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-2020-00038

	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 E4, Air Transportation Journeyman, medically separated for “chronic low back pain” with a disability rating of 20%.  The PEB and VA both rated the back condition 20%, coded 5241 (spinal fusion), with the VA citing thoracolumbar flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, based on the Compensation and Pension examination.  Although the MEB physical therapy one range of motion evaluation recorded 20 degrees of forward flexion, this was not IAW VASRD §4.46 (accurate measurements) because the examiner used an inclinometer and measure lumbosacral instead of thoracolumbar flexion.  Therefore, a 20% rating, but no higher, was justified for limitation of flexion as reported on the VA examination proximate to separation.  There was no documentation of intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes which would provide for a higher rating under that formula.  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 back condition.

	

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

Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2020-00038.

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.