Marine Corps Admin Sep, Need Advice

[JustWonderin]

I have posted on here before but I can use as much advice as possible at this point so I am going to lay it all out and give an update on my situation.

I just got back from Iraq less than 2 months ago. I have been having a lot of medical problems for the past 7-8 months but just started taking care of them when we got back. So far, this is what I know:

-Upper endoscopy performed. Diagnosed with hiatal hernia, GERD, and gastritis.
-Seeing neurologist for possible seizures (family history of epilepsy). Sleep deprived EEG came back normal (also was normal for 2 of 3 family members that have epilepsy) so further testing needed. Going back to neuro on Oct 9th.
-Vomiting bile. Will get results of Right Upper Quadrant Ultrasound and blood work on Oct 1st (GI specialist thinks this is a different problem than the others previously mentioned).
-Memory loss, headaches, fatigue, vomiting on regular basis.

I was full duty until last week when they put me on a clear liquid diet. So this whole time I have been trying to keep up with my peers with all of these medical problems going on. This led to a lot of stress and anxiety.

I saw a psychologist 1.5 weeks ago and was just notified by my CO today that the psychologist - after talking with me for an hour - has recommended Admin Sep. They haven't told me why, but I'm assuming personality disorder (mainly because this is the only thing I know of that they could admin sep me for, so I could be way off).

I am definitely going to fight this. I plan on hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. Does anyone know of any good lawyers for admin seps? I would prefer one who is also familiar with the MEB/PEB process. I think that would help considering I have so many medical problems going on.

I plan on asking quite a few people to write letters on my behalf, including my SgtMaj, Maj, Sgt, and LCpl so I will have input from both superiors and peers. And I'm thinking it would be helpful to get a second opinion from a civilan psychologist.

Anything else I should be doing so I don't get blindsided?
Does anyone know the price range for civilian lawyers?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Rockn]

I am not an expert but I think that MEB needs to be done if medical conditions requires one. Jason and Mike will more than likely be along soon and point you the right direction you need to go.

[Jason]

[quote=JustWonderin;14071]

I just got back from Iraq less than 2 months ago. I have been having a lot of medical problems for the past 7-8 months but just started taking care of them when we got back. So far, this is what I know:

-Upper endoscopy performed. Diagnosed with hiatal hernia, GERD, and gastritis.
-Seeing neurologist for possible seizures (family history of epilepsy). Sleep deprived EEG came back normal (also was normal for 2 of 3 family members that have epilepsy) so further testing needed. Going back to neuro on Oct 9th.
-Vomiting bile. Will get results of Right Upper Quadrant Ultrasound and blood work on Oct 1st (GI specialist thinks this is a different problem than the others previously mentioned).
-Memory loss, headaches, fatigue, vomiting on regular basis.

If any of these conditions fail retention standards, you should be referred to an MEB.

I was full duty until last week when they put me on a clear liquid diet. So this whole time I have been trying to keep up with my peers with all of these medical problems going on. This led to a lot of stress and anxiety.

Are you now on LIMDU? If so, for how long?

I saw a psychologist 1.5 weeks ago and was just notified by my CO today that the psychologist - after talking with me for an hour - has recommended Admin Sep. They haven't told me why, but I'm assuming personality disorder (mainly because this is the only thing I know of that they could admin sep me for, so I could be way off).

The DSM-IV criteria for this condition states that this condition is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. If you are older or especially if you have been in the military for a long time, this diagnosis is most likely in error.

Even so, this should not prevent your being referred to MEB for your other conditions.

I plan on asking quite a few people to write letters on my behalf, including my SgtMaj, Maj, Sgt, and LCpl so I will have input from both superiors and peers. And I'm thinking it would be helpful to get a second opinion from a civilan psychologist.

If you retain an attorney, I would discuss just what should be in the letters. This can be very helpful for your case.

Anything else I should be doing so I don't get blindsided?
Does anyone know the price range for civilian lawyers?

I would say that you should try to gather the best evidence possible in your case and try to win early. However, be aware that the PEB does make errors. I mention this so you can be aware, you may have a longer fight on your hands. This does not mean you should give up, to the contrary, though it may take some time, very often the PEB is found to have made legal error by a reviewing agency or Federal Court.

As far as price range, it really depends on what services you are looking for. Most attorneys work on either a flat fee per service or on an hourly rate. For a flat fee, most would offer a discount for bundled services (i.e., if you were to retain for both admin sep and for PEB, it would be less than if you contracted for both separately. The fee agreement should be spelled out in writing).

Best of luck and please let us know any questions.