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-2019-00052 

	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, Maintenance Production Management Specialist, medically separated for “asthma.” Both the PEB and the VA rated the disability 10%, coded 6602.  The VA based the rating on on the Compensation and Pension examination.  Panel members agreed that the PEB’s 10% determination was justified by intermittent bronchodilator use, but considered the next higher rating which requires evidence of “FEV1 of 56 to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication.”  Since this requirement was not in evidence prior to separation, a rating higher than 10% was not supported.  Panel members also considered the CI’s letter to the PEB in which she stated she used her bronchodilator intermittingly, and felt that she was able to perform all tasks required of her military specialty.  She indicated that she had no profile restrictions and expressed a desire to be removed from the inhaler.  Although the record noted that inhalational anti-inflammatory was recommended, the CI did not mention it in her letter, and there was no indication of a prescription.  The CI reported daily use of Advair at the post-separation VA examination, but panel members agreed this was most likely post-separation worsening due to increased activity.  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 asthma condition.  

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-2019-00052.

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.