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 XXXXXXXXXXXX
	Case Number PD-2020-00167

	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, Air Transportation Craftsman, medically separated for “bilateral ankle pain and decreased range of motion (ROM),” rated 10% for each ankle, with a combined disability rating of 20%.  The PEB rated the left and right ankle conditions 10% each, coded 5271 (limited motion of ankle), citing bilateral ankle pain and decreased ROM.  The VA also rated the left and right ankle conditions 10% each, coded 5271, based on the C&P examination, citing painful and slight limitation of motion for each ankle.  Panel members agreed that a 10% rating was justified for painful limitation of motion for each ankle under code 5271.  Other VASRD ankle and analogous codes were considered but were less applicable and not advantageous for rating.  There was therefore no higher rating than the 10% 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 bilateral ankle condition.

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

Dear XXXXXXXXXXX:

		Reference your application submitted under the provisions of DoDI 6040.44 (Section 1554, 10 USC), PDBR Case Number PD-2020-00167.

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.