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 
Case Number PD-2018-00179

	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 E5, Personnel Craftsman, medically separated for “fibromyalgia” with a disability rating of 20%, coded 5025 (specific to fibromyalgia).   The VA rated the condition 40% under the same code, based on the C&P examination and opining that the evidence more closely approximated those criteria.  Given the specificity of the code for the condition under consideration, no alternative code was subject to consideration.  The VASRD §4.71a criteria for a 20% rating under code 5025 are for symptoms “that are episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time.”  Those for 40% (the highest rating) are for symptoms “that are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy.”  The panel concluded that the totality of the evidence was more closely aligned with the 20% criteria.  Although there were periods when symptoms were constant and uncontrolled, this was not the baseline and reflected the extended phase while the condition was being stabilized and a definitive treatment regimen established.  Furthermore, the STR provider notes, the NARSUM, and the C&P examination all indicated that the condition was not refractory to treatment, the latter being a requisite criterion (“and” specified in the 40% language).  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 fibromyalgia.  

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

Dear, 

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2018-00179.

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.