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 XXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2019-00005

	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 E4, Munitions Systems, medically separated for “multiple arthralgias with no evidence of systemic cause or specific medical etiology” with a disability rating of 10%.  The PEB analogously coded 5099-5020 (synovitis), citing normal strength of all extremities, no evidence of loss of range of motion, and no evidence of an underlying systemic disease.  There was no VA examination proximate to separation in evidence.  Panel members agreed, a higher rating was not achievable under the 5020 code that provides a 10% based on limitation of motion of affected parts.  The panel considered rating the condition under the fibromyalgia code (5025).  The higher rating of 20% is for symptoms that are “episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time.”  However, the commander’s statement noted that the CI missed about 12 days of duty within the last 90 days due to his medical conditions, and the commander suggested that symptoms were not present more than one-third of the time, therefore, a higher rating was not a justified under code 5025.  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 multiple arthralgias condition.  

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

Dear PD-2019-00005

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2019-00005.

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.