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-2018-00503

	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 was an active duty E6, Optometry Craftsman, medically separated for “chronic left ankle pain with surgical residuals” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB coded the condition 5271 (limited motion of ankle), citing “mild loss of range of motion [ROM].”  Code 5271 confers a maximum 20% rating for “marked” limitation of motion.  The VA also rated the left ankle condition 10%, coded 5010 (arthritis due to trauma), based on the Compensation and Pension examination and citing painful motion.  The panel first agreed that the ROM evidence did not support the higher rating under code 5271 as above.  There was no ankylosis, nonunion, malunion, or other ratable criterion in evidence that would support a rating higher than 10% under any applicable ankle joint code available in VASRD §4.71a.  The panel additionally considered a higher rating for functional impairment under code 5299-5262 (analogous to ‘tibia and fibula, impairment’ for contiguous ankle disability), but members agreed that it was not justified (normal gait and routine activities unaffected).  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 left ankle condition.  

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-2018-00503.

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.