Office of the Assistant Secretary

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-2020-00164

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 E6, Tactical Air Command and Control Craftsman, medically separated for "chronic pain, right foot" with a disability rating of20%. The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) rated the right foot condition 20%, coded 5283 (tarsal or metatarsal bones, malunion of or non-union of), citing full range of motion and strength; there was no VA examination proximate to separation in evidence. The panel noted no ankle limitation of motion to suppo1i a rating under diagnostic code 5271 (ankle, limited motion of), and the Medical Evaluation Board nan ative summaiy did not document the presence of painful joint motion.
Although the CI had pain with weight bearing, his gait was n01mal, and rating functional loss provided no benefit. Other VASRD foot and analogous codes were considered, but all were less applicable and not advantageous for rating. There was therefore no rating higher than the 20% 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 right foot condition.

Office of the Assistant Secretary

SAF/MRB
3351 Celmers Lane
IBA NAF Washington, MD 20762-6435
Dear XXXXXXXXXX:
Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2020-00164.

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.