I don't know about your locations, but those of us here in Lemoore are almost concidered like we are infectious and they don't want the Med Board people talking to or knowing each other. So this is the only support system for the board process I have too.
I find it highly interesting how differently the cases are handled just within the Navy. I'm a First Class with almost 19 years in, and the order on which my case is being handled seems a little different. I was already attached to a shore command in Lemoore. Took all my records to the PEBLO, as well as a NARSUM from my LIMDU Doctor (I have a LIMDU doctor and 4 flight surgeons for my primary care providers). Then she set me up with the VA liason between the Naval "Hospital" here and the VA hospital in Fresno. All my appointments were at the VA hospital. While all of this was going on my NMA was being taken care of. My last appointment was in early mid December 2013. If the first week of February 2014 I sent a letter to the PEBLO on the status of my case since we can't rely on the eBenefits site being accurately updated. I got a reply that day that I was found unfit on 20Dec2013 and that my package was at the rater. I was updated by the PEBLO on 28Feb2014 that my case is at the VA Disability Rating Officer.
I never saw my complete package before it went to DC, so I have no idea what the VA Doc wrote. All I know is what my LIMDU Doc wrote. It is frustrating, especially for those of us that are more senior and used to controlling everything. Unfortunately we have to just let go and wait.
I have a lot of down time since I am restricted to 4 hours a day 5 days a week due to my injuries and medications. Most of my free time is spent working on hobbies or going to various medical appiontments. Some days I am so tired I just sleep when I get home.
Like I said before, it is hard not knowing what is going on or being in control of it. Just try to be patient and relax.