TDRL Eval - Fit for Duty, is early retirement an option?

Greetings,

I (USAF, E-6) went through an MEB at the end of 2010 and was placed on TDRL. I just had my first TDRL evaluation and was found fit for duty. I have 17.5yrs of active duty service.

I've been digging on the internet (just found this site, wish I had when I started all of this) and it looks like basically I will either have to reenlist or separate. Obviously I don't want to give up my 17.5yrs, so I'll go back in. But I have a question. Is it possible I could be offered a transfer to permanent retirement as well? My condition is stable and 30%. I read a few places that if I'm stable, 30%, and less than 20, I can be permanently retired. Or is that only if found UNFIT? I saw some mention that I could retire under TERA if eligible, but couldn't find anymore information, plus it seemed most everything was Fit for Duty = enlist / separate....or unfit = all the other options.

Things have been going pretty good since I went on TDRL and if I could retire early somehow instead of returning to service, my wife and I would consider it. Right now I'm assuming that I'll just be told to re-up or separate.

So to sum up, is it possible I could be offered a retirement option along with reenlist or separate since I've been found fit for duty?

I am a bit confused. Are you saying the board found you fit for duty? If so, the 30% must be your VA rating. If fit, DoD doesn't assign a rating. If unfit, then a rating fro 0% to 100% is assigned. You would have to look into the TERA regulations. Let me grab what a came across recently.

I should clarify sorry. The USAF put me on TDRL at 100%. The VA started me at 100% until the first year of my new hip ended, then put me at 70%. That's where I stand today. The 30% is the minimum number for the hip, I thought the DoD tossed that on the fit for duty thing, guess not.

That does help answer a bit of my question though. Since the Fit for Duty won't have a %, then there's no way I can be transferred to permanent retirement. So the only way I could possible retire is if the TERA thing would work, but I've had zero luck finding info on that.

Time to hit the diet and get fit. The Dr said they'd permanent profile me from the run, but I'll have to do that walk instead for fitness testing. Hopefully have a few months before I'm back on active duty to get in shape.

http://www.tinker.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123297907

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/articles/antonio-42621-public-gildea.html

Did the PEB find you fit after your re-evaluation or is the process still pending?

Hmm, thanks. Well I'm a TSgt with 17.5yrs, so I meet that part, but I'm not in one of those overmanned AFSCs. Not sure that would apply to a guy coming off TDRL or not either. I'll send an email to the Disability Branch and see. Typically when I ask questions like this, I never hear back from them.

The Dr found me fit at my re-eval last week. I was told by the disability branch folks that I should expect that the IPEB will concur with the Dr and find me fit for duty. They said it could take 4-6 weeks before I get the letter in the mail stating their finding. I agree though, I am fit for duty. I just need to lose some lbs and get my fitness up to speed for testing.

Since I was active duty when I went on TDRL, do I have to enlist back into active duty or can I enlist as a traditional reservist?

First you need to wait for the PEB's decision. I am not trying to burst your bubble, but just because the doctor who did your NARSUM/MEB believes you should be found fit doesn't guarantee the PEB will concur.

Not bursting the bubble, I understand that. Honestly, my case is pretty cut and dry, I'm healed, good to go, no problems. Fake hip, that's it. Had it two years now. I do not disagree that I'm fit for duty, and I'd be surprised if the PEB didn't concur. I do know that it is possible. I'm just trying to learn and to be prepared.

Someone, please explain TDRL to me!! This is sooo confusing after reading this post! Are you saying that if you are active duty, and get TDRL, you are temporarily released, and upon evaluation, if you are fit, you have to reenlist? Input please.

Here's my story, hope it helps.

May 2010 I had to get a total hip replacement. An MEB was initiated and the Board determined I was unfit for duty at the time and placed me on TDRL. I outprocessed, took terminal leave, and retired just like anyone else. I had 17.5yrs active duty at that time. I got a DD214 for temp disability retired, and pressed on with civilian life. 15 months after my DOS, I was given TDY orders for my medical re-evaluation. That was last week. The Dr is reporting to the Board that I'm fit for duty. I know wait on the Boards decision to concur or not with the Dr.

If they concur, the way I understand, is that they will say I need to reenlist, retire if eligible (which I'm not since I didn't hit 20yrs), or just stay separated. Of course, I'm going to reenlist.

If they don't concur with the Dr., then the options are to keep me on TDRL or say I'm unfit for duty, but the disability is stable. If stable, they can separate if rating is less than 30%, or retire if 30% or more.

I hope that helps.

I know someone posted on the forum recently with his situation and coming off TDRL back to duty. I believe they are still figuring it out so maybe ping him for some insight.

When placed on TDRL you are on temporary retirement for a period of up to 5 years. They will schedule re-evaluations at least every 18 months. If it's PTSD the re-evaluations start 6 months after placement on TDRL.

When they re-evaluate your condition they are looking at the stability of it. After the doctor/doctors evaluate you your case is sent to the PEB and they decide if you are still "unfit" or "fit." If unfit, they have to decide whether to keep you on TDRL, PDRL or severance. If they determine your condition is still unstable they are supposed to keep you on TDRL and they don't assign a new %. If your condition has stabilized they with either assign a percentage that places you on PDRL(30% or higher) or severance(0-20%). If they remove you from TDRL you are entitled to a FPEB.

If they find you "fit" you can either re-enter service or receive an honorable discharge and walk away.

Thanks for that clarification-that sounds like a nightmare to be readjusted to civilian life and have to reenlists-wow!!

Okay, so most people get TDRL if their condition is unstable? What if you have several other conditions that are stable and equate to 30% or more, will they still put you on TDRL for one unstable condition? PTSD was mentioned in a post, is that an automatic TDRL condition?

Thanks, I definitely wouldn't want a TDRL status. I'm glad this forum is here, it keeps me from asking my PEBLO questions---so many questions.

I started out at 100% and unstable, but since we knew I'd heal, I went on TDRL. Now I'm stable and fit for duty (Dr's words, not the PEB..yet) Started on the diet and working out, time to drop some weight so I can get back in! It does suck a bit. My family and I were just getting settled in a new home we love, great job and all. I'll be taking a pay cut going back on active duty, but it's worth it in the end.