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-2019-00007

	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 was an active duty E5, Aircraft Electric and Environmental Systems technician, medically separated for “left shoulder pain status post (s/p) arthroscopic surgery” with a disability rating of 20%.  The PEB coded the condition 5304 (Group IV, function), citing range of motion (ROM) limited to 50% of normal flexion/abduction.  The VA  rated the left shoulder capsular tear, s/p arthroscopy condition 20%, dual coded 5202-5201 (humerus, other impairment - arm, limitation of motion), based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing forward flexion limited to 80 degrees and abduction limited to 70 degrees.  The VASRD §4.71a code of 5201 threshold for rating ROM impairment is “at shoulder level” (90 degrees from the side), and although the ROM in evidence near separation demonstrated terminal motion below this level, it was well above the higher (30%) rating level that had criteria of motion limited to “25 degrees from the side of the body.”  Additionally, there was no fibrous union or nonunion of the humerus to justify a higher rating under the 5202 code (humerus, other impairment).  Therefore, 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 non-dominant left shoulder condition. 

In the matter of the contended obstructive sleep apnea, the contended condition was not profiled or implicated in the commander’s statement, and did not fail retention standards.  There was no performance-based evidence from the service treatment record that the condition significantly interfered with satisfactory duty performance at or near separation.  After due deliberation, the panel concluded there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB’s fitness determination for the contended condition, so no additional disability rating is recommended. 

	

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

Dear XXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2019-00007.

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.