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- Thread starter mford019
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Jason Perry
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I think all it does for timeline is keep the member in the military while the VA rating process is completed. I have seen some figures that suggest a slightly longer time overall for IDES as compared to legacy cases.
mford, I wasn't briefed anything to begin with, I was told I would be out by June or July....I'm still in. That being said, it is a lot better of a system than the legacy system. I've heard the same excuses even in the new system over and over and it's really frustrating. Tired of hearing how there is such a high employee turnover and how the system is so backed up....really made my blood boil, but I know I am one of the lucky ones who wasn't stuck with serious issues.
The worst part is that the timelines are "timeliness goals" and not time standards. They're routinely ignored and blown off. Better yet, timelines that are tracked and reported to the politicians and military brass don't start when you are referred, so all the time you spend waiting for VA C&P exams and for the MEB to adjudicate your case doesn't really count.
The best advice I can give is to be your own advocate, learn the regulations that dictate how hings are supposed to go - don't rely solely on your PEBLO for the correct answers (My PEBLO was one of the people who said I would be out by July so I could start college this fall). There are some people on here who really, really know the process forwards and backwards - use it!
Best of luck to you.
Tom
The worst part is that the timelines are "timeliness goals" and not time standards. They're routinely ignored and blown off. Better yet, timelines that are tracked and reported to the politicians and military brass don't start when you are referred, so all the time you spend waiting for VA C&P exams and for the MEB to adjudicate your case doesn't really count.
The best advice I can give is to be your own advocate, learn the regulations that dictate how hings are supposed to go - don't rely solely on your PEBLO for the correct answers (My PEBLO was one of the people who said I would be out by July so I could start college this fall). There are some people on here who really, really know the process forwards and backwards - use it!
Best of luck to you.
Tom
I really kinda get sick of people complaining about how long the process takes. (Yes, I am getting ready to vent!!) Anyone with more than one day in the military has heard the term, "Hurry up and wait!". Look folks, you are still getting a pay check, you are still getting medical coverage, you just need to give the process the time and take care of what you think you deserve. I understand it is frustrating, but keep your eye on the prize. A deserved military and VA rating at the end is all that matters.
I have posted or PMd somewhere that if I do not get a 30% combat related military rating and a 100% VA rating I am appealing. That means I am in the system even LONGER!!! I have 25 years active duty and another 2-3 just increases my retirement pay. But I am going for what I think I deserve!
Bottom line....keep your head up and look at the BIG picture and your life 20 years down the road!
I have posted or PMd somewhere that if I do not get a 30% combat related military rating and a 100% VA rating I am appealing. That means I am in the system even LONGER!!! I have 25 years active duty and another 2-3 just increases my retirement pay. But I am going for what I think I deserve!
Bottom line....keep your head up and look at the BIG picture and your life 20 years down the road!
I think there is a general conception issue here about the IDES. When they say it is streamlined, and takes less time it is true. You have to look at the big picture though. Does it mean you get out sooner? Not always, but it does ensure when you get out you get your VA benifits quicker. Remember the old process was you go through all this and get a rating from the military. Then you get out. Then you go through all this again with the VA. So if you look at it in the proper prospective, it does save time in that you get your VA benifits faster this way as both processes are combined.
I am 50%/50% with this quote. I totally understand where you are coming from. If the military wants to take its sweet time to get these things done....FINE... I will just sit here and collect a pay check. On the other side I can see where people want to keep things moving. I mean we all have lives to live, and sitting here waiting is not helping us progress our careers. In my case I am not going to be promoted again (all selection boards from here on out). I mean ask yourself, if you had 10 years until you could retire with lots of oppurtunities to advance your career. Then all of the sudden all that is removed. Yes you are still getting paid and have all the benefits. However you are sitting watching your peers advance while you are sitting at the same desk you have been for the last 3-4 years. I would be/am frustrated and want this process to get moving. I have a family that I have to take care of and am looking at the big picture "20 years down the road" as you stated. If I could get released and start a new career today, 20 years from now I would be farther along in that career than if I was forced to sit and wait on this board for 12-18 months, then start that same career.
Not looking to pick a fight just saying I see where you are coming from but it is indeed 2 fold.
I concur about the disagreements with me. I live within the parameters I am given. I lost a $150k job with General Dynamics because I could not give them a time line for the IDES.
acx...I am not 'padding my retirement', I am just making sure I get the ratings I deserve. If it takes the Army 18-24 months, so be it. I will not be pushed out due to a time frame or someones lack of knowledge. I have more time in combat then most on this site, and LODs to prove it.
Charles...good comments, I just have a wife and no kids so our perspectives are a little different. Being in the IDES means no OERs, no deployments, etc, so yes, it feels like you are in limbo. And IMHO we are, but once we get out and have our ratings, will it matter? Only time can tell. Taking care of your family is prime. My point was that even going thru the process, we still can monetarily keep our family fed.
Folks, we just are here to share info and experiences. My post was meant to convey a look at the big picture. The MEB/PEB process is long and in depth. When you get frustrated, take a deep breath and take a step back. That was all.
PtDraco
acx...I am not 'padding my retirement', I am just making sure I get the ratings I deserve. If it takes the Army 18-24 months, so be it. I will not be pushed out due to a time frame or someones lack of knowledge. I have more time in combat then most on this site, and LODs to prove it.
Charles...good comments, I just have a wife and no kids so our perspectives are a little different. Being in the IDES means no OERs, no deployments, etc, so yes, it feels like you are in limbo. And IMHO we are, but once we get out and have our ratings, will it matter? Only time can tell. Taking care of your family is prime. My point was that even going thru the process, we still can monetarily keep our family fed.
Folks, we just are here to share info and experiences. My post was meant to convey a look at the big picture. The MEB/PEB process is long and in depth. When you get frustrated, take a deep breath and take a step back. That was all.
PtDraco
Draco, I am not looking to pick a fight either. But look at it from my side of the fence. I was planning on getting out and starting school this fall, with the ultimate goal of attending medical school. Many classes in the spring are a continuation from the fall. So now that I am not able to take, for example, Biology 101 this fall, I cannot attend Bio 102 this spring, pushing me a year behind schedule. I paid to apply to school, paid for transcripts to be sent, registered for classes, and so on for this fall. I did all this based on the fact my PEBLO, the supposed DES subject matter expert, told me I would be done with the process and out of the Army by July at the latest. Had he told me to not make any plans period, I wouldn't have, and I wouldn't be ticked off about it.
It is your choice to appeal your rating should you not get what you feel you are entitled to, meaning it is your choice to stay in the system longer. However, I just want it over and done with so I can move on with my life and not have my family in a constant state of limbo, unable to make plans to purchase a house, look for daycare, look for a job for me, etc. If I were the sole breadwinner in the family, our situation would be that much more stressful. Fortunately, my wife has a very good job she can move with her (she is a CPA for a firm that allows her to work from home). Many people find themselves in the situation where they cannot look for work or housing as they do not have a predictable timeline that allows them to make such plans. It's not the length of the system that bothers me the most (and it does bother me, as it is grossly inefficient), it is the unpredictability that leaves people unable to prepare for such a huge change in their lives.
@Dashfan....have you talked to your Education person in your SFAC? There are ways you can take classes while still going thru the process. Esp Post 9/11 benefits, and 01 Oct, you can use post 9/11 benefits for other than 'normal' diploma qualifying programs!!
I must have been in the process of typing my reply to your first post in this thread at the same time you were. Funny how things work out like that.
I was planning on taking classes while going through this process. Unfortunately, with the amount of time my job demands, as well as the new addition to my family back in October, it just wasn't feasible for me to try to complete more classes at that point. As I said before, my wife has a very good job, so this will allow me to attend school full time once I am out of here while only working part time. I attended college before enlisting, so I know that a traditional classroom environment on campus will benefit me more than taking classes as onesies and twosies in the evening and weekends.
Thank you for the advice though - I am debating on whether to use the post 9/11 bill or apply for voc rehab. All of my previous classes I took before the military were law enforcement related; now that I can no longer be a cop due to my back being so jacked up, I think I would be a good candidate for the VR&E program.
Take care!
Tom
My perspective; patience is a virtue. I have 15 years of Active Duty.
End result; if you have "true" medical condition/s this would most likely affect you on/off duty. May even affect a future job!!
In the private sector you would most likely just get the boot with "0".
A few more months is not going to seal your faith on any ambitions you may have.
Correct me if I am wrong; ALL service members can waive their right to an MEB/PEB, just get discharged/seperated and go to the VA.
Thanks for your time.
End result; if you have "true" medical condition/s this would most likely affect you on/off duty. May even affect a future job!!
In the private sector you would most likely just get the boot with "0".
A few more months is not going to seal your faith on any ambitions you may have.
Correct me if I am wrong; ALL service members can waive their right to an MEB/PEB, just get discharged/seperated and go to the VA.
Thanks for your time.
Allow me to provide another view from what I have read on other posts and am personally experiencing. A lot of people are being harrased and mistreated as well. I am not allowed to attend TAPS or any other classes to prepare for my departure from the military until I get a date per my LTC (supervisor). I have 21 yrs AD & 10 Res/NG, the Dr's failed to make a diagnosis in 2002 & 2006 and I get punished. Everyday is a joy of torment and I have finally decided I can't take much more but I am dealing with it. I'm tired of hearing people taking advantage of the system and complaining about time lines as well but I don't know their situation and am trying to be tolerant. I don't compare my problems with yours because I only know my pain and situation. I'm horrified at the treatment that some are receiving and wish I could help. I will be 50 yrs old in 9 days, leave for the FPEB in 9 days, and have a 7 yr old at home as well (celebrated end of first deployment to well), going through the legacy program (VA later) and really see no job offers in my future. I will do my best for my family and I will get by somehow. I don't want any petty parties just what I deserve. Hang in there because sooner or later this will end.