Recent content by JoelPettit

@OCSOUTHY Generally speaking, no. The IDES is a dual-processing or dual-action system; hence, once you are referred into the IDES, that and all other processes move concurrently. Moreover, technically, all Service members facing AdSep while going through the IDES aren't fit to separate - most...

@Vetmp04 JAG is correct - CRDP will start only after you reach your age of qualification (usually 60), and you apply for it. Reservist CRDP does not automatically start once you reach your required age. Your PEBLO is likely thinking you are an Active-Duty Soldier. I hope this helps. S/f...

@garymaple Lamictal is usually not, by itself, disqualifying. Of course, disqualifying medications vary depending on MOS/rate/AFSC. The Army and Air Force tend to be more reasonable when having to find a member unfit for only medication issues. That said, the more concerning issue for any...

@USMC6469 Timelines in the Department of the Navy are not clear, presently. They just instituted the NDITS IT system, and it still has bugs they need to work out - their words, not mine. I've had several cases sail through and others get stopped for seemingly small issues. They are working...

@RealisticButOptimistic The only correction from what's been said is that the military department won't necessarily reach out to the VA for a rating recommendation for any unfitting conditions in the LDES. In the LDES process, the VA is not involved because you wouldn't have filed a VA 21-0819 -...

Agreed. There is a higher-level appeal to the Physical Disability Agency (PDA), but it is unlike the blanket FPEB appeal - you cannot simply relitigate the facts of the case. Based on the issues you've shared, the regulatory complexity of your case requires an attorney. At the very least, if you...

@disguishedinred If you haven't already, please reach out to a defense attorney (military or civilian) to address this issue. Most DES attorneys deal with dual-processing cases often, but because your DES case is concluded the focus, clearly, would be on the military justice aspect. Of course...

@Airborne4Life I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. Sadly, this is an extremely common scenario. In many cases, someone reports witnessing a Service member having a seizure, the EMT's take the report as gospel, and the rest tracks your story. That said, you can appeal this. Of course...

If you are found fit and you accept, it is exceedingly likely that you will have to undergo the VA C&P examination process again. VA exams go "stale" after 365 days, by policy. Therefore, unless the timing of your longevity retirement aligns perfectly with the date of your current VA exams, your...

@hdbydume @Provis is correct. It all comes down to a value calculation: Tricare vs Other Healthcare; potential CRSC pay; other state-issued retiree benefits you may receive, all measured against the cost of your case and probability of winning that case. A nuance to valuing healthcare options -...

@KDawgie Having been an IPEB and FPEB attorney who had many schizophrenia cases, I always needed to conduct a very thorough review of the medical records to give good answers to the questions you posed above. Stability, in the eyes of the PEB, is not always clear, as the IDES incorporates...

@broken_but_not_fragile You are correct. Think of it this way, as @Provis stated, no one can receive more than his or her longevity retirement amount + VA disability pay (you can check the truth of this in the FMR). Therefore, because the 70% is the disability retirement, DFAS will adjust down...

How long you have in makes a massive difference. How many years of service do you have?

@SFStell @Provis makes a good point. In a nutshell, the category or field of civilian job can be meaningless when considering the likelihood of a TDRL to PDRL transition. The PEB will always look at functional impact. For example, if you were a STO in the Air Force, but then take a job at...

@IlliniArmy I think you may be reading the quoted sections too much in a vacuum. The functional impacts of the “represents an obvious medical risk to the health of the members/people around the member” and “imposes unreasonable requirements on the military to maintain or protect the service...