Just Returned from my Formal Board

[jack444]

Well I just got back from San Antonio TX. I went down there with the intention of getting 100% rating for having a Defibrillator installed in my chest as I figured that would be the easier thing to achieve according to DC 7011 in the VASRD.

They told me that the Board is very "Pro" Return to Duty. And talked me into going for that. I was like, I would prefer to get return to duty as I'm only 10 months away from my 20. I just didn't think I would get it.

RESULTS: Well I was found Unfit For Duty! They gave me Permenant Retirement with a 100% rating.

I am happy with that. I would of prefered to stay in until my 20 but all I really wanted is something to be fair and I recieved a fair rating.. just thought I would let ya all know.

[builtgypsy]

Congratulations!

[Ronald]

Thanks for keeping us all posted....Congrats!!

[builtgypsy]

I forgot to ask, how did it actually go at the board? Were they pretty approachable, or were they the modern Spanish Inquisition? Did they follow the script?

[maparker]

Have you applied for continuation on active duty (COAD)? This would be ideal becuase you will retain your unfit 100% rating but would be allowed to stay until twenty.

If you get to twenty, you will be eligle for CRDP meaning you will get both your DoD retirement and you VA disability compensation without offset.



Mike

[jack444]

Originally Posted by builtgypsy

I forgot to ask, how did it actually go at the board? Were they pretty approachable, or were they the modern Spanish Inquisition? Did they follow the script?

Well it is a formal setting and parts of it are scripted (all the mandatory items that must be said for the record). I'll give you a quick play by play of what happens.

1, Attorney knocks on the door, they say come in.. you walk in first and go directly behind your chair, salute and give a reporting statement.
2, Scripted items for matter of record (everyone has a microphone in front of them to record everything).
3, Attorney Ask a series of questions (this will be no suprise.. they will tell you what the questions are)
4, There are three members on the board. Each will take a turn at asking questions. these questions will range from "What are your plans if you are not returned to duty?" to questions right out of your records.. to include items that are on your profile
5, Your Attorney will have a chance to re-attack questions. This is so if you answer a question from the board and your attorney didn't like your answer they can re-ask it to where you will give a better answer (towards what your trying to get)
6, A couple words are said at the board and then your Attorny gets to make a final statement
7, you get to make a final statement.
8, Board adjourns for delliberations. At this time you stand up and salute then walk out the door. (then if your like me.. you go to the hall way and pace the floor)
9, You get the word they are ready and you walk back into the room.. the Board president will just ask you to have a seat (no salute)
10, They get right to the point and say " The Formal Physical Evaluation Board find that you are "fit/unfit for duty" with a rating of ***%".
11, stand up... Salute and walk out. your done.. no chance to say anymore at that point.

hope that helps

[jack444]

Originally Posted by maparker

Have you applied for continuation on active duty (COAD)? This would be ideal becuase you will retain your unfit 100% rating but would be allowed to stay until twenty.

If you get to twenty, you will be eligle for CRDP meaning you will get both your DoD retirement and you VA disability compensation without offset.



Mike

This would be the course of action I was thinking of taking.. But with the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure), they moved my Fighter Wing and Squadron to another base. Currently I am working in a Totaly different command (I'm ACC now i'm working with AMC). The problem this presents is that there are no slots for my AFSC here at Pope AFB. This is part of the reason that the board had trouble returning me to duty. They were asking me questions about that and realized that Chances were that I would have to PCS if they found me Fit for Duty which would make me stay in longer than my 20 in order to accept the orders.

[Jason]

Congratulations on your retirement! You should consider trying to remain on active duty until 20 yrs of service, for the reasons maparker suggested.

Whatever comes, I wish you the best in transitioning. It would be great if you continue to check in here and contribute with your experiences.

[maparker]

Run, don't walk to apply for COAD. You are talking thousands of dollars more a month for you and your family if you get to 20 years. Right now you will get around $2,700 a month from the VA and that will likely off-set all or most of your military retirement.

If you get to 20, you will get $2700 from the VA and all of your military retirement based on 20 years of service. Do whatever duty they will give your for 10 months.

Mike

[robs42]

congrats!!!