DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC

Office of the Assistant Secretary

SAF/MRBD (PDBR)
XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS

SUBJECT: Physical Disability Board of Review Recommendation on XXXXXXXX Case Number PD-2021-00039

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 E5, Information System Maintenance Technician, medically separated for “single episode of rhabdomyolysis” with a disability rating of 10%. He requested review of conditions not identified by the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and therefore not within the scope of the PDBR. The panel noted that the PEB and VA both rated the rhabdomyolysis condition 10%, analogously coded 8099-8010 (myelitis). The VA cited the CI’s current condition was attributed to athletics or any form of severe workout that cause significant disorientation or pain. Intermittent leg cramps were noted on prior examinations, and the most recent CK level was normal while not taking any medication for this condition. The Navy PEB’s Category II condition “elevated creatinine kinase level,” which contributed to the primary condition, was not a separate condition which could be reasonably justified as separately unfitting; nor was a separate rating achievable without violation of VASRD §4.14 (avoidance of pyramiding). The 8099-8010 analogous coding used by the PEB and the VA reflect the fact that there is no specific rhabdomyolysis code. The panel agreed a 10% rating was warranted based on functional loss and painful motion under code 8010 which has a maximum 10% rating. The panel also considered analogous codes 5021 (myositis), 7900 (hyperthyroidism), and 5025 (fibromyalgia). Code 5021 also has maximum rating of 10% which offers no rating advantage. A higher rating under the 7900 code required a disease severity that was not supported by the evidence. A higher rating under code 5025 requires episodes to be present more than one-third of the time, and with widespread pain, which was not supported by the evidence. There are no additional coding options that could result in a rating higher 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 rhabdomyolysis condition.

Sincerely,

Attachments:
Exhibit A. DD Form 294, dated 20210324, w/atchs Exhibit B. Service Treatment Record
Exhibit C. Department of Veterans Affairs Record

2	PD-2021-00039

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
7 March 2022

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

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 3 March 2022, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) accepted the 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.