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

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, ARMY REVIEW BOARDS AGENCY 
SUBJECT: Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on XXXXX
Case Number PD-2020-00178 
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 Army. 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 E4, Military Policeman, medically separated for “limitation of motion left (dominant) index finger secondary to open fracture proximal phalanx…” with a disability rating of 10%. The PEB rated the finger condition 10%, coded 5229 (index or long finger, limitation of motion), citing limitation of motion with gap of more than one inch. The VA rated the left index finger condition 0%, analogously coded 5229, based on the Compensation and Pension examination, citing a non-compensable evaluation for limitation of motion of the index or long finger with a gap of less than one inch (2.5 cm) between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm. A rating of 10% and no higher was justified for the left index finger condition under any applicable code. The 10% rating is the highest evaluation allowed under codes related to the index finger. 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 left finger condition.

AR20210005049, 

Dear XXXXX:

	The Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review (DoD PDBR) reviewed your application and found your separation disability rating and your separation from the Army for disability with severance pay to be accurate.  I have reviewed the Board’s recommendation and record of proceedings (copy enclosed), and I accept its recommendation.  I regret to inform you that your application to the DoD PDBR is denied.  

	This decision is final.  Recourse within the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army is exhausted; however, you have the option to seek relief by filing suit in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.