ScottAir1

Birthday
April 27
Location
Florida
Gender
Male
Occupation
Air Force Officer

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TIMELINE:
  • Aug 2014: Burning/tingling symptoms start and continue to progress.
  • Oct 2014: First reported to PCM.
  • Nov 2014: Continued to report symptoms to PCM.
  • Dec 2014: Referred to Mayo Clinic. Diagnosed w/ Small Fiber Neuropathy (a type of autonomic peripheral neuropathy).
  • Feb 2015: Syncope episode - troubling symptoms while running - abnormal EKG - ER visit; Cardiology referral -- results still pending and placed on profile.
  • Mar 2015: - PCM Referred me to a MEB as symptoms have not improved but only worsened, even w/ medication; Also referred to mental health and neuro-psych (I have no idea why); PEBLO says I'm in system but haven't actually staffed my case yet which means it is still at the base level; Met w/ psychologist from Mental Health.
  • Apr 2015: Wrapped things up with Mental Health
  • May 2015: Fired my PCM as I felt she was being unprofessional and not taking me seriously
  • Jun 2015 - Met with new PCM (a civilian/former AF); got referral for 2nd opinion with a Neurologist.
  • July 2015: Met with new Neurologist...many test. Did confirm early stages of Small Fiber Neuropathy; Also suggested Central Nervous System issues.
  • Aug 2015: Thought I was going to be diagnosed with MS but the doc backed off that for now; He did say it's definitely auto-immune.
  • Sept 2015: Reported to neurologist seizure like activity; 20 minute EEGs confirmed abnormal activity in left temporal lobe.
  • Oct 2015: Started on low dose of Depakote for partial seizures. PCM said if seizures are confirmed we'll have to initiate an MEB. Currently in a holding pattern for that. Should know something in early November.
  • Nov 2015: Depakote seems to have calmed the possible "partial seizures" down. I will see the neurologist on 11/10 so will know more then. I'm gaining weight...probably side effect of the Depakote.
  • Feb 2016: Having full MEB.
  • Mar 2016: I've seen the neurologist every month now and it seems I stay one visit away from a MS diagnosis; C&P Exams - VA says yes to MS and seizure disorder; Had another abnormal 20 minutes EEG; Getting another 72 hour EEG for comparison.
  • Apr 2016: PEB returns package saying unable to adjudicate due to no definitive diagnosis; Taken off Depakote due to weight gain; trying Lyrica instead. Will be undergoing lumbar puncture in near future; Lumbar Puncture was negative for MS.
  • July 2016: Requested medical hold. Was approved. Did not separate in July as planned. Extended six months to 31 January 2017.
  • Aug 2016: Specialized MRI/DTI showed no lesions. Neurologist felt symptoms probably related to small fiber neuropathy and less likely MS due to 4 MRIs showing no lesions. Watch and wait regarding MS.
  • Sept 2016: Saw a new neurologist for second opinion. He didn't believe my symptoms were indicative of MS but rather Myasthenia Gravis. I have wondered about this myself given all my Google research. Starting medication for MG to see how I respond. Also continued concerns for seizures so will be doing a sleep deprived EEG on 10 Oct. He will send me to Mayo for a definitive diagnosis on the MG. If I have it this will basically be 3 auto-immune things I have going on. Talked to the PEBLO. I will probably end up on another 6 month medical hold through at least 31 July 2017.
  • Oct 2016: Being referred for another sleep study as RILO is due. PEBLO says we are hoping for a score of 16 or higher to help with my MEB/PEB percentages; Started having chest discomfort and chest pain on exertion and eventually without exertion.
  • Nov 2016: Cardiac Stress Test, which I flunked. Underwent heart catheterization on 26 Nov; Totally blindsided by triple bypass open heart surgery on 28 Nov. Total of 11 days in hospital. Everything else on the back-burner whilst I recover. Hope to get the other stuff done (sleep study, RILO, etc., once I recover). Testing showed I had prior heart attack (probably on 11/13 based on symptoms).
  • Jan 2017: Medical hold extended to 31 Aug 2017. Completed sleep study #2.
  • Feb 2017: Back to work after nearly 2 months of convo leave. VA Exams. New NARSUM.
  • Mar 2017: MEB for (1) Coronary Artery Disease w/ CBAGX3; (2) Myasthenia Gravis, (3) OSA, (4) DM2. Squadron CC wrote outstanding letter recommending medical retirement.
  • Apr 2017: PEB finds me "unfit"...package sent to VA for ratings. Not sure at this time what of the 4 conditions listed above the PEB considered "unfitting". My cardiologist did write a letter tying 1, 3, and 4 together. ER visit due to irregular heartbeat. Overnight hospital stay. Test did show irregular heartbeat at times but nothing dangerous. Reported to neurologist symptoms that he thinks may be seizures again. Will be undergoing additional testing.
  • Jun 2017: - PEB results are in. Permanent medical retirement. Air Force 75%; VA 100%. God is good!!! PEB found all conditions for which I was boarded to be unfitting.
UNFITTING CONDITIONS/RATINGS:

1. Coronary Artery Disease / Bypass Surgery / HTN / History of MI = 60%
2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea = 50%
3. Diabetes Mellitus Type II = 20%
4. Myasthenia Gravis broken up over 5 areas of my body:
-- 20%
-- 20%
-- 20%
-- 10%
-- 10%

TOTAL COMBINED COMPENSABLE PERCENTAGE: 90%

TOTAL PERMANENT RETIREMENT AT 75%
TOTAL VA RATING: 100%

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