Physical Evaluation Board Forum

I am travelling for a Formal PEB hearing. I am happy to see new members and will try to answer all of your questions when I can. As you all know, when I am preparing for a formal hearing, that is the first priority, but check back, and I will answer when I have an opportunity.

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

Hello Jason,

If you can recall I posted my MEB dilema. I am pregnant 26 weeks and received IPEB decision of 20% with severance, Permanent Disability, LOD for RSD that resulted from a left lower extremity injury. I discussed the findings with my specialists and PCM none of whom were satisfied by the results, nor the coding as I previously discussed with you. Well I decided to appeal and signed my paperwork on 1 Jul 2008. I received an email 8 Jul informing me that my FEB is set for 14 Aug 08. I responded to that email as stating that I have been medically advised against traveling via plane and long distance car travel by both my specialists, and that I am currently on a 4 hour duty day(I am in NJ) I received emails back from the FEB officer asking me for a projected return from maternity leave (8 Dec-15Dec) approximately and then he sent me an email back asking if I could travel now if the board pushes the date up. But I am high risk pregnancy and my delivery will be a planned C-section so my OB/GYN could only give me a projected date and that's only if there are no further complications.

I informed him that decision for me not to travel was officially confirmed 6/13/08, well before this process so that is not an option. I have not yet heard back from anyone since that last email. I sent a CC copy of the email traffic to my PEBLO who is also not sure of how to proceed if I am not offered a telephone conference for the final appeal.

My questions for you are: Should I seek an attorney now to help me proceed with requesting a postponement or to assist in the event pregnancy complications arise during the appeal process? If I am on maternity leave does my separation date still stand...how would I outprocess? Should I get an attorney here(NJ) or should I call the number supplied by the FEB in Lackland, Tx?

The pregnancy is confusing this process as you can probably imagine and I dont think it is fair that I am being put through this while I am pregnant, especially since the pregnancy came before the official RSD diagnosis. My Ortho doctor says that if I have surgery after the baby I will be out of work for a while, so I am in a terrible positon...having a baby, maternity leave, then surgery with an infant. It will be very difficult healing from a C-section with lower extremity surgery pending to have a lapse in income or medical benefits. Any advice you can offer me would be greatly appreciated as I am totally stressed out.

Just checking in. I am still on the road and will fly out in the morning. I will try to check back soon, but likely will not be able to answer any questions at length. I will try to catch up with everyone over the weekend.

It looks like we again have a surge of new members. I want to welcome everyone and I hope that you find helpful answers here! If you have an issue, try using "search". Many issues have been answered before, so while you are waiting for a response, you might find your answers already posted somewhere else. Also, thanks to all of you who have been replying to new members. It is great to see others helping new members!

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

Just got back from the airport. I will try to catch up some tomorrow.

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

Rather than create a new thread each time I am out, I will keep this running...

Yep, I am travelling for a formal hearing. I expect to be out of the office until Friday. As those of you who are long time members (or lurkers) know, I still try to check in, but cannot always answer, especially when your questions require lengthier responses. If I miss something, don't be shy about bumping your thread (just reply to your own thread and that will move it to the top of the pile). I only ask that you wait a few days after posting before doing so (or unless something is particularly pressing).

BTW, talk about bad start to a trip. So far, I have been lucky, but yesterday, there were massive weather delays, and so when I got to Washington-Dulles 2 hours late, I had missed my connection...next flight out? This morning. I gotta say, sleeping in airports is no fun...

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

Arrived in this evening. As I mentioned, give a bump to any of your threads that you think have not been answered. I will try to answer over the next few days.

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

This was a quick turnaround, I am back out to Ft. Lewis for a formal hearing. Will check in when I can. Welcome to all the new members, and thanks to everyone else for responding to the posts!

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS

I hope your trip is great and that you don't get stuck in the Airport this time. ( :

Thanks for all you do for all of us.

I have to second what Chinook said, we all thank you for what you do for us!! By the way, CO signed my NMA with no problem, thank you, off to the PEB!!

Just got home, it is 3:30 am my time (more hijinx with weather delays). Anyways, I will try to catch up with some posts tomorrow.

Welcome to all the new members, it is good to see you!

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Jason

Physical Evaluation Board Forum Administrator
New Members- Read OVERVIEW OF MEB/PEB PROCESS