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-2018-00247 

	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 E1, Security Forces Apprentice, medically separated from the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) for “major depressive disorder [MDD]” with a disability rating of 10%, coded 9434 (MDD), The PEB noted the “medical condition has improved since being placed on the TDRL and will not likely change over the next several years.”  Panel members first agreed that the provision of VASRD§ 4.129 (mental disorder that develops in service as a result of a highly stressful event) were not applicable at TDRL placement.  The panel noted the absence of ER treatment or hospitalization, and the apparent stability of symptoms during the TDRL period.  There was no report of clinical decompensation that required urgent psychiatric care.  The TDRL NARSUM recorded a normal Mental Status Examination without chronic insomnia, panic attacks, problems with memory or suicidal/homicidal thoughts.  The CI was not in any form of MH treatment.  There was no evidence of significant impairment in social or occupational functioning as a result of the MH disorder.  Panel members agreed that a 10% rating and no higher 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 XXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2018-00247.

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.