Linda

Welcome,
First, don't assume that a surgery will help avoid a MEB/PEB. Second, lower back surgery is very complex and should NOT be taken unless absolutely necessary. If he has success with Phys Therapy, then I'm guessing he doesn't NEED surgery.
I too have bad discs (L3-S1), and had ACDF surgery in my neck (C5-C7). My neurosurgeon didn't recommed the lower back surgery because I too have success with phys therapy for that. Basically he said wait until you can't sit/stand without pretty bad pain before thinking about lower back surgery.
As for the board, if it happens it happens. It's entirely possible that they'll just say "no more pushups" and return him to duty.

Thanks for the response.

Yeah we were wondering if they could just return him to duty and say no more "sit ups" because he can do everything else. Now, are you Active duty at this time? Also the problem with the therapy is that it just does not last.

So we are afraid that this his back will get worse. But since he has not had a surgery will they take this into consideration if a MEB is started?

Sorry for so many questions - we are new at this and are trying to educate ourselves early!

Linda

The Air Force has a system of rules in situations like this that they are forced to follow. Your husbands PCM is forced to initiate a MEB if he places him on a waiver that precludes him from participating in any aspect of the PT test for more than 12 months. The profile won't be a one year profile and will have to be updated every month or so, which forces them to continue to find a treatment that treats the problem. If nothing solves the issue, they will initiate a MEB. Like it was said before, that will likely result in a "return to duty", at which point a permenant or semi-permenent profile can be given that precludes sit-ups from his PT testing.

This kind of thing comes up far more often than you would think. I know a hand full of people personally, that have been MEB'd because of profiles that lasted more than a year. In all but one (extreme) case they were returned to duty. I wouldn't stress it too much at this point. Get the x-rays and MRI's, follow the treatment plan and see where it leads you both.

Good luck...

Thank you for the comfort.

I know that sounds silly but when you have not had to experience the MEB it is very intimadating. Plus, I have heard horror stories... But no matter what we are a strong family, though worried, we will get through whatever tests we are faced with. The military lifestyle makes you this way!

Thanks again and take care,
Linda