schizoaffective disorder in E3.

jellis23

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Im currently an E3 in the Air Force, recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I joined 20 JAN 15 which means im just shy of my 2 year mark. I was told they want to start me on meds that would require they start the med board process. Honestly im freaking out, because im only 2 years in does that mean I cant get retired? so they can just give me the boot? Will I get any benefits? Does anyone else have schizoaffective disorder if so what happened to you? Any help would be appreciated my wife and I are freaking out.
 
With 2 years in, you can be medically retired, if the condition was caused by, or aggravated while entitled to active duty pay.

There are quite a bit of potential outcomes based upon what you have stated, would need more information to give a less broad answer. Schizoaffective disorder is a compensable condition.
 
Im just worried because they keep saying that its a genetic disorder that they will try and say that because its a genetic disorder it was preexisting. My question is how do you prove that it was aggravated due to service? Im literally lost in what to do. They keep telling me I am going to get med boarded but the process hasn't started yet. I just feel lost because I don't know in what direction I need to go in order to find out what to do.
 
It falls under the category of affective disorders, just like bipolar disorder, which is what I have. They are both spectrum disorders and are both "genetic" disorders, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's genetic, it just means it CAN be inherited.

It will all come down to how your physician writes up your NARSUM.

I'd suggest taking the prescribed medications and going along with the program. Try to stay calm, as much as possible and ask questions like you're doing.

You'll be alright, I made it almost all the way through the process and they are medically retiring me after only 5 years of service.
 
So depending on how they write the NARSUM, things could go well or I could just be released with no benefits.....
 
So depending on how they write the NARSUM, things could go well or I could just be released with no benefits.....

They should and will in most cases have your best interest in heart (Your physicians). They will write an honest assessment of how your disorder plays a role in your work life, as well as your home life. You have to provide as much information as possible.

I don't know what separates prior service related issues determination and current. I wasn't really concerned about that in my case because when I'm un-medicated, my symptoms are extremely severe, they are bad enough now.

I don't know enough about you to tell whether they will rule either way, just try not to worry about that and handle things as they come and be as much a part of your treatment as possible.

There's obviously a reason why they diagnosed you schizoaffective.

Keep us posted on what goes on. The next step will be NARSUM to DAWG, which will decide if they go to full MEB. If they go to full MEB, you will be contacted by your PEBLO. Your PEBLO will be your main POC for all things separation (retirement).
 
I appreciate the help, I just feel like my entire career ive always heard of the military screwing people over and I don't want to be another story...
 
Hey man - I'm going through an MEB for schizoaffective right now. I've been in for 13 years though.
As a long-time sufferer with this and only recently began treatment: take your meds. They help a lot. I didn't know how far off my thought processes were (I still don't understand what healthy thought sounds like) until they put me on antipsychotics.
Take care of your health first.
 
If you need to chat with a fellow schizoaffective service member you can shoot me a PM.
 
Im just worried because they keep saying that its a genetic disorder that they will try and say that because its a genetic disorder it was preexisting. My question is how do you prove that it was aggravated due to service? Im literally lost in what to do. They keep telling me I am going to get med boarded but the process hasn't started yet. I just feel lost because I don't know in what direction I need to go in order to find out what to do.
Who's "they"? :confused:
 
Last thing - they need to give you some time to improve. If your diagnosis doesn't sit right with you, challenge it. If the meds are not helping or are causing side-effects you don't like, ask them to change them. (But absolutely remain compliant and take them all as prescribed and if they tell you how to taper-off of one, do it as instructed - these are serious drugs). If you are showing improvement and also look like you may be off of meds at some point, they just might keep you.
Also - even though you've only been in two years - it isn't unreasonable to say that you developed this since you were in or that it grew worse during service. The nature of schizophrenia and its cousins is that they show up later in life.
 
Update: Today I was told by the Lead Psychologist he doesn't think I have schizoaffective disorder because I don't present as someone with said symptoms but that its a sleep/ anxiety issue causing the voice. Regardless they started an anti-psychotic meaning they will have to start the med board process. He did say he has no problem waiting 2-3 months to start that process because this is treatment and as he says " frankly I don't give a damn what the Air Force wants, we have to do whats best for you first then the Air Force." This makes me feel much better as I feel like im getting more of an understanding of what is going on and that "my team" is actually trying to help and not screw me over.
 
That's good news. Just keep up with your meds - don't miss doses. They bounced me around on meds that would 'force an MEB' for years before finally sending me to an MEB. I don't think they would have except for me saying enough is enough, it's time.
 
A MH disorder that has a genetic component does not necessarily mean you inherited the disease. Yes, certain diseases run in families. The evidence is associative not cause and effect.
 
My husband was diagnosed with the same last April. He had no previous history of anything mental health related until this past deployment. He was hospitalized for three months. They originally thought it was just severe sleep depression. Symptoms psychosis, living in his on reality, auditory hallucinations, and suicidal ideation. I can say that once he started medications things improved dramatically. I agree with what others echoed above. Start the meds...they will help. The voices may go away. The med board process is not cut and dry. It is a long process that I have found what your doctors document is to your benefit later. I would think you would most likely be medically retired if eligible. This forum has been wonderful in answering my questions to help advocate for my husband.
 
Hey man - I'm going through an MEB for schizoaffective right now. I've been in for 13 years though.
As a long-time sufferer with this and only recently began treatment: take your meds. They help a lot. I didn't know how far off my thought processes were (I still don't understand what healthy thought sounds like) until they put me on antipsychotics.
Take care of your health first.

Are you Air Force? Looking at your timeline, you package went to IPEB the day after me.
 
I am but my packet hasn't been put in yet, ive been trying to delay the process because I was told by docs that I have no chance of being retained so I wanted a few extra paychecks before they put it in.
 
I'm Army
 
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