DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC

Office of the Assistant Secretary

SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
3351 Celmers Lane
JBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435

MEMORANDUM FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS

SUBJECT: Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on XXXXXXXXXXXX Case Number PD-2020-00139.
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 Navy. 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 (CI) was an active duty E2, Seaman Apprentice (Recruit Trainee), medically separated for “left lower extremity (LE) Type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS),” with a disability rating of 10% which the PEB analogously coded 8799-8721 (neuralgia/external popliteal nerve, paralysis of, incomplete, mild). The PEB also listed stress fracture of left posterior calcaneus as a related Category II condition that contributed to the primary unfitting condition but was not separately ratable. The impairment from the stress fracture was properly subsumed under the overall rating for the CRPS IAW VASRD §4.14 (avoidance of pyramiding; more than one rating based on the same impairment is prohibited). The higher rating of 20% under the 8521 (external popliteal nerve) code requires demonstration of a moderate degree of functional impairment. The narrative summary examination noted tenderness around the Achilles tendon, temperature changes from medial to lateral LE and mild decrease in motor strength of the hamstring muscle group. There was no evidence of muscle atrophy, abnormal movement, or changes in functional ability secondary to the condition. The CI’s primary complaint was sensory and temperature changes (parts of leg colder than other), and pain. There was no indication of balance issues or frequent falls due to muscle weakness of the LE. Panel members concluded, based on the evidence, the higher rating for moderate impairment was not supported. There were no additional codes to consider that would result in a higher rating. 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 CPRS condition.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY COUNCIL OF REVIEW BOARDS 720 KENNON STREET SE STE 309
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC 20374-5023

IN REPLY REFER TO
6040
CORB: 001
10 Aug 2021

From: Director, Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards To:	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Subj:	Physical Disability Board of Review Determination Ref:	(a) 6040.44(Series)
1.	The Physical Disability Board of Review (PBDR) reviewed your case in accordance with reference
(a) and forwarded their recommendation for action.

2.	On 9 June 2021, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) accepted the PDBR’s recommendation of no change to your characterization of separation or disability rating assigned.

3.	The PDBR determination is final and not subject to appeal or review.