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 XXXXXXXXXXXXXX 
Case Number PD-2019-00041

	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, Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Craftsman, medically separated for “diabetes mellitus, type I.”  The PEB and VA both rated the disability 20% and coded 7913 (diabetes mellitus).  The VA cited rthe equirement for insulin and a restricted diet.  The panel agreed that the requirement for treatment with insulin and restricted diet justified a 20% rating.  Because there was no evidence of medically-prescribed regulation of activities, the next higher 40% rating was not justified.  Furthermore, following initiation of treatment at the time of diagnosis, the service treatment record showed no episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring hospitalizations or frequent visits to a diabetic care provider (twice a month or more frequently), or complications that could support higher ratings.  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 diabetes mellitus condition.  In the matter of the contended hypothyroidism and gastroesophageal reflux disease, the panel’s main charge is to assess the fairness of the PEB determination that the contended conditions were not unfitting.  Neither of the conditions were profiled, implicated in the commander’s statement, and they did not fail retention standards.  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.  	

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2019-00041.

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.