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-2020-00155.

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 Marine Corps. 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, Electro-Optics Ordnance Repairman, medically separated for “bowel malrotation” with a disability rating of 20%. The PEB rated the intestinal condition 20%, analogously coded 7399-7329 (resection of large intestine). The VA rated the intestinal condition 30%, dual coded 7328-7319 (resection of small intestine due to irritable colon syndrome), based on the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination, citing “symptoms of diarrhea, alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress.” Both the MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) and C&P examinations documented normal abdominal examinations, unremarkable laboratory studies, and no evidence of weight loss, bloody stools, or constant abdominal distress. Thus, a 40% rating under code 7329, for objective examination findings of severe symptoms after resection of the large intestine, was not supported. Although the NARSUM recorded “intermittent bouts of obstructive type symptoms with nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain and distention” and “alternating bowel movements, diarrhea, and constipation over a several-day period,” the CI reported episodes only occurring twice a month. The C&P examination noted signs of irritable bowels represented by constipation every few days, but only occasional diarrhea. Thus, a 30% rating under code 7319, was not warranted for “more or less constant abdominal distress.” 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 bowel malrotation.

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

6040
CORB: 001
10 Aug 2021

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

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.
itally signed by