Med Board for Asthma symptoms

[Mystic]

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I've been reading everyone's posts regarding experiences with MEB and I have a ton of questions as well that hopefully someone can help me with.

I started having "Asthma symptoms" since I returned from Afghanistan in 2006. I've been to a civilian ER after an asthma attack, had numerous pulminary tests done from 2007-present. Been on Asthma meds (Advair 500/50, Singulair and Albuterol) since last Oct. Found out in June 08 that I had Bacterial pneumonia, well...it was diagnosed in Mar 08, but the doc forgot to call me until my PCM noticed it writing my board package 3 months later.

I finished my last methocoline challenge test today, unfortunately I only dropped 17% on the test and not the required 20% that proves you have asthma. (Used to be 15% until it was changed to the 20% I believe this Feb) My PCM stated I am clinically diagnosed with Asthma, but the tests don't back it up. To complicate things, I have a tumor in my leg that I had since basic that is also in my medical board write-up. Now, if they decide not to go forward with the asthma, what happens? Will they still try to board me because of the tumor? (It's not cancerous, and too deep in leg to operate on) I've been hearing for months that I will get boarded, now I'm in limbo with this last test...

Lastly, I know I was told I will be part of the pilot program, my PEBLO stated after the MEB it will take 3-4 months at AFPC for my package to get returned with an answer? Is this correct? I always thought it took 6 weeks?

Sorry for the long narrative..but I would love to know what my future looks like.

Thank you.

[Jason]

Mystic,

Welcome! As for the asthma, unless there is another diagnosis that fits the condition better, you should be rated on the asthma criteria anyway (so long as it is unfitting).

Whether they board/rate the tumor will depend mainly on if it impacts your duties (seeing as how it is not malignant).

From the stats coming out on the pilot/program, you are probably better off going through them for rating. No one has addressed this yet, but I also believe that if you are unhappy with your rating, you can appeal through the Board of Veterans Appeals and ultimately through the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

[Mystic]

Great, thank you for the information. I talked to my PEBLO and she received the write up for the MEB, once I drop off my letter and CC letter the board is scheduled to meet next tuesday the 22nd.

I have an appt scheduled with the PEBLO on the 29th of July to sign the recommendation. If they forward that to AFPC, how long do they have to render a decision?

Thanks again for this website, I've searched for weeks and coudn't find anything, luckily I stumbled on this a few days ago and have referred everyone I know going through a board to it.

v/r
Mystic

[IGSATC]

Mystic, please keep us informed of your progress. My fiance is pending an MEB for asthma at Fort Lee and your situation sounds similar to hers. She has over 15 years of service (Army E-7) and her symptoms really worsened after her MNFI/OIF tour in 05. Her physician has her on a P3 profile and is schedule to initiate his write up August 4th. She is a tough troop, loves the Army, but knows this is a serious condition. It would great for her to hear from another troop going through the process with similar ailments.

Best of luck on the 29th!

TC

[Mystic]

Absolutely, update so far: I signed my paperwork from the local board on 28 July 08 and it was received the 8th of Aug 08 at AFPC. Still waiting for results. I was given several timelines, but waiting to see which one is true. I'll keep you posted when I hear something.

Mystic

[SSBN_Trident]

Good luck and have patience...

[Mystic]

Well I'm happy to say that I got my package back today. I am discharged with severance pay. Yay! 20% compensable from the AF/30% from the VA. Was a fairly quick turnaround once it got to AFPC.

They say it will take about 1-2 weeks for my orders to come in.

Thank you so much for the website, I would have went crazy finding all the info on my own.

mystic6527

[SSBN_Trident]

Originally Posted by Mystic

Well I'm happy to say that I got my package back today. I am discharged with severance pay. Yay! 20% compensable from the AF/30% from the VA. Was a fairly quick turnaround once it got to AFPC.

They say it will take about 1-2 weeks for my orders to come in.

Thank you so much for the website, I would have went crazy finding all the info on my own.

mystic6527

I hope the AF didn't give you 20% for your Asthma while you are taking Advair 500/50... According to the VSARD if they are to give you a percentage at all while taking that you are entitled to 30% from the Military and should be placed on TDRL or PDRL... Just some info to think about.

[californiasurfboy]

I have a diagnosis of asthma based on PFTs, medical history, exercise test, and the MCT. I have a drop of 40% fev1 on the test which was pretty bad.I take advair 500/50, albuterol, pulmicort, and singular. I also have a dozen other meds for allergies which also tie in besides vocal cord dysfunction due to an intubation gone awire by an over eager intern in th ER room.

My psych doc who triggered my meb got an email from my pulmonologist that I current meet retention standards for asthma. Apparently they feel my symptoms are controlled because I have not had an ER visit in six months due to attacks and also, after 9 attempts, I finally passed the two mile run by 2 seconds. The thing is, its summer and I breath pretty good. Its winter and spring that I suffer chronic airway issues and cannot pass the test and am constantly on sick call or in the ER. Even after finally being able to pass the run, I walk around all day SOB and sore like someone kicked my lungs hard and spent the whole day sitting.

Somedays, I swear to god, army logic just amazes the hell out of me. =/

[AF Cop]

During my process, my doctors thought I had asthma. The tests were always around 16. Then they thought I had a bronchial infection or COPD. I used Advair for a while. Come to find out, what I had was Chronic Pulmonary Embolisms caused by anti-Phospholipid Syndrome. There are a host of clotting disorders that can cause bronchial symptomology. If treated properly, most people can go on to normal lives. If you are having respitory issues that include pluritic pain and bloody sputum, then you need to have a CT to diagnose. If you are no longer expereincing the symptoms then a referal to a Hemotologist and a blood test to determine if you have any coagulation issue would be inorder. This issue is misdiagnosed so often that the majority of positive diagnosis are on the coroner's table. Don't be a stat, demand a proper diagnosis before the coroner does.