Medical Board Questions, help!

Hi there. I am currently active duty in the Navy. I was sea duty then was transfered to shore duty on limdu orders, now i have been put on a med board.

My background:
Im currenlty in the beginning process of my medical board. I was recommended for a medical board with "Major Depression" and "Anxiety" . Unfortunatley, I experienced a misscarriage Feb 2019. My misscarriage triggered me to go into a depressive state. I was no longer able to focus, i was having mood swings, i was having troubles concentrating at work and i started having sleep issues. I became reclusive, i no longer had intrest in activities i once loved. I started having relationship problems with my husband to the point where we almost seperated. i felt so alone and i just wanted to sleep and not wake up.

I started going to fleet and family prior to my limdu orders. I went to them for 4 months until i finally had a severe mental break down and i scheduled an appointment with the mental health clinic. I have been seeing my pyschologist there for almost 5 months now. Since then i have been changing medications trying to find the right dosage. I have gone through 3 different prescriptions along with different dosages. The side effects included mood swings, headaches, fatique, dizziness, low self esteem and weight gain... i told my pyschologists that although i was not suicidal i had horrible thoughts that i didnt know where they were coming from. i am no longer the person i was and i hate it.

So here i am now. begining my med board and im not gonna lie, im freaking out about it.

So heres the deal, my contract is over in October 2020. Will this process keep me in pasted that? My pyschologist told me that since i am doing a med board i could be POSSIBLY out as early as April 2020. Is that relastic?

i meet with the PEBLO tomorrow and my JAG lawyer later this week. Can i actualy trust these people? I spoke with my JAG once, he insisted that i go thru the VA and make the claims and due this process the "Right" way versus taking the quick and easy route. Was this a mistake that i agreed with him?

As far as the VA goes, are they checking all my issues? I have been seen for podiatry for a heel and ankle injury that i obtained while in the navy. should i tell the va to look at that as well? I have medical documentation for these too.

Most importanly. How will this effect me after i get out? Will i still be able to get a normal job ? Will i still be able to have all my benefits ie: VA loan?

Not gonna lie, i feel horrible im going out this way. i didnt plan for any of this. and i truly feel like a failure and i really honeslty tried to act ok. i really did put a smile on my face and try to act ok... but im miserable.

Any help or advice will be greatly appriecated.
 
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So heres the deal, my contract is over in October 2020. Will this process keep me in pasted that? My pyschologist told me that since i am doing a med board i could be POSSIBLY out as early as April 2020. Is that relastic?

Yes, the timelines presented are realistic. If the process runs into your contract end date it can be extended to complete the MEB/PEB.

i meet with the PEBLO tomorrow and my JAG lawyer later this week. Can i actualy trust these people? I spoke with my JAG once, he insisted that i go thru the VA and make the claims and due this process the "Right" way versus taking the quick and easy route. Was this a mistake that i agreed with him?

Yes, you can trust them. There will be group briefings. Ask questions and make sure to take good notes.


As far as the VA goes, are they checking all my issues? I have been seen for podiatry for a heel and ankle injury that i obtained while in the navy. should i tell the va to look at that as well? I have medical documentation for these too.

The VA has a MSC who will look at your service treatment records and make recommendations on which issues for you to claim. They may not have access to private treatment records or restricted mental health records so be sure to provide them if they will help your claim.


Most importanly. How will this effect me after i get out? Will i still be able to get a normal job ? Will i still be able to have all my benefits ie: VA loan?

Yes, you should be able to get a normal job if you have the desire to work. There are many opportunities for service members after MEB to include governmental and private sector hiring preference. You will be able to keep all of your benefits. Do not get into trouble because a dishonorable discharge can make you lose many benefits.
 
UPDATE
31Oct19 Talked to my JAG lawyer, he went over my case and said that he more then likely I will be found fit for full, (my case worker and social worker both disagree with him) he asked me to do a personal statement and told me to send my email to him, I sent the email and never received anymore information from him. I have called, texted, and emailed him and no response. I sent an email to his assistant 18NOV19 so hopefully I will be hearing from her.

06NOV19 Spoke with a VA representative and went over issues. Currently the VA will be checking my Major Depressive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Plantar Fasciitis (left heel), severe sprain (right ankle), irregular cycles, severe migraines, upper/lower back pain, allergies, left hip condition, and insomnia .

11OCT19 VA eye exam

I have my exam with the VA scheduled for this week. Is there anything I should know about these exams?
 
Yes, for your musculoskeletal exam, were you sent for x-ray imaging? Typically the examiner will request those to look for any evidence of traumatic arthritis.

Make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing, do not ear any extra garments that will take any effort whatsoever to remove. If it is cold outside, bring a blanket, not a coat. Wear slip on shoes if you can and not socks if possible. The providers always make a notation of how you disrobe and that can affect your ROM measurements. ALL ROM measurements must HURT, as this is 10% right off the go.

Discuss the in-service event that lead to your injuries, whether it was physical fitness training, a fall or even if it is just carrying your heavy field gear. The goal is to associate some sort of trauma with the injury, rather than a series of small events that add to an eventual injury.

Perhaps your irregular cycle has lead it Female Sexual Arousal Disorder? (foot stomp).
 
gsfowler said:
Yes, for your musculoskeletal exam, were you sent for x-ray imaging? Typically the examiner will request those to look for any evidence of traumatic arthritis.

No xrays yet. This is my first full on appointment with them.

Make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing, do not ear any extra garments that will take any effort whatsoever to remove. If it is cold outside, bring a blanket, not a coat. Wear slip on shoes if you can and not socks if possible. The providers always make a notation of how you disrobe and that can affect your ROM measurements. ALL ROM measurements must HURT, as this is 10% right off the go.
-are they basing the hurt off of physically reaction?

Discuss the in-service event that lead to your injuries, whether it was physical fitness training, a fall or even if it is just carrying your heavy field gear. The goal is to associate some sort of trauma with the injury, rather than a series of small events that add to an eventual injury.

Perhaps your irregular cycle has lead it Female Sexual Arousal Disorder? (foot stomp).
-is that a thing?
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Yes it is a thing and would be awarded SMC-K (loss of use of a creative organ)
 
Tomorrow is my appointment, someone told me not to wear make up and well for a lack of better words "look more depressed then usual". Is that true? Also, I have and ankle brace and a heel brace I was given by navy medical should I wear those to VA?
 
*Update*
11-21-19- had my apt with the VA psychologists. He asked me very bluntly after 10-15 mins if I wanted to be separated or wanted to get out. I told him I wanted out. He understood my reasoning, he explained that depending on what I wanted, he had to write the information gathered a certain way. We ended with him concluding I had depression(isolation, change in sleep pattern, change in libido,etc) and anxiety (panic attack, hyperventilating, jittery feeling, nightmares) he told me that he sees me being able to get disability due to my symptoms. Would it be safe to say I will get 30%? I have seen on this forum a list of what the VA looks at in order to say what percentage. I seemed to have matched up with the 30% criteria. Can anyone provide feedback?
 
bellasmom937 said:
*Update*
11-21-19- had my apt with the VA psychologists. He asked me very bluntly after 10-15 mins if I wanted to be separated or wanted to get out. I told him I wanted out. He understood my reasoning, he explained that depending on what I wanted, he had to write the information gathered a certain way. We ended with him concluding I had depression(isolation, change in sleep pattern, change in libido,etc) and anxiety (panic attack, hyperventilating, jittery feeling, nightmares) he told me that he sees me being able to get disability due to my symptoms. Would it be safe to say I will get 30%? I have seen on this forum a list of what the VA looks at in order to say what percentage. I seemed to have matched up with the 30% criteria. Can anyone provide feedback?
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It's hard to say at this point. The VA doc will fill out a DBQ that will be sent as part of your package to the board (and eventually to the VA if you're found unfit). A DBQ is done for each condition you listed as part of your C&P exam. However, like I mentioned, you'll need to get found unfit by the DoD before even worrying about what the VA doc said at this point. As far as the DBQ goes, there's multiple blocks that the doc will check based off of your appointment with them. This, along with the write up and your medical history, are used for determination of your rating. It's hard to say for certain what you may or may not get without this information. Since you had your C&P exam yesterday, it's going to take a few weeks (usually) to get this information. Hope this helps.
 
Update*
05DEC19- had physical exams along with several xrays.
Doctor concluded with writing me up for the following:
- contact dermatitis
-allergies (pollen)
(pollen)
-Achilles tendonitis (left)
-plantar fasciitis (left)
-flat foot (both)
-sprained ankle (right)
*she preformed the excersizes with me to see the extent with my injuries on my feet and a few things she asked to do I couldnt or would be painful and she saw that*
-hemmorrhea? (Spelled wrong, painful cycles)

She also found I had multiple spasms in my back and neck and wrote me down for those as well. I am scheduled to returned and finish my exam next thursday after I complete a hearing exam.

Anyone have any advice to what they think my outcome may be? My original eaos is 12dec20. A few people have told me that since I'm less then a year out (I have almost 2 months of leave saved for terminal) that due to my med board they might just seperate me sooner. Is this likely?

Thank you
 
bellasmom937 said:
Update*
05DEC19- had physical exams along with several xrays.
Doctor concluded with writing me up for the following:
- contact dermatitis
-allergies (pollen)
(pollen)
-Achilles tendonitis (left)
-plantar fasciitis (left)
-flat foot (both)
-sprained ankle (right)
*she preformed the excersizes with me to see the extent with my injuries on my feet and a few things she asked to do I couldnt or would be painful and she saw that*
-hemmorrhea? (Spelled wrong, painful cycles)

She also found I had multiple spasms in my back and neck and wrote me down for those as well. I am scheduled to returned and finish my exam next thursday after I complete a hearing exam.

Anyone have any advice to what they think my outcome may be? My original eaos is 12dec20. A few people have told me that since I'm less then a year out (I have almost 2 months of leave saved for terminal) that due to my med board they might just seperate me sooner. Is this likely?

Thank you
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Yup
 
bellasmom937 said:
Update*
05DEC19- had physical exams along with several xrays.
Doctor concluded with writing me up for the following:
- contact dermatitis
-allergies (pollen)
(pollen)
-Achilles tendonitis (left)
-plantar fasciitis (left)
-flat foot (both)
-sprained ankle (right)
*she preformed the excersizes with me to see the extent with my injuries on my feet and a few things she asked to do I couldnt or would be painful and she saw that*
-hemmorrhea? (Spelled wrong, painful cycles)

She also found I had multiple spasms in my back and neck and wrote me down for those as well. I am scheduled to returned and finish my exam next thursday after I complete a hearing exam.

Anyone have any advice to what they think my outcome may be? My original eaos is 12dec20. A few people have told me that since I'm less then a year out (I have almost 2 months of leave saved for terminal) that due to my med board they might just seperate me sooner. Is this likely?

Thank you
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Let's set some things straight:
Regarding ratings, no one can guess a number until we see what boxes are checked and narratives are written during your VA C&P - provide that and you can then get some educated guesses from your friends here.

Regarding separation, you are seeing the MEB because you are potentially unfit for service, the PEB will determine what injuries you have claimed and what conditions you were MEB'd for are unfitting/fitting :
No unfitting conditions: return to service
unfitting conditions rated 0%-30% : Separated via severance
Unfitting conditions rated greater than 30% : separation via medical retirement

Are you nearing 20 years? If so then you have appeals and options to try to serve until retirement , if the ETS of 12 DEC 2020 is not a retirement date and you still have over a year until retirement, and you are found unfit, then expect to be separated before your ETS sometime in 2020.

Does that help answer your questions?
 
heathro1281 said:
Let's set some things straight:
Regarding ratings, no one can guess a number until we see what boxes are checked and narratives are written during your VA C&P - provide that and you can then get some educated guesses from your friends here.

Regarding separation, you are seeing the MEB because you are potentially unfit for service, the PEB will determine what injuries you have claimed and what conditions you were MEB'd for are unfitting/fitting :
No unfitting conditions: return to service
unfitting conditions rated 0%-30% : Separated via severance
Unfitting conditions rated greater than 30% : separation via medical retirement

Are you nearing 20 years? If so then you have appeals and options to try to serve until retirement , if the ETS of 12 DEC 2020 is not a retirement date and you still have over a year until retirement, and you are found unfit, then expect to be separated before your ETS sometime in 2020.

Does that help answer your questions?
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Thank you for replying!!! Really helps because I feel pretty lost with this whole process. No I am not no where near 20 I am still on my first 4 year contract I've been in for three years.
 
bellasmom937 said:
Thank you for replying!!! Really helps because I feel pretty lost with this whole process. No I am not no where near 20 I am still on my first 4 year contract I've been in for three years.
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Since you are nearing 20 years, then you will likely have a decision before your ETS, in some cases you can be placed on hold until after your ETS to finish the board, or you can waive the board and separate via ETS. In many cases it is best to let the board run its course, you could separate with all you VA benefits in hand, and have less work to do with the VA after separation.
 
heathro1281 said:
Since you are nearing 20 years, then you will likely have a decision before your ETS, in some cases you can be placed on hold until after your ETS to finish the board, or you can waive the board and separate via ETS. In many cases it is best to let the board run its course, you could separate with all you VA benefits in hand, and have less work to do with the VA after separation.
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^^ still on first contract I'm at 3 years
 
bellasmom937 said:
^^ still on first contract I'm at 3 years
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Sorry, I was on my phone and autocorrected, I did mean to say "YOU ARE NOT NEARING 20 YEARS" ------ Everything I said still applies as I intended it to be a message about you not being near retirement.
 
Hello everyone, today I finally completed my VA exams. My question is what is next? My peblo/lawyer are hard to get ahold of so I figure someone might be able to help me here. Thank you!
 
bellasmom937 said:
Hello everyone, today I finally completed my VA exams. My question is what is next? My peblo/lawyer are hard to get ahold of so I figure someone might be able to help me here. Thank you!
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Now the waiting begins. Once the VA docs finish typing up their DBQs (could take days or weeks), it gets sent to the MSC who sends it to your PEBLO. Your PEBLO will provide most of the paperwork to your Navy doc who did the Navy-side of your evaluation. They will then type up what's called a Narrative Summary (NARSUM). This will then be sent back to your PEBLO who will then send it to you to sign (make sure the read it and review it with a JAG to make sure it looks good). Once you sign that and send it to your PEBLO, they will send everything to the PEB.

Just try to be patient. It's the holiday standdown period for much of the military, so things will move slowly right now.
 
Im so frustrated with the meb/peb process. Im in the peb portion of the process and recieved my ratings from the VA 20 percent for my shoulder 10 percent for my knee and 70 percent for ptsd/bipolar. However the 70 percent in the letter I recieved says its not service connected and theres no diagnosis and the rating is for ides purposes only. This is after i sent in over 100 pages of medical records have a lod for my ptsd and my c&p exam shows i have ptsd. When i called the VA apparently i filed a claim back in 2000 and was denied for bipolar (dont Remember doing it) however the ptsd is a new claim. Im waiting to recieve my da 199. Has anyone else had something like this happen?
 
bellasmom937 said:
Hello everyone, today I finally completed my VA exams. My question is what is next? My peblo/lawyer are hard to get ahold of so I figure someone might be able to help me here. Thank you!
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Ill start with every timeline is different. DoN has a huge backup right now. As you get advice and look at timelines, your best best is to use your Navy and Marine Corps brethren as a good gauge. My timeline is below. Assuming that your timeline goes exactly as mine does (I had a slightly longer VA decision than most; Dates past va package closed are estimates based on the averages for DoN packages right now):

1 Feb - FIT / UNFIT decision
15 Mar- VA Package closed
15 Apr - Decision provided to you by PEBLO
1 May - Decision accepted / appealed

If Accepted:
1 Jun (+ Terminal / PTAD) - EAS

If Appeal
1 Jun - Formal Board
1 Jul - (+ Terminal / PTAD) - EAS

My timeline:
2 Aug 2019 - C&P Complete
19 Aug 2019 - Package submitted to PEB.
22 Oct 2019 - Package sent to VA - PEBLO informs unfit decision was reached.
3 Dec 2019 - VA compensation page shows "closed" & "decision letter sent".
PROJECTED - 30-45 Days for Decision to be sent to me.
 
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