18 1/2 years Army, pending MEB/PEB

Actually just got off a pretty good phone call. So since I am remote, they gave me the guidance to wait until the 9th day of all of my 10-day timelines, and then I will ask for an extension (and it is typically granted) then at the final day of the extension contact legal and they will also get another extension. So my 10 day timelines would turn in to about 24-31 day timelines. this should add an additional 60-80 days to my overall timeline.

I know other people are facing these same issues so I am just trying to share info.
 
So a question in regards to the formal board appearance... my memo says the uniform is OCP but is it better to show up in ASU's?
 
edcny said:
Actually just got off a pretty good phone call. So since I am remote, they gave me the guidance to wait until the 9th day of all of my 10-day timelines, and then I will ask for an extension (and it is typically granted) then at the final day of the extension contact legal and they will also get another extension. So my 10 day timelines would turn in to about 24-31 day timelines. this should add an additional 60-80 days to my overall timeline.

I know other people are facing these same issues so I am just trying to share info.
Click to expand...
What ever happened to your case? Did you get the COAD using the AR you referenced?
 
a gray man said:
What ever happened to your case? Did you get the COAD using the AR you referenced?
Click to expand...
He last visited this board several years ago. His last post = 2018
Ron
 
Just trying to figure out if this AR he referenced holds any weight. I.e; is a secretarial review required that allows soldiers found unfit >18 and <20 to stay on active duty until they get to 20?
 
a gray man said:
Just trying to figure out if this AR he referenced holds any weight. I.e; is a secretarial review required that allows soldiers found unfit >18 and <20 to stay on active duty until they get to 20?
Click to expand...
Same here following that. 19 years 2 months AD Army here with pending formal board. I'm getting information COAD cant be processed until all appeals are complete.
 
I was notified of my MEB in FEB23 at 18 years and 10 months. My informal board met in early June. They did not schedule my formal board until December and when I contacted legal at Sam Houston they offered to move it as late as February. Use all the usual delay tactics if you need it, but if you talk to people and explain your situation (PEBLO, JAG, Command, etc) they will do what they can to get you there. At least I found that to be the case.

I also have my COAD packet on standby, but I doubt I will need it. Of course if you are really hard up and not able to come to work or do any work at all or are causing disruptions in the workplace it might be a different story.

There is also a "policy" that says that if you are within 120 days of 20 years that they will set your retirement date for that regardless of other timelines once you get in that window. I have tried to get this in writing but even JAG said it is just what they do and is not a formal written policy.
 
edcny said:
So I have been in the Army for 18 1/2 years and they are starting a MEB/PEB due to some injuries that have progressed over the years (bi-lateral knees w/diagnoses for no high impact again, Bi-lateral shoulder injuries, and 3 bulging discs in the back with pinched nerves, arthritis in most joints, PTSD). My case worker has told me that the IDES process typically takes 180 days, this would put me out at 19 1/3 years of service. I read in the Regulation (AR 635-40, para 4-29) that if a service member has more than 18 years of service and found unfit they can submit a letter for COAD (continue on active duty) in order to finish their time in order to receive their pension. My question is, has anyone experienced this, or does anyone know of any situations where a COAD has been denied? I would really hate to loose my pension; however, it is out of my hands besides submitting appeals etc... Hopefully some of you all know the answer to this. Thanks for your time.
Click to expand...
I don’t know what the COAD is. I was at 18 years when I got sick on 14 Oct 2021. I was worried about my years in the service at first, but over time I saw how slow everything was going. I saw over 30 doctors over a year and could barely work. My life changed in a span of just 3 hrs. I had an excellent Command who supported me and knew my work ethic.

I was finally put on code 37 for determination in August 2022. I sat on code 37, and they did nothing for 10 months. I contacted them multiple times and talked to numerous Docs, but no one knew anything. So in May 2023, I spoke to my PEB and stated I would request a congressional investigation. That same week I was notified that my MEB was finally starting for Full MEB. (It makes no sense. You are not supposed to sit on code 37 without a determination or excuse on why they did not meet the deadline).

I am still in at 20 years and 2 months. I was supposed to retire in July, but due to the lack of movement in my Med Board process, I am extended out six months.

Everyone's process may be different when it comes to the Med board. Doctors PCS’ing, Understaffed issues, people not knowing the job and all your medical VA appts can all affect how it goes. I didn’t even include the appeal process. I haven’t made it that far and hopefully I won’t have to appeal.
 
VST said:
I don’t know what the COAD is. I was at 18 years when I got sick on 14 Oct 2021. I was worried about my years in the service at first, but over time I saw how slow everything was going. I saw over 30 doctors over a year and could barely work. My life changed in a span of just 3 hrs. I had an excellent Command who supported me and knew my work ethic.

I was finally put on code 37 for determination in August 2022. I sat on code 37, and they did nothing for 10 months. I contacted them multiple times and talked to numerous Docs, but no one knew anything. So in May 2023, I spoke to my PEB and stated I would request a congressional investigation. That same week I was notified that my MEB was finally starting for Full MEB. (It makes no sense. You are not supposed to sit on code 37 without a determination or excuse on why they did not meet the deadline).

I am still in at 20 years and 2 months. I was supposed to retire in July, but due to the lack of movement in my Med Board process, I am extended out six months.

Everyone's process may be different when it comes to the Med board. Doctors PCS’ing, Understaffed issues, people not knowing the job and all your medical VA appts can all affect how it goes. I didn’t even include the appeal process. I haven’t made it that far and hopefully I won’t have to appeal.
Click to expand...
Just found this page few mins ago and searched COAD. Let me first say this process is extremely stressful if you do not plan ahead! Use MHS Genius and schedule appointments for EVERYTHING. During your VA exams you can tell the about everything even if Uncle Sam doesn’t know. Then at your appointment tell them and demand a specialist. Google your symptoms and go in knowing your stuff.
My MEB started Feb’22 with 17yrs 10 months.
I informed my PEBLO I wanted my pension. With that said we stalled at every moment, rebutted, second opinions etc. He gave me a COAD and I ran with it. It wasn’t easy asking for letters of recommendation from the doc that triggered the P3 and the COC 4187. Again stalling at every single deadline. It really pisses people off but it’s your pension. My COAD was approved Jun’23. Because I’m under a year until my 20 I’ll keep the VA exams/ratings and P3 profile with a ETP termination of my 20yr mark. Me personally I’m taking my remaining time to get my surgeries done. I just had a total hip replacement 3 days ago and shoulder repair in December.
There are even COAD branch personnel. If you have time could even PCS to work up there. The only asspain is you can’t get retirement orders from Transpoc until you’re 4 months out. But you can still turn in your CIF under a P3. Just contact CIF for that approval memo.
 
Hambone13th said:
Just found this page few mins ago and searched COAD. Let me first say this process is extremely stressful if you do not plan ahead! Use MHS Genius and schedule appointments for EVERYTHING. During your VA exams you can tell the about everything even if Uncle Sam doesn’t know. Then at your appointment tell them and demand a specialist. Google your symptoms and go in knowing your stuff.
My MEB started Feb’22 with 17yrs 10 months.
I informed my PEBLO I wanted my pension. With that said we stalled at every moment, rebutted, second opinions etc. He gave me a COAD and I ran with it. It wasn’t easy asking for letters of recommendation from the doc that triggered the P3 and the COC 4187. Again stalling at every single deadline. It really pisses people off but it’s your pension. My COAD was approved Jun’23. Because I’m under a year until my 20 I’ll keep the VA exams/ratings and P3 profile with a ETP termination of my 20yr mark. Me personally I’m taking my remaining time to get my surgeries done. I just had a total hip replacement 3 days ago and shoulder repair in December.
There are even COAD branch personnel. If you have time could even PCS to work up there. The only asspain is you can’t get retirement orders from Transpoc until you’re 4 months out. But you can still turn in your CIF under a P3. Just contact CIF for that approval memo.
Click to expand...
Hambone13th said:
Just found this page few mins ago and searched COAD. Let me first say this process is extremely stressful if you do not plan ahead! Use MHS Genius and schedule appointments for EVERYTHING. During your VA exams you can tell the about everything even if Uncle Sam doesn’t know. Then at your appointment tell them and demand a specialist. Google your symptoms and go in knowing your stuff.
My MEB started Feb’22 with 17yrs 10 months.
I informed my PEBLO I wanted my pension. With that said we stalled at every moment, rebutted, second opinions etc. He gave me a COAD and I ran with it. It wasn’t easy asking for letters of recommendation from the doc that triggered the P3 and the COC 4187. Again stalling at every single deadline. It really pisses people off but it’s your pension. My COAD was approved Jun’23. Because I’m under a year until my 20 I’ll keep the VA exams/ratings and P3 profile with a ETP termination of my 20yr mark. Me personally I’m taking my remaining time to get my surgeries done. I just had a total hip replacement 3 days ago and shoulder repair in December.
There are even COAD branch personnel. If you have time could even PCS to work up there. The only asspain is you can’t get retirement orders from Transpoc until you’re 4 months out. But you can still turn in your CIF under a P3. Just contact CIF for that approval memo.
Click to expand...
Oh ya, my CPT ass denied my 4187 COAD, the Col approved it but said I couldn’t stay in the unit. Per HRC COAD Department, comments and non recommendations isn’t there lane. The COAD board of doctors will make that decision. If you have time remaining you could even request to be transferred to SRU. Granted you got to be pretty messed up. Every installation had a DAV, i suggest you do a face to face. Disclose everything and ask for pointers. Plan for the worse but hope for the best!
What base and unit are you in?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top