So I had back and left leg issues for almost 1 year but my mri did not show anything important.I've been on profile since june my pcm put referral for meb this friday,what should I await next?I was told I have to be on profile for 1 year to start meb but I've been on profle for 8 month so Im confused also I was told by 1 of docs it could come with decision found fit,so If someone can give me information how this works would be great,thanks.
Welcome to the PEB Forum!
Unfortunately, despite the advances in modern medicine and the best efforts of patients, some military service members cannot be returned to full-duty status. In this event, it will be necessary for the military service member to be referred to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).
Indeed, a total of 12 months on a military temporary profile (cumulative or consecutive) for any medical condition would typically initiate a referral into the DoD IDES process automatically. Also, if a military service member's medical provider determines that the military service member's ability to continue their military service is questionable due to a physical and/or mental impairment then a referral into the DoD IDES process can be initiated at that given point in time.
To any extent, a military service member with a serious medical condition can be found fit when the evidence establishes that the military service member can perform his or her duties. The mere fact that one or more medical conditions exist does not constitute an unfit determination. Moreover, the inability to deploy to austere environments is only one factor in determining unfitness.
Nonetheless, since the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process is a performance-based system, one
important factor is the impact of
all medical conditions affecting the military service member's ability to "reasonably perform duties of his or her office, grade, rank or rating." At your leisure, please review the new
DTM 18-004 and
DoD Manual 1332.18 (Volume 2) for detailed information about the DoD IDES process.
In my experienced opinion, of most importance, please remain "positively proactive" and
never default acceptance to any injustices while in the DoD IDES process; fight then continue to fight some more until receipt of your desired expectations supportive via all available medical evidence and/or medical documentation! Take care and I hope for much success!
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer!"
Best Wishes!