This is called a PEB-directed Rating Review ("PDRR") and typically occurs when the rating assigned by the VA to an unfitting condition is clearly incorrect and is usually to the member's benefit. Examples: 1. When either the DBQ or the evidence of record clearly shows that an individual is prescribed immunosuppressant therapy for an autoimmune disorder, but the VA rating decision indicates that a higher rating could not be considered because there was no evidence that the member was on immunosuppressant therapy. 2. When a member has been diagnosed with an eye condition with several specialty visits for treatment, either by ophthalmic procedures or medication adjustment, but the VA discounts some of those visits by characterizing them as being for diagnostic as opposed to treatment purposes- thus dramatically lowering the rating.
Are there times when the PEB sends back a rating decision for review that can adversely impact a member? Yes, it occasionally occurs- typically when the PEB tries to carve out multiaxial ratings and only finds particular aspects of the condition unfitting. Example: When a member receives a relatively high rating for a TBI that is rated in combination with headaches and obstructive sleep apnea, but the PEB does not wish to find the OSA unfitting. If that OSA component to the multiaxial rating resulted in a higher rating than would be merited by the TBI on its own or in conjunction with the headaches. However, this type of PDRR request is rare- most of these requests by the Navy PEB tend to be for the benefit of the member.
