Sent Home from Training – Will This Trigger an MEB?

BLUF: USAR Chaplain (56A) with 3 YOS sent home from CHBOLC (Chaplain School) due to service-connected injuries (feet, knees, spine). Multiple DA 2173s link injuries to training. Permanent functional limitations make MOS graduation requirements (rucking, extended standing) unachievable. I am willing to undergo bunion and fracture repair surgeries (bunion is no longer manageable), but I am declining full reconstructive arch surgery for pes planus (flat feet), which I can manage as a civilian but not as a soldier. Concerned MEB/PEB may label as “recoverable” despite irreversible arthritis and worsening, symptomatic flat feet.

Summary:

• Apr 2024 (IDT - BA Weekend): Right foot Lisfranc + severe bunion (hallux valgus) injury. DA 2173 signed by commander/provider. Orthotics prescribed.
• May–Jul 2025 (ADT - CHBOLC): Daily PRT, rucks, land nav. Developed bilateral knee chondromalacia (Grade IV/III), L5–S1 facet arthropathy, bilateral grade 4 foot stress injuries. Two more DA 2173s (commandant + sick call provider signed) link all injuries to training. Bone scan at Army Health Clinic confirmed Grade 4 fractures in the feet, and one stress injury on the spine.
• Post-ADT (48 hrs): Civilian podiatrist confirmed worsening pes planus, fractures in both feet, worsening bunion; now requires surgery on both feet. Advised pes planus is not correctable without reconstructive arch surgery in addition to bunion/fracture repair.
• Current: Can’t stand >15 min, can’t ruck. ACFT and HT/WT passed 30 days prior to injuries. Mild arthritis in knees, feet, hip (irreversible). Willing to have bunion and fracture repairs (bunions no longer manageable), but not reconstructive arch surgery—flat feet manageable in civilian life, not in uniform (boots).
• Status: Being considered this month for AD accession and possible O3 promotion.

Question: Based on similar cases, would this likely proceed to MEB now, or would they try to return me to training? Am I P3 eligible right now? Will they (AR-MMC) want to see me have surgery first, before the P3 (MEB trigger)? I've already applied for VA benefits about 7 days ago. I have not submitted the doctor's paperwork to AR-MMC because I am concerned my conditions may be seen as recoverable despite how I feel.

 

[Provis]

BLUF: USAR Chaplain (56A) with 3 YOS sent home from CHBOLC (Chaplain School) due to service-connected injuries (feet, knees, spine). Multiple DA 2173s link injuries to training. Permanent functional limitations make MOS graduation requirements (rucking, extended standing) unachievable. I am willing to undergo bunion and fracture repair surgeries (bunion is no longer manageable), but I am declining full reconstructive arch surgery for pes planus (flat feet), which I can manage as a civilian but not as a soldier. Concerned MEB/PEB may label as “recoverable” despite irreversible arthritis and worsening, symptomatic flat feet.

Summary:

• Apr 2024 (IDT - BA Weekend): Right foot Lisfranc + severe bunion (hallux valgus) injury. DA 2173 signed by commander/provider. Orthotics prescribed.
• May–Jul 2025 (ADT - CHBOLC): Daily PRT, rucks, land nav. Developed bilateral knee chondromalacia (Grade IV/III), L5–S1 facet arthropathy, bilateral grade 4 foot stress injuries. Two more DA 2173s (commandant + sick call provider signed) link all injuries to training. Bone scan at Army Health Clinic confirmed Grade 4 fractures in the feet, and one stress injury on the spine.
• Post-ADT (48 hrs): Civilian podiatrist confirmed worsening pes planus, fractures in both feet, worsening bunion; now requires surgery on both feet. Advised pes planus is not correctable without reconstructive arch surgery in addition to bunion/fracture repair.
• Current: Can’t stand >15 min, can’t ruck. ACFT and HT/WT passed 30 days prior to injuries. Mild arthritis in knees, feet, hip (irreversible). Willing to have bunion and fracture repairs (bunions no longer manageable), but not reconstructive arch surgery—flat feet manageable in civilian life, not in uniform (boots).
• Status: Being considered this month for AD accession and possible O3 promotion.

Question: Based on similar cases, would this likely proceed to MEB now, or would they try to return me to training? Am I P3 eligible right now? Will they (AR-MMC) want to see me have surgery first, before the P3 (MEB trigger)? I've already applied for VA benefits about 7 days ago. I have not submitted the doctor's paperwork to AR-MMC because I am concerned my conditions may be seen as recoverable despite how I feel.

Talk with a private attorney. I will send you references. Get a consult at the very least.