SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT:  Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on XXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2018-00519

	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 Army.  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 E4, Medical Laboratory Specialist, medically separated for “rheumatoid arthritis” with a disability rating of 20%, coded 5002, (rheumatoid arthritis), citing one or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis.  The VA also rated the rheumatoid arthritis 20%, also coded 5002, based on the service treatment record, citing “one or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis.”  Panel members agreed the 20% rating and no higher was supported by the evidence.  The next higher rating of 40% was not warranted since there was no evidence of incapacitating exacerbations occurring three or more times a year or evidence of definite impairment of health with objective examination findings.  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 rheumatoid arthritis.    

AR20200004730,

	The Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) reviewed your application and found your separation disability rating and your separation from the Army for disability with severance pay to be accurate.  I have reviewed the Board’s recommendation and record of proceedings (copy enclosed), and I accept its recommendation.  I regret to inform you that your application to the DoD PDBR is denied.  

	This decision is final.  Recourse within the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army is exhausted; however, you have the option to seek relief by filing suit in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.