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-2019-00073

	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, F16 Avionic System Journeyman, medically separated for “mid thoracic back pain” with a disability rating of 10%.  Both the PEB and VA coded the condition 5237 (lumbosacral strain).  The VA based the rating on the Compensation and Pension (C&P) general examination, citing limitation of combined range of motion (ROM).  The panel deliberated and determined the preponderance of service treatment record thoracolumbar, thoracic, lumbosacral, and lumbar spine ROM examinations, including the VA general examination, support a 10% rating, but no higher, based on either painful motion, or limitation of combined ROM (greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees).  The panel reviewed the VA orthopedic consultation/examination which supports a 20% rating based on limitation of flexion, but determined it had less probative value because it was less proximate to separation, and the documented ROM measurements were inconsistent with the STR and C&P general examination findings.  Additionally, the preponderance of STR and VA general examination evidence did not contain 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 documentation of intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes which would provide for a higher rating under that formula.  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 mid-thoracic back condition.

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-2019-00073.

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.