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-2019-00004

	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, Medical Laboratory Technician, medically separated for “chronic low back pain due to L4-5 degenerative disc disease [DDD] associated with spinal stenosis” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB coded the back condition 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome [IVDS]), citing accordance with the DoD and VASRD guidelines.  The VA also rated the low back condition 10%, coded 5237 (lumbosacral strain), based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees.  The panel agreed that a 10% rating, but no higher, was justified for limitation of flexion (greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees), as reported on the neurology and VA examinations proximate to separation.  There was no muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, thus the next higher 20% rating was not justified on this basis.  There was no evidence of IVDS which resulted in incapacitating episodes requiring physician-prescribed bed rest to warrant consideration of rating under the alternate VASRD formula for that condition.  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 low back condition.  The CI reported radiating pain and numbness to the lower extremities and radiographic studies supported the presence of radicular nerve irritation or involvement.  However, there was no evidence in this case that motor weakness or sensory deficit existed to any degree that could be described as functionally impairing based on all examinations.  The panel therefore concluded that an additional disability rating for radiculopathy was not justified on this basis.   

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-2019-00004.

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.