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-2019-00372

	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 Air National Guard E5, Financial Management and Comptroller Journeyman, medically separated for “Dysthymic Disorder” with a disability rating of 10%, coded 9433 (dysthymic disorder).  Panel members first agreed that the provision of VASRD§ 4.129 (mental disorder that develops in service as a result of a highly stressful event) was not applicable.  The panel considered the absence of emergency treatment or hospitalization, and the apparent stability of symptoms for several months prior to separation.  There was no report of clinical decompensation that required urgent psychiatric care.  The narrative summary recorded a normal mental status examination with the exception of depressed mood and affect.  There was no documentation of chronic insomnia, panic attacks or problems with memory or concentration.  There was no history of suicidal or homicidal thoughts.  There was no evidence of significant impairment in social or occupational functioning as a result of the depression.  The Compensation & Pension examiner indicated that the condition was stable, and the CI’s only depressive symptoms were fatigue and poor sleep.  However, it was noted that the poor sleep was the result of environmental conditions and not a product of depression.  A 10% rating and no higher was justified for occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease 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 dysthymic disorder.  

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

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2019-00372.

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.