Jason,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply as I am sure you realize this process causes much anxiety. Your replies were very helpful, but what I meant about the AD benefits for a pregnant member is that it has always been my understanding that even if a woman were in reserve status she would be entitled to benefits through delivery and up to 6months thereafter. It just doesn't make since that I am already active duty and would lose that as a result of the board.

In this case my fear of not taking severance is that if I appeal and let's say I only get 30-40%, I am the breadwinner in the house and I fear that I won't be able to carry the load until I am in a position to work again. Whereas, with severance it gives me time to recover from the pregnancy (C-section planned), but at the same time I am Stage 3 RSD (final stage) and I am a nurse and I doubt that I will be able to find stable employment until after after the pregnancy when I can further rehabilitate. I am hoping that the severance, VA benefits and unemployment (is that an option?) will get me through or do you think waiving the appeal would be making a big mistake?

As far as my hands are concerned I have constant numbness mainly in my fingertips and intermittent feelings of pins and needles all over because my sympathetic nervous system is currently completely affected and I cannot get the proper pain management at this time because I am high risk pregnancy.

So that is why I think that an appeal may prolong this process for me...about how long do you think it will take before I get a separation date if I were to waive the appeal?

Thanks,
Melly