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-2020-00034

	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 (CI) 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 CI was an active duty E5, Aerospace Control and Warning Systems, medically separated for “migraine headache” with a disability rating of 10%.  Both and the PEB and VA rated the migraine headaches 10%, coded 8100 (migraine headaches), with the VA, based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing no medical evidence to substantiate the attacks or the severity of the attacks.  Rating guidance under diagnostic code 8100 is based on the frequency of “prostrating attacks” over the “last several months,” and while the VASRD does not further define prostrating attacks, commonly accepted definitions include “utter physical exhaustion or helplessness” (Webster's New World Dictionary of American English), “complete physical or mental exhaustion” or “extreme exhaustion or powerlessness” (Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary).  Review of the record did not show prostrating headaches occurring on average once per month, or more frequently, over the last several months prior to separation to support a rating higher than the 10% adjudicated by the PEB.  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 migraine headaches.   

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-2020-00034.

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.