DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC

Office of the Assistant Secretary

SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY

SUBJECT: Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on Case Number PD-2019-00311

In accordance with (IAW) 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 Army. 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 E3, Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator Maintainer, medically separated for “chronic right hand pain” with a disability rating of 10%, analogously coded 5099-5003 (degenerative arthritis), citing slight loss of motion and grip strength. The VA rated the right hand condition 0%, analogously coded 5299-5230 (limitation of ring or little finger motion), based on the Compensation & Pension examination, citing normal motion without additional loss after repetitive use. Panel members agreed that a 10% rating and no higher was justified for painful motion with functional loss IAW VASRD §4.59, §4.40 and
§4.45, as recorded on the occupational therapy range of motion examination. There were no other applicable codes to support a higher rating. 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 right hand condition.

Sincerely,

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY
251 18TH STREET SOUTH, SUITE
385
ARLINGTON, VA 22202-3531

AR20200004691, 

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXX:
The Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR)
reviewed your application and found your separation disability rating and your separation from the Army for disability with severance pay to be accurate. I have reviewed the Board’s recommendation and record of proceedings (copy enclosed), and I accept its recommendation. I regret to inform you that your application to the DoD PDBR is denied.

This decision is final. Recourse within the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army is exhausted; however, you have the option to seek relief by filing suit in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

Sincerely,

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