Thank you for taking the time to read my question(s). I apologize ahead of time for the lengthy post. I have never had a Soldier go through a MEB, so the whole process is new to me even as a participant. I need some information, as the timeline provided to me isn't exactly clear, is wrong, or just isn't being followed.
Background info: I'm a Staff Sergeant with 7 years (this month actually) in the Army (all active time). Currently stationed at Fort Polk.
In Iraq 06-07, a combination of crummy roads, no suspension, and body armor was hurting my back quite a bit. I ignored it for almost 2 years after we got back. Last year, I finally went to the doc. MRI revealed 2 hearniated discs, L4-L5 and L5-S1, along with degenerative disc disease and radicular pain down the left leg. Physical therapy for several months didn't help, nerve block and steroid injections didn't help.
About 3 weeks ago, I was placed on a L3 profile and referred to a MEB. I have met once with my PEBLO, who took basic information, and said he would put me on the waiting list to see the Med Board doctor. Received an email from him, stating that I'm on the waiting list, and it will be a 30-50 day wait, as they are really busy and another unit on post has priority for some reason.
My basic questions:
1. According to the timeline my CO and 1SG were provided at a leader's briefing, I have not done any VA paperwork, met with anyone other than my PEBLO once, nor have I been counseled. Are these actions required before I see the med board doc? (see attached file)
2. How is the process actually supposed to work? I understand things take longer sometmies, but my case is pretty cut and dry according to my PEBLO - they've done everything except surgery (which they don't want to do), I have no other conditions needing evaluation...Is the process/timeline attached correct or is it way off?
3. I ETS in June of 2011. I don't care if I am separated with benefits or medically retired before that point. I just want out by my ETS date. I've served proudly and honorably for 7 years, and will until I am out. What happens if for some reason this whole rigamaroll takes longer than the DES program is supposed to and I am approaching my ETS date?
4. In the claims process, do they take loss of quality of life into account? I can't ride my motorcycle, sneeze, cough, etc. without pain shooting down my leg. In fact, I don't even ride my motorcycle at all anymore. What really makes me nervous is my wife and I are expecting our first child (baby girl!) in October, and I am afraid I won't be able to pick her up out of the car, and as she gets older, even pick her up to hold her without it hurting.
Any answers or advice anyone can pass along would be greatly appreciated. God bless.
Background info: I'm a Staff Sergeant with 7 years (this month actually) in the Army (all active time). Currently stationed at Fort Polk.
In Iraq 06-07, a combination of crummy roads, no suspension, and body armor was hurting my back quite a bit. I ignored it for almost 2 years after we got back. Last year, I finally went to the doc. MRI revealed 2 hearniated discs, L4-L5 and L5-S1, along with degenerative disc disease and radicular pain down the left leg. Physical therapy for several months didn't help, nerve block and steroid injections didn't help.
About 3 weeks ago, I was placed on a L3 profile and referred to a MEB. I have met once with my PEBLO, who took basic information, and said he would put me on the waiting list to see the Med Board doctor. Received an email from him, stating that I'm on the waiting list, and it will be a 30-50 day wait, as they are really busy and another unit on post has priority for some reason.
My basic questions:
1. According to the timeline my CO and 1SG were provided at a leader's briefing, I have not done any VA paperwork, met with anyone other than my PEBLO once, nor have I been counseled. Are these actions required before I see the med board doc? (see attached file)
2. How is the process actually supposed to work? I understand things take longer sometmies, but my case is pretty cut and dry according to my PEBLO - they've done everything except surgery (which they don't want to do), I have no other conditions needing evaluation...Is the process/timeline attached correct or is it way off?
3. I ETS in June of 2011. I don't care if I am separated with benefits or medically retired before that point. I just want out by my ETS date. I've served proudly and honorably for 7 years, and will until I am out. What happens if for some reason this whole rigamaroll takes longer than the DES program is supposed to and I am approaching my ETS date?
4. In the claims process, do they take loss of quality of life into account? I can't ride my motorcycle, sneeze, cough, etc. without pain shooting down my leg. In fact, I don't even ride my motorcycle at all anymore. What really makes me nervous is my wife and I are expecting our first child (baby girl!) in October, and I am afraid I won't be able to pick her up out of the car, and as she gets older, even pick her up to hold her without it hurting.
Any answers or advice anyone can pass along would be greatly appreciated. God bless.
