Requesting a MEB

[TPB]

Tomorrow I am going to see the PA to request that they go ahead with a MEB. My profile states that I can only wear my IBA and helmet in emergency situations and no prolonged wear of field gear. Can he say no MEB?

[xeno]

Originally Posted by TPB

Tomorrow I am going to see the PA to request that they go ahead with a MEB. My profile states that I can only wear my IBA and helmet in emergency situations and no prolonged wear of field gear. Can he say no MEB?

Yup, it is always up to the Doc, if they want to put you up for it.

X

[DDWUSN]

In the Navy 1850.4e it cleraly states a member cannot request a MEB. You might want to be careful with that.

[Jason]

He is in the Army (from his earlier mention of an MMRB), so SECNAVINST 1850.4E does not apply. However, in the Army (and all Services) technically, there is no mechanism to formally request an MEB. Generally, it is a command (direct or MTF or Service Headquarters) decision.

However, you can always talk with your doctor (who is the link to the MTF commander's decision) about your limitations, etc. The only thing I point out is that I have seen cases where member's request for a MEB (or separation or retirement) have been documented by the health care provider in a treatment note and this can be viewed as a "quest for benefits" (which does not help your case). In some cases, the provider will initiate a conversation about the MEB. In those cases, it is not as risky to discuss the subject. I still think it is better to keep discussions focused on functional limitations on duty performance and stay away from discussions about outcomes or benefits.

[maparker]

While you can't request a MEB, you can point out that you are required by regs to be submitted to one., i.e. AR 40-501, Chapter 3.

Mike

[Jason]

And after separation, if you should have been sent to an MEB and were not, the concerns I wrote about diminish greatly (mainly because the route for referral will come through administrative/judicial channels).