at the time of TDRL removal. 

	

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-2018-00138.

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.