MEB Question Multiple questions...

[orbit1997]

OK…This is a long message, but here goes…

I'm not sure if someone has already asked and answered this question, but I think I'm in the right place. I'm a brand new 2LT. I've been in training since April '08. I went on active duty February '08. I've been experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, tremors, nausea since April. They worked me up for everything. Eventually, I got pulled from training and hospitalized for the chest pains. They thought, at the time, I had a heart attack, but I didn't. However, I did test positive on the tilt table test for either vasovagal syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope. I'm not sure which one because the cardiologist hasn't finished his report, but he confirmed the test was positive. So, that's my first issue. I passed out several years ago when I was ROTC. It was diagnosed with acute dehydration at the time. I haven't had any more problems since I commissioned. Now, I'm experiencing the lightheadness and very short black outs. That's the first issue. I see my civilian cardiologist in three weeks and follow-up with the military doctor who wrote the cardiac problem the following day. That's the first issue.

Secondly, I've been receiving treatment since I started training for generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment includes daily medication and therapy once a week. I was first diagnosed on active duty.

Finally, a few weeks ago, I was placed on a psychiatric profile for major depression disorder (moderate). I received a "3" for the last "S" in the PULHES rating. Right now, the psychiatric profile is temporary, but the psychiatrist said he will most likely change it to permanent. I have a consultation with him in a few weeks to put together a MEB packet. He's the one who diagnosed me with the major depression disorder.

So, here are my questions: What do you think will be the outcome of the MEB? The psychiatrist said I would likely be either placed on TRDL or permanently separated. How does TRDL work? The doctor explained it to me like this: I'm still on active duty... I don't have any assignments for 18 months...I can go where I want to go...My only responsibility is to get better. Towards the end of the 18 months, I get re-examed. However, he said mental health problems rarely correct themselves within 18 months so I would likely be permanently separated. Am I paid while I'm on TRDL? Does TRDL count towards my service obligation? I'm just really confused about all of this. Thanks to whoever can help!

[xeno]

Originally Posted by orbit1997

So, here are my questions: What do you think will be the outcome of the MEB? The psychiatrist said I would likely be either placed on TRDL or permanently separated. How does TRDL work? The doctor explained it to me like this: I'm still on active duty... I don't have any assignments for 18 months...I can go where I want to go...My only responsibility is to get better. Towards the end of the 18 months, I get re-examed. However, he said mental health problems rarely correct themselves within 18 months so I would likely be permanently separated. Am I paid while I'm on TRDL? Does TRDL count towards my service obligation? I'm just really confused about all of this. Thanks to whoever can help!

Not sure of the outcome, however your pay will be 50% of your base pay while TDRL. And it does count toward your service obligations.

X

[tra777]

From AFI 36-3212
3.24. Permanence of Impairment. The PEB determines the permanence of the impairment and classifies it as either "Permanent" or "May Be Permanent." (See Attachment 1)
3.24.1. Use of the TDRL. When the PEB finds a disability may be permanent in character, but not stable in degree, and the member otherwise qualifies for disability retirement, the Air Force places the member on the TDRL. The TDRL is a way to further observe unfit members whose disability has not stabilized and for whom the PEB cannot accurately assess the degree of severity, percent of disability, or ultimate disposition. The TDRL also serves as a safeguard for both the member and the Air Force by delaying permanent disposition for those members whose conditions could improve or get worse, or where the ultimate disposition could change within a reasonable period of time.

This section states the actions of those being placed on TDRL.......
4.14.4. Is being placed on the TDRL. MPF prepares and for members being permanently retired. Special provisions are in Attachment 4. When removing the member from
mails the required orders, forms, and other documents.

Lastly,
5.9.5.7. Removal From TDRL (Fit). TDRL member is physically fit; remove from the TDRL
under 10 U.S.C. 1210(f)(1). If otherwise eligible, member has option to return to duty under 10 U.S.C. 1211.

As you see, TDRL means you are temporarily retired but with a condition that is not currently stable. You are reassessed every 18 months for a period of up to 5 years. If you are found fit during this time, then you can be returned to active duty. Since you are in a retired status, it does not count towards your service obligation. Rating is 50% but after the TDRL period, it can either increase or decrease if you are not returned to duty.

[orbit1997]

I just looked at Table 11-1 Removal From Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) 10 U.S.C. 1211 and it gives me the impression that I decide whether I want to return to AD. So does 10 U.S.C. 1211, give me the option at the end of the 18 months whether I want to return to active duty?

Also, considering, I may have less than one year active duty service when I'm placed on TRDL won't I receive almost nothing financially for those 18 months under the 50% rule.

Originally Posted by tra777

From AFI 36-3212

3.24. Permanence of Impairment. The PEB determines the permanence of the impairment and classifies it as either "Permanent" or "May Be Permanent." (See Attachment 1)
3.24.1. Use of the TDRL. When the PEB finds a disability may be permanent in character, but not stable in degree, and the member otherwise qualifies for disability retirement, the Air Force places the member on the TDRL. The TDRL is a way to further observe unfit members whose disability has not stabilized and for whom the PEB cannot accurately assess the degree of severity, percent of disability, or ultimate disposition. The TDRL also serves as a safeguard for both the member and the Air Force by delaying permanent disposition for those members whose conditions could improve or get worse, or where the ultimate disposition could change within a reasonable period of time.

This section states the actions of those being placed on TDRL.......
4.14.4. Is being placed on the TDRL. MPF prepares and for members being permanently retired. Special provisions are in Attachment 4. When removing the member from
mails the required orders, forms, and other documents.

Lastly,
5.9.5.7. Removal From TDRL (Fit). TDRL member is physically fit; remove from the TDRL
under 10 U.S.C. 1210(f)(1). If otherwise eligible, member has option to return to duty under 10 U.S.C. 1211.

As you see, TDRL means you are temporarily retired but with a condition that is not currently stable. You are reassessed every 18 months for a period of up to 5 years. If you are found fit during this time, then you can be returned to active duty. Since you are in a retired status, it does not count towards your service obligation. Rating is 50% but after the TDRL period, it can either increase or decrease if you are not returned to duty.

[Jason]

orbit1997,

You will have the option for re-appointment if you are found fit after TDRL. With less than 36 months on active duty, they will calculate your retired base pay by addidng the base pay for each month you did serve and dividing by the total months served. This will be mulitplied by the 50% figure.

Just to clarify, MEB decides if you have conditions that fail retention. PEB decides unfitness and disposition.

Best of luck!

[lordofwar]

Orbit1997,

I've been dealing with the same situation for the past three years. Although I was diagnosed with G.A.D. first then I went through further testing and evaluation before I was diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic Syncope vice Vaso vagal syncope.

If you want, you can send me an e-mail at spadeflush@kpunet.net so we can compare notes.

L.O.W.