SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
3351 Celmers Lane
IBA 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-2020-00067

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 recormnended no re­ characterization of the separation or modification of the disability rating previously assigned. I recoilllllend you accept this proposed decision.

The CI was an active duty E5, Parachutist Pararescue Craftsman, medically separated for "cervical spondylosis" and "lumbar spine degenerative disc disease," rated 10% each, with a combined  disability rating of20%.  The PEB rated the neck condition 10%, coded 5290   (cervical spine limited motion), and the back condition 10%, coded 5295 (lumbosacral strain).
There was no VA examination proximate to separation in evidence. Although there was no compensable limitation of motion for either the neck or back, a 10% rating was justified for the presence of painful motion for both conditions. There was no muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, thus the next higher 20% rating was not justified on this basis. After due deliberation, considering all the evidence and mindful of  VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the panel concluded there was insufficient cause to recoilllllend a change in the PEB adjudication for the neck or back condition.

SAF/MRB
3351 Celmers Lane
IBA 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-2020-00067.

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 recolllillended 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 recolllillendation that your application be denied.