MEB timeline Bipolar 1

End of January 2025, Psyciatrist diagnosed me with Bipolar 1 disorder. Provider wrote NARSUM and submitted to local board.
Early February, local board decided to move forward to IRILO
Late February, met with command, they recommended do not retain.
March IRILO recommended proceed to full MEB
April, C&P evaluations were completed early
Early June got VA appointment summary as well as NARSUM back to review and sign.
Mid August results of med board came back recommending medical retirement
DOD:50%, VA:100%
Awaiting orders in two weeks, then 15 days to out-process on top of terminal leave.

All in all very frustrating stressful process, things definitely took a while from the VA appointments to finally finding out a decision. Thankfully my provider as well as my C&P examiner were very helpful and kind.
 
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Was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 last September and have been on lithium ever since. Base MH diagnosed me with BPD (without formal evaluation Or ruling out other diagnosis) and refuses to do an ethical differential diagnostic evaluation. Commander voted to retain me despite me being out for over 115 days out of the year for medical appointments, outpatient, and inpatient hospitalizations because my performance otherwise has been good. I don't think it's in my best interest or the AF due to my limiting conditions and me being non-deployable. I also have chronic spine conditions that cause pain every day. I'm worried about a lot... the MEB won't get to make a determination based on my true conditions and the commander recommending retention. Do you have any advice?
 
Giecoonline said:
Was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 last September and have been on lithium ever since. Base MH diagnosed me with BPD (without formal evaluation Or ruling out other diagnosis) and refuses to do an ethical differential diagnostic evaluation. Commander voted to retain me despite me being out for over 115 days out of the year for medical appointments, outpatient, and inpatient hospitalizations because my performance otherwise has been good. I don't think it's in my best interest or the AF due to my limiting conditions and me being non-deployable. I also have chronic spine conditions that cause pain every day. I'm worried about a lot... the MEB won't get to make a determination based on my true conditions and the commander recommending retention. Do you have any advice?
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That sounds tricky. Were you diagnosed with bipolar 2 off base or something. The best case is asking for a second opinion from a different on base provider. There is so many factors at play it’s hard to say. A few things I know for sure is that although the commanders impact statement is weighed it is not the deciding factor. I would also recommend speaking to your commander about this and expressing your wishes. I also know being on lithium is not something you can deploy on due to its need for blood testing so that may play a factor in your decision. I know sometimes there are career field dependent factors at play, my career field has a high deployment tempo and is very high stakes vs more admin or desk jobs may have a higher chance of retention. If they decide to proceed to full MEB you get a chance to review your NARSUM which is the summary from your provider as to why you were med boarded. If you do not agree with this you can request an impartial medical review where a different provider will look at your case and you get a chance to add in what you think. Hang in there.
 
It's been a unique situation for sure. Can I direct message you?
Dixienormous said:
That sounds tricky. Were you diagnosed with bipolar 2 off base or something. The best case is asking for a second opinion from a different on base provider. There is so many factors at play it’s hard to say. A few things I know for sure is that although the commanders impact statement is weighed it is not the deciding factor. I would also recommend speaking to your commander about this and expressing your wishes. I also know being on lithium is not something you can deploy on due to its need for blood testing so that may play a factor in your decision. I know sometimes there are career field dependent factors at play, my career field has a high deployment tempo and is very high stakes vs more admin or desk jobs may have a higher chance of retention. If they decide to proceed to full MEB you get a chance to review your NARSUM which is the summary from your provider as to why you were med boarded. If you do not agree with this you can request an impartial medical review where a different provider will look at your case and you get a chance to add in what you think. Hang in there.
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