Shaw AFB Timeline (Ankylosing Spondylitis)

A

AdamRozek

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
Thought I would post my timeline so far.

9 Nov 16--Notification/PEBLO Briefing
18 Nov 16--VA Meeting complete/C&P Exams being scheduled
30 Dec 16--C&P Exams
10 Jan 16--C&P Exams
14 Jan 16--C&P Exams
10 Mar 16--Updated 618 Signed, LOE completed, forwarded to AFPC
18 Mar 16--IPEB unfit decision/sent package to VA for ratings
22 Mar 16--Ebenefits status changed to "Preparation For Decision"
11-15 Apr 16--TAPS
 
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Do you mind sharing your VA rating decision? I too have AS, treated w/ Humira. I got a 10% Army / 70% VA preliminary rating myself.
 
I will let you know when I find out. The VA should be determining ratings now.
 
60 driver,

Your PEB AS rating seems to be in error. What VASRD code did the use? Was it DC 5240 only? What areas are affected by your AS?

Mike
 
They used 5240, and rated it as "Ankylosing Spondylitis on Humira" as the unfitting condition. The VA 70% rating is a combination of joints (fingers, feet, hips, neck and knees) and tinnitus and includes the codes: 70% (Bilateral factor of 4.7 Percent for diagnostic codes 5215, 5215, 5237, 5260, 5260, 8520, 8520)

The rationale so far has been that my underlying AS does not prevent me from meeting Army physical fitness standards, as I was passing the APFT and meeting requirements prior to starting treatment. The only thing that makes me unfit, apparently, is my medication. I have been fighting to be found fit-for-duty; so I have not been trying to make my unfitting condition appear worse than it is.

Did I screw up by failing to request a VA rating reconsideration when I responded to the IPEB findings?
 
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I would have asked for a rating review and appealed the fact the PEB found unfit for the medicine use instead of for AS. How did the Army justify a 10% rating? I know of now rating of 10% based on the use of Humira. Where are you in the process?

Mike
 
Mike,

On the DA Form 199, they cite 5242-5240 Ankylosing spondylitis on humira (MEB Dx 1) as my unfitting condition which is, I believe, associated with the preliminary VA rating letter that says "5242-5240 ANKYLOSIS SPONDYLITIS (ALSO CLAIMED AS BILATERAL HIPS, BILATERAL FINGERS AND BILATERAL ELBOWS) [Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)/PEB Referred] Proposed DES Service Connected, Gulf War, Incurred 10%."

I submitted my DA form 199 election with a rebuttal letter and a request for JAG representation + formal hearing. I am currently awaiting a summons to the Formal PEB.

With the exception of my tinnitus (10%) I think the remainder of my VA Rating probably should be associated with my AS:.

I am fighting for a Fit for Duty determination, due to the nature of my MOS and Grade requirements.
 
Yes, I would appeal the hell out of this and ask for a VA reconsideration. Indeed, all of your AS manifestation should be rated under DC 5002 which should rate under both the active disease criteria and the chronic residuals criteria, and taking the higher of these two processes.

Mike
 
Thanks Mike, I just sent an email to my PEBLO to try to start that appeal process ASAP.
 
Does anyone have a good number for Providence? I tried 401-223-3700 and it seems to go to someone personal voicemail box. Thank you.
 
That's the right number. It does go to a weird voicemail box (public contact or something). Just keep calling. The two people I've had answer it are Paul and Sheryl.
 
rifkana,
Thank you. I did just that and finally got someone to answer the phone. My case is assigned to a VA rep and they have until 14 April to determine ratings. Paul told me they usually never take that long. I will be calling back again at the end of this week to see if there are any updates.
 
Can any of ya'll possibly help me out with rank determination? I received my ratings and concurred with everything back in September 2015. My PEBLO then said due to my loosing a stripe that my package has to be sent in to the SECAF for rank determination. We still have not heard a thing. TIA
 
From what I understand it is completely up to the SECAF as to what rank they retire/separate you at. As far as timeline goes hopefully someone that went through a similar experience will read and reply.
 
AdamRozek said:
From what I understand it is completely up to the SECAF as to what rank they retire/separate you at. As far as timeline goes hopefully someone that went through a similar experience will read and reply.
Click to expand...

Thank you Adam! I appreciate it. I hope someone does too. I am not quite understanding why this is necessary when your rank doesn't have anything to do with your pay (well for me at least). I am being medically retired but only have 11 years in and my case is not combat related.
 
I have been calling Providence once a week hoping for an update. As of today it is assigned to a rater with a 21 April suspense. I'm a little concerned looking at others timelines for how quickly the VA made a rating determination. Hopefully it's just because they are having trouble adding all those big numbers up :-D
 
Nothing yet, I have been trying to call my VA rep here with no response. I'm going to call Providence soon. I got an email on my personal email yesterday saying

"Your claim was downloaded by the Muskogee VA Regional Office on April 20, 2016 at 3:07 AM ET time. You will be contacted soon by that office."

I'm not sure what it was in reference too, but ebenefits still says "preparation for decision"
 
Still no change, I just talked to Providence and it is assigned to someone for ratings. The suspense date was 21 April. I am getting nervous why it is taking so long for them to make ratings. I have looked at others timelines and it seems like they never go over the 30 day suspense.
 
The VA finished my ratings on May 2nd. The second claim on eBenefits disappeared so I called my VA rep here on base. She was able to confirm that the ratings had been determined and should be on their way back to the IPEB. I am hoping that they decide my asthma is unfitting as well as the AS. I will share ratings when I officially receive them.
 
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