MEB for psychiatric issues

[Kate]

Hi everyone. I'm Kate. I've been in the Air Force for almost 7 years and currently have a line number for TSgt. For the past 2.5 - 3 years I've been seeing a psychiatrist for what started out as irritability and then eventually developed into depression, then major depressive disorder. I was voluntarily hospitilized for a week last month because it because so dibilitating that I could not function at work. During my stay in the hospital, I was diagnosed (along with the major depressive disorder) with generalized anxiety disorder, dysthymic disorder, and obsessive compulsive traits. I was also told a MEB package would be submitted.

If anyone else has gone through something similar, I am very curious as to how it turned out. Much to my surprise, my doctor mentioned that I could be eligible for some kind of compensation benefit if I am seperated.

Any info anyone is willing to share with me is greatly appreciated.

I'm so glad I found this forum. Thanks so much.

Kate

[xeno]

Welcome aboard Kate,

Typically if they medically discharge you (<30% disability) you will get a severance package calculated (in your case) 7years x Base Pay (E5/E6 depends when you pin on)x2. Then -33% for taxes.

Example

Base Pay = $3000

$3000 X 7 = ($21,000 x 2) = $42,000 - 33%($13,860 tax) = $28,140 (if my math is good).


This is if you get discharged medically & it is found to be military related.

Hope you feel better.

X

[Jason]

Kate,

Welcome, and I am glad you found us, too!

Just to add to Xeno's comments, if rated at 30% or higher, you will be eligible for retirement. Usually, with mental disorders, this is a temporary determination that may become permanent after as little as 18 months, if your condition stabilizes (in some cases less time, but in no case will this last more than 5 years).

One thing to clarify, your promotion will not impact (greatly) your retired base pay. That is because the calculation of your retired base pay is based on the average of your highest 36 months of base pay (in most cases the previous 36 months). So, if you pin on and are retired the next day, you won't get the average of base pay for your new rank, it will be the average for your last 36 months.

You may later get a refund of your taxes, too.

[Kate]

Thank you xeno and Jason! This forum is awesome. I've already learned so much here.

[Strider]

I'm going through the same thing and i'm just wondering if you;ve heard anything back from the PEB. My package got sent up to the PEB and im just waiting for my findings. Similar to you i was diagnosed with major depression; recurrent with suicidal idealtions and dysthemic disorder. I voluntarily spent time in a hosptial as well. With my case, i had depression when i was a kid and always dealt with it, it didn't become a problem until i got further and further into the military. I dont think i'll get any severance packages because it existed prior to service. I know that it was prior to service but the military made it worse in my mind. Anyways, let me know how its going for you. Hope all is well.

[ktarp001]

Hello I am new here, and am going through the same thing. Strider you stated that it would be EPTS how long have you served? I was under the understanding that after 8 years that they couldn't use EPTS. I am also wondering about the commmander's letter, like you i've put up with it, and somehow have always had interpersonal conflicts, most especially when get overwhelmed, then the depression sets in. But as I stated what can the commander's letter state. I mean it's not like a physical injury, can anyone answer that please thanks. Just did my MEB about 2 weeks ago

[ktarp001]

Jason, you seem to be very knowledgeable so my question is I was diagnosed with mood disorder NOS and anxiety disorder. I have 18.5 years AD. I am just worried about my Commander's letter. I mean, I have always had a work ethic and never been a lazy bum, but now that he gets to write a letter on my performance, which has nothing to do physically. Yes there are certain limitations that I am experiencing, such as not have endurance for ruck marches, running etc, due to ankle problems. What can you tell me about my situation

[embalmerswife]

Hubby's commander's letter was done in January. Hubby was MEB/PEB'd for PTSD. The commander's letter then was accompanied by about ten questions that the commander had to answer about his performance. Her letter stated that she had not seen any problem in his work performance until after his return from hospitalization, but had after hospitalization. She stated that while she saw little impact on his physical ability to perform his job, she did notice that he could no longer function because of his mental problems since his return. (She had gone with me to the hospital to talk with his doctors, and she got to know her soldiers very well personally.) My understanding is that now commanders have a 36 questions yes or no form about your performance. My understanding of the intent behind the form is to give a better understanding of your performance, including the mental part. Alot depends on the NARSUM that you have. The more descriptive your doctor is on how it effects your job, the better off you are. Our NARSUM awas 12 pages. Check your NARSUM and make sure it describes ALL your limitations-- physical, mental, social, sexual, etc. In the end, Hubby was rated 70% PDRL, but I credit a very descriptive and thorough NARSUM for that. Hope this helps ease some of the anxiety associated with the process.