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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2018-00574

	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 (CI) was an active duty E5, Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, medically separated for “major depressive disorder (MDD)” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB coded the condition 9434 (MDD), citing 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.  The VA rated generalized anxiety disorder and MDD with hypersomnia 50%, analogously coded 9434-9400 (MDD-generalized anxiety disorder) based on the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination, citing reduced reliability and productivity.  The panel considered the provisions of VASRD §4.129 (mental disorders due to traumatic stress), and agreed there was no evidence of a traumatic event or stressor causing the unfitting mental health condition, and application of VASRD §4.129 was not appropriate in this case.  The narrative summary noted the CI had been treated for depression for nearly 8 years and for two other disorders that affected her mental health but had been essentially stable until she was assigned to another base.  This destabilized her mentally but she reported good response to medication adjustments and therapy.  The C&P examination noted that despite some ongoing anxiety and depression, she had worked in an administrative position for the past year and had good relationships with her supervisor and co-workers.  The CI reported a good marriage and relationship with her son.  She remained in treatment, taking medication and receiving psychotherapy.  She reported no psychiatric hospitalization or emergency room visits for psychiatric problems.  Panel members agreed the CI more closely met criteria for 10% disability.  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.  

In the matter of the contended migraine headaches, hypersomnia sleep disorder, personality disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) and obesity, the panel’s main charge is to assess the fairness of the PEB determination that the contended conditions were not unfitting.  The PEB rated migraine headaches and hypersomnia sleep disorder as Category II, conditions that could be unfitting but are not currently compensable or ratable.  They were profiled as P2.  The PEB rated personality disorder NOS and obesity as Category III conditions which are not separately unfitting and not compensable or ratable.  With the exceptions as noted above, none of the conditions were profiled or implicated in the commander’s statement and none failed retention standards.  There was no performance-based evidence from the record that any of the conditions significantly interfered with satisfactory duty performance at separation.  After due deliberation, the panel concluded there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB fitness determination for any of the contended conditions, so no additional disability ratings are recommended.  

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

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2018-00574.

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.