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-2019-00346

	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 was an E5, Surveillance Technician, medically separated from the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) for “major depressive disorder [MDD]” with a disability rating of 10%, coded 9434 (MDD), citing that after considering the CI’s “baseline dysthymic disorder and personality disorder, the [PEB did] not find that the [CI’s] MDD in partial remission warrant[ed] an upgrade in rating beyond the 10% rating.”  There was no history of psychiatric hospitalization or emergency room visits while on the TDRL.  Although work related stress was noted, the CI remained employed without documentation of decreased work efficiency and also maintained her parental responsibilities.  Panel member agreed that the evidence most closely approximated the 10% rating for mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress.  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 MDD.  

Panel members noted the contended personality disorder and alcohol dependence were conditions not constituting physical disabilities IAW DoDI 1332.38, enclosure 5.  In regards to the contended dysthymic and generalized anxiety disorders, panel members determined that these were part and parcel of the unfitting mental health disorder and any disability associated with these disorders was properly subsumed in the overall rating for the MDD.  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. 

SAF/MRB
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2019-00346.

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.