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 
Case Number PD-2019-00204

	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, Air Transportation Journeyman, medically separated for “low back pain with herniated nucleus pulposis (HNP)” with a disability rating of 10% which the PEB coded 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome).  There was no VA examination proximate to separation in evidence.  Although there were insufficient range of motion examinations to support a 10% rating, the panel agreed a 10% rating was justified for the presence of painful motion and tenderness on the MEB narrative summary examination.  The 15 June 2005 primary care clinic examination noted the presence of mild muscle spasm, however it was not 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.  Although the MRI showed S1 nerve impingement, clinical correlates were absent.  Symptoms suggestive of significant nerve damage were not documented in the service treatment record, and there was no report of numbness, tingling or extremity weakness.  Therefore, panel members concluded, additional rating based on nerve impairment was not warranted.  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 low 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-2019-00204.

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.