Hi-
I am a Marine, Sergeant, Infantry Rifleman
Going through this IDES process and trying to find answers, as I am now realizing my PEBLO has not been nearly helpful. I trusted her along the way and now after getting my informal PEB decision back and unfortunately being educated later rather than sooner I realize my PEBLO and her counterparts are not competent. I didn't fully understand how protective I should have been as the general tone of my meetings has made me believe in the objectivity of this process. I have read lots of feedback on this forum about PEBLOs and their "it's fine" attitude which makes me even more concerned about the "guidance" I have received.
I have a few questions now as I have requested a formal board (at the advice of the PEBLO after I expressed my concerns regarding the proposed decision) and am attempting to catch up. The IDES attorney now has explained some things different, (yes I realize his help would have been better EARLIER) but is it better late than never? I have not received my formal date yet for hearing but there are some things I need some advice to address.
*A knee condition as a result of 2 unsuccessful surgeries (one of them being very questionable, but I realize nothing I can do as active duty) is what referred me to the start of the MEB/PEB process. I had a rock removed from my knee which was known and had been there since childhood stable, but became dislodged as we were simulating a war exercise and under "enemy fire" while running away fell down a hill hitting a tree limb.
*During the C & P and the evaluations of other conditions, I found out about a new condition TMJ that I was unaware I had. Unaware in the sense that previous to the 2 knee surgeries, I was ordered to get my wisdom teeth out and suffered an air embolism which resulted in an emergency hospitalization/surgery, SEPSIS, and a 3 day stint in the ICU (most likely due to malpractice, but again, Thank you Feres Doctorine). Afterward, yes I had jaw pain, and lots of other symptoms (nerve pain, back pain, major sleep issues, fatigue, etc.) that I attributed to being a Marine and just dealing with the usual sucky conditions I've faced on multiple deployments, etc. Who gets great sleep in the Marine Corps, right? After being evaluated by a specialist, he was able to explain all my symptoms and I am in the process of getting a referral approved for continuing treatment.
*My knee was related at 10% as the DoD unfit condition and deemed NOT combat related, but after attending an IDES and looking further into it, the policies seem to indicate it should be combat related.
*All of my other conditions (to include the TMJ 30%, Back strain 20%) and other ones related, all resulted in a 60% rating. Of all the conditions rated, there were 3 more specifically that the question asking if the "insert condition" interferes with the veterans ability to perform job duties was checked YES and the description and explanation was very similar to my knee. Something to the effect of my inability to run, carry loads, crawl, etc.
Stay with me...
My main questions are now that I've trusted a system I obviously should NOT have trusted (beware those reading this not as far along as me) what can I do?
Will the formal PEB be an avenue to ask my other conditions that interfere with my ability to perform job functions be a place for them to consider these newly acknowledged conditions and rate them as FIT or UNFIT as well?
Can I do anything about my NARSUM (which by the way I did ask both my doctor and my Peblo if it should be more specific and was told "It's fine" by my PEBLO and also advised by the military doctor it was ok) because I do want it to be considered whether it meets criteria for a Combat Related Injury under the simulating war- war games, practice alerts, tactical exercises, leadership reaction courses, etc.
GENERAL ADVICE?
Seeking out all resources like I admittedly should have done from the beginning, but can't take back my trust or turn back time now. I'm 25 and have a wife and 2 year old son, I do not want any more than I am entitled to- I wanted to be a life long Marine. Now, due to the Marine Corps, that will not happen. I also led a very active lifestyle before this (hiking, running marathons, etc.) which is all but ceased, although finally they have referred me to a pain management course which is slowly helping to adjust to my new normal.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am a Marine, Sergeant, Infantry Rifleman
Going through this IDES process and trying to find answers, as I am now realizing my PEBLO has not been nearly helpful. I trusted her along the way and now after getting my informal PEB decision back and unfortunately being educated later rather than sooner I realize my PEBLO and her counterparts are not competent. I didn't fully understand how protective I should have been as the general tone of my meetings has made me believe in the objectivity of this process. I have read lots of feedback on this forum about PEBLOs and their "it's fine" attitude which makes me even more concerned about the "guidance" I have received.
I have a few questions now as I have requested a formal board (at the advice of the PEBLO after I expressed my concerns regarding the proposed decision) and am attempting to catch up. The IDES attorney now has explained some things different, (yes I realize his help would have been better EARLIER) but is it better late than never? I have not received my formal date yet for hearing but there are some things I need some advice to address.
*A knee condition as a result of 2 unsuccessful surgeries (one of them being very questionable, but I realize nothing I can do as active duty) is what referred me to the start of the MEB/PEB process. I had a rock removed from my knee which was known and had been there since childhood stable, but became dislodged as we were simulating a war exercise and under "enemy fire" while running away fell down a hill hitting a tree limb.
*During the C & P and the evaluations of other conditions, I found out about a new condition TMJ that I was unaware I had. Unaware in the sense that previous to the 2 knee surgeries, I was ordered to get my wisdom teeth out and suffered an air embolism which resulted in an emergency hospitalization/surgery, SEPSIS, and a 3 day stint in the ICU (most likely due to malpractice, but again, Thank you Feres Doctorine). Afterward, yes I had jaw pain, and lots of other symptoms (nerve pain, back pain, major sleep issues, fatigue, etc.) that I attributed to being a Marine and just dealing with the usual sucky conditions I've faced on multiple deployments, etc. Who gets great sleep in the Marine Corps, right? After being evaluated by a specialist, he was able to explain all my symptoms and I am in the process of getting a referral approved for continuing treatment.
*My knee was related at 10% as the DoD unfit condition and deemed NOT combat related, but after attending an IDES and looking further into it, the policies seem to indicate it should be combat related.
*All of my other conditions (to include the TMJ 30%, Back strain 20%) and other ones related, all resulted in a 60% rating. Of all the conditions rated, there were 3 more specifically that the question asking if the "insert condition" interferes with the veterans ability to perform job duties was checked YES and the description and explanation was very similar to my knee. Something to the effect of my inability to run, carry loads, crawl, etc.
Stay with me...
My main questions are now that I've trusted a system I obviously should NOT have trusted (beware those reading this not as far along as me) what can I do?
Will the formal PEB be an avenue to ask my other conditions that interfere with my ability to perform job functions be a place for them to consider these newly acknowledged conditions and rate them as FIT or UNFIT as well?
Can I do anything about my NARSUM (which by the way I did ask both my doctor and my Peblo if it should be more specific and was told "It's fine" by my PEBLO and also advised by the military doctor it was ok) because I do want it to be considered whether it meets criteria for a Combat Related Injury under the simulating war- war games, practice alerts, tactical exercises, leadership reaction courses, etc.
GENERAL ADVICE?
Seeking out all resources like I admittedly should have done from the beginning, but can't take back my trust or turn back time now. I'm 25 and have a wife and 2 year old son, I do not want any more than I am entitled to- I wanted to be a life long Marine. Now, due to the Marine Corps, that will not happen. I also led a very active lifestyle before this (hiking, running marathons, etc.) which is all but ceased, although finally they have referred me to a pain management course which is slowly helping to adjust to my new normal.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.