Pensacola MEB Timeline 8 DAYS!!!!

Chris E

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Time line:
L5-S1 Spinal Fusion Surgery Nov 2011
First LIMDU started Feb 2012
Second LIMDU started Jul 2012
Third LIMDU/Awaiting MEB started Feb 2013
NARSUM Feb 2013
Va C&P exam Mar 2013
Final MEB Package Signed and sent off APR 15 2013
MED Board results back on Apr 23 2013
FIT for duty no limitations listed.

Had a assignment screening and I'm not world wide assignable.

Still waiting on PERS. I am overdue for transfer. Currently on Shore duty 8 months past PRD.

Waiting.....
 
Fit for duty with a Spinal Fusion? Whoa, Didn't expect that. Where you wanting to stay in? Assuming so? Do you have good ROM?
 
Time line:
L5-S1 Spinal Fusion Surgery Nov 2011
First LIMDU started Feb 2012
Second LIMDU started Jul 2012
Third LIMDU/Awaiting MEB started Feb 2013
NARSUM Feb 2013
Va C&P exam Mar 2013
Final MEB Package Signed and sent off APR 15 2013
MED Board results back on Apr 23 2013
FIT for duty no limitations listed.

Had a assignment screening and I'm not world wide assignable.

Still waiting on PERS. I am overdue for transfer. Currently on Shore duty 8 months past PRD.

Waiting.....

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Interesting...

In retrospect from an U.S. Army perspective, I had an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) L4-5 disc fusion surgery in May 2011. My recovery was slow and I didn't get well enough to perform the assigned duties of my MOS within 1 year so referral into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process was initiated. I am still in significant daily pain following the 50% failed ALIF L4-5 disc fusion surgery (i.e., Herniated L5-S1 disc with lumbar radiculopathy) in 2011 (before acceptance into IDES) which was additionally complicated by two motor vehicle incidents in 2012 (after acceptance in IDES).

Moreover, the ALIF L4-5 fusion surgery was only 50% successful in that the bilateral radicular leg pain from the low back down to the toes was eliminated, but the ROM issues remained. As a direct result from all of those injuries, the overall radiating pain in my lower back returned with more severity, the bilateral radicular leg pain returned with a vengeance with additional pain in bilateral hips and cervical spine.

To that extent, I am definitely a "medical challenge" for any military and/or civilian healthcare provider, but I have decided against having any additional low back pain (LBP) elective surgeries to try to potentially remedy the physical challenges.

With that all said, overall, it's not a good situation for me since my activities of daily living (ADL) are truly a daily challenge. But, I shall continue to persevere for myself and more importantly my family. If you are contemplating on any future lumbar surgery, I hope my experiences are helpful with your decision on a case-by-case basis.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
I have very good range of motion. My surgery went well. I have stable fusion. My only problem is muscle spasms and sciatic nerve pain down my right leg. I think I was able to stay because I have continued to perform at my current job without limitations. Also my NMA was really good plus I wanted to stay in. I just found out my doc recommended me to be assignment limited and a message was going out today to pers. I'm due orders now so I'm waiting and hoping for the best. I think when it comes to the back you can stay in depending on your job/NEC. My job is calibration/ teaching.
 
Well glad everything worked out for you! I hope your injury contiunes to improve. Sadly I had no luck with two back surgeries and am still in pain daily.
 
did you ever get orders and how quick did you have to execute them?
 
They extended me on instructor duty for 28 months which takes me to my 17 year mark. I'm still in pain and I hate it plus I'm limited on what I can due. My chain of command is amazingly supportive but I still feel like a burden on the navy. I'm hoping to stay in for 20 but some days are I have second thoughts. What were your ratings? Also, how's your pain level?
 
no ratings for me..i'm awaiting Narsum
 
Ive been in Pensacola for three months already and just started my C and P exams .
 
My question is; what do people do on their down time during the whole IDES program and what is required of them? WHO am I attached to while going through the program (who do I muster with, if any one at all) and how busy is the whole process? Do you have appointments every day? if not, do you have to muster with anyone for accountability perposes? is everything slow? is it stressful? I am aware that people get frustrated, but I'm pretty level headed. I just want to know who I answer to while going through this whole process. I'm currently seaking people that have gone through the process in Bremerton, WA, but will accept any advice from anyone stationed in other locations. I'm a First Class in the navy, stationed in Yokosuka Japan and I'm just started the whole process now. Still waiting for the Doc to submitt paper work to the PEBLO to start everything. Thank you so much in advance.
 
its all the same thing that you will normally do , but within your limitations as per your limdu paperwork.
 
What happened to me was I arrived in Pensacola . Did the whole check in process . Brought my medical records to the Peblo here in Pensacola . He set up an appointment for me at the VA . To have the VA screen your record for all Unfit conditions. The VA will schedule your Appointments out in town with a civilian doctors . The civilian doctors will send your findings back to the VA . The VA will go over all the findings with you when all the appointments are completed. Then the VA will send you all the paperwork back to your peblo . The peblo will also go over the paperwork with you and have the doctors at the hospitol agree or disagree .(doesnt matter much if they disagree). The CO will right a a non medical assement if you havent had one is 6 months . All paperwork is signed sent out to Washington for fit or unfit. Once found unfit . Your peblo will send the paperwork back to the VA for Ratings . You Get your ratings from the VA and get ready to seperate once found unfit. As far as your work goe you will more than likely work at the hospital acording to your Rate. Some people dont have to stay all day due to meds and other issues. but this pretty much sums it all up in a nutshell. Word of advice BRING YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS WITH YOU when you PCS. Also when you get your QTC appointments call QTC and ask about what the appointments are for. I had 7 appointments. When asked do you want a full physical say yes .
 
Wow, this was very helpful. Right now its very hard to get ANY information on those going through this process, especialy those who have done it through Bremerton. If less than one percent of the nation is currently serving in uniform, you can only imagine how many of those have actualy gone through this process. This website is a Godsend. Thank you for your discriptive reply.
 
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.
 
i notice more inconsistencies across the board for Navy than most branches when it comes to this process. I thought you had to sign the Narsum, which is a basic snapshot of your health from the va appointments and then signed by your va doctors and two other line officers. After your signatur is when it's sent off to bumed or washington or wherever the hell it goes[/QUOTE]
 
It is quite possible you werent med boarded into ides . And since you are about to retire they are helping you with your VA disability ratings . I honestly dont know . I have only been in the Navy for 13 years.
 
It's confusing to say the least. The biggest pain is not being able to plan anything more than two weeks out at a time. Even though we are given these timelines, they are just guesstimates at best.

I am being med boarded through IDES. The smartest thing I did was signed up for safe harbor. They are coming toon estivate procedure issues at the hospital hear. The rep I've been talking to has four other cases hear, we are all having the same/similar problems. I don't know who these other cases are but I might get a chance to meet them soon.
 
Check this link. it shows all the va ratings: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id....1.1.5.2;idno=38;cc=ecfr#38:1.0.1.1.5.2.98.21
0
 
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.

GlennGain,
Thank you for your responce. I know how you feel, as far as LIMDU goes. I work in records at the hospital while I'm on LIMDU and people think I'm crazy, seeing that I have no known physical limitations they automaticaly think I have some kind of mental dissorder....which I do, but I hide it very well. I some times apear tired or disconnected with those I work with, but I dont care. I'm getting the help I need and I'm in the perfect place to get it. I'm pretty luck, because as an MM1 with a secret clearance they give me access to CHCS and ALTA, so I can view everything in my record from start to finish! After every appointment with Doc I can read everything she wrote about me. I feel pretty lucky! I also work closely with the PEBLO here and he is a fellow First Class, which I work directly for. Its a large waiting game, but I have access to everything, including my paper record. I will be printing out my ALTA record well in advance before I depart.
 
Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Interesting...

In retrospect from an U.S. Army perspective, I had an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) L4-5 disc fusion surgery in May 2011. My recovery was slow and I didn't get well enough to perform the assigned duties of my MOS within 1 year so referral into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process was initiated. I am still in significant daily pain following the 50% failed ALIF L4-5 disc fusion surgery (i.e., Herniated L5-S1 disc with lumbar radiculopathy) in 2011 (before acceptance into IDES) which was additionally complicated by two motor vehicle incidents in 2012 (after acceptance in IDES).

Moreover, the ALIF L4-5 fusion surgery was only 50% successful in that the bilateral radicular leg pain from the low back down to the toes was eliminated, but the ROM issues remained. As a direct result from all of those injuries, the overall radiating pain in my lower back returned with more severity, the bilateral radicular leg pain returned with a vengeance with additional pain in bilateral hips and cervical spine.

To that extent, I am definitely a "medical challenge" for any military and/or civilian healthcare provider, but I have decided against having any additional low back pain (LBP) elective surgeries to try to potentially remedy the physical challenges.

With that all said, overall, it's not a good situation for me since my activities of daily living (ADL) are truly a daily challenge. But, I shall continue to persevere for myself and more importantly my family. If you are contemplating on any future lumbar surgery, I hope my experiences are helpful with your decision on a case-by-case basis.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
It did not even take 10 days for me post surgery to be recommended for a MEB. On my initial treatment plan with my surgeon, he typed P3 will be given, initiate MEB. I went on con leave and when I returned I was sent to the WTU.
 
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