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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2018-00520

	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 E6, Infantryman, medically separated for “chronic left shoulder pain” with a disability rating of 10%, analogously coded 5099-5003 (degenerative arthritis), citing limitation of motion.  The VA rated the left shoulder condition 0%, coded 5201 (limitation of motion of arm), based on the C&P examination.  The VASRD §4.71a threshold for rating for ROM impairment (code 5201) is “at shoulder level” (approximately 90 degrees from the side), and the examinations in evidence demonstrated motion above this level.  Although there was insufficient limitation of motion to support a rating under the 5201 code, panel members agreed that a 10% rating was justified with application of VASRD §4.59 (painful motion).  Panel members considered other shoulder and analogous codes, but all were less applicable or not advantageous to rating.  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 shoulder pain.    

AR20200004731

	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.

Sincerely,