AD MC Helo pilot LIMDU questions

H

h1guy

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Currently active duty Marine Corps helicopter pilot on a FAC Tour (Non-Flying Billet). I've been battling bi-medial epicondylitis for 3 years. Multiple rounds of PRP, Cortisone Injections, PT/OT, MRI, X-Rays etc. I've been receiving constant care over the past 3 years with no improvement. Unable to conduct PFT/CFT (Partial only), unable to conduct company PT other than runs, I have pain at all times when I move my elbows. My command and medical provider have been accommodating in the sense that they allow me to go on and off light duty to conduct the partial PFT/CFTs. I would estimate I've been on 30 day light duty periods for roughly 50% of the past two years

Recently I had a near rollover in a JLTV that caused neck pain and triggered me to get x-rays and see a chiropractor. I haven't been able to move my neck more than a few degrees side to side for a month. X-rays revealed military neck (straightening of the neck), osteophyte formation at multiple levels C4-C6, and facet degenerative changes at multiple levels. The chiropractor seems to think that this could be the underlying cause of my epicondylitis.

My EAS is June 2025 which puts me around 15 months from separation, I will have just over 9 years at that EAS date. I had intentionally avoided seeking out LIMDU in the hopes I could potentially go back to the cockpit or transition to the reserves. With no resolution in sight (I have another round of PRP scheduled for both elbows next month) I'm considering pushing for LIMDU from my company Doc to try and receive better care and potentially begin the MEB/PEB process.

I appreciate any and all advice on the process. Thanks for reading.
 
@h1guy

Full disclosure: I was a Marine JAG (Deputy SJA for Camp Lejeune), Active Duty and Reserve IPEB & FPEB attorney, federal government civilian FPEB & TDRL-focused attorney at the Navy PEB, and now a private PEB attorney.

Because I cannot give legal advice on a public forum, I will say this: you are thinking about the process in the right way. The key is to understand the IDES process the best you can and work with your providers to ensure all your information is accurate. Most Marines paint themselves into a corner by trying to hard to avoid LIMDU and the IDES process; hence, the PEB will have copious examples and or quotes from your records stating you are not suffering symptoms that cause you to be unfit. This is why so many Marines have trouble receiving "unfit" findings for any condition other than the most obvious ones.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to PM me.

S/f,

Joel
 
JoelPettit said:
@h1guy

Full disclosure: I was a Marine JAG (Deputy SJA for Camp Lejeune), Active Duty and Reserve IPEB & FPEB attorney, federal government civilian FPEB & TDRL-focused attorney at the Navy PEB, and now a private PEB attorney.

Because I cannot give legal advice on a public forum, I will say this: you are thinking about the process in the right way. The key is to understand the IDES process the best you can and work with your providers to ensure all your information is accurate. Most Marines paint themselves into a corner by trying to hard to avoid LIMDU and the IDES process; hence, the PEB will have copious examples and or quotes from your records stating you are not suffering symptoms that cause you to be unfit. This is why so many Marines have trouble receiving "unfit" findings for any condition other than the most obvious ones.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to PM me.

S/f,

Joel
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Hey Joel, thanks for reaching out. After reading your comment last night I went and read through through MCO 1900.16 CH2, specifically what is used to determine fit vs. unfit. What you're saying makes total sense. It's so common to just push through injuries and do whatever you can to not "not let the team down" etc. I'm interested to know how much the commanding officer's statements weigh into the determination. I've been forcing myself to do unit PT and rucks through the pain, but after reading the order it looks like that could potentially be used against me if the CO's NMA statement indicates I've been able to participate in those events. I would imagine 3+ years of medical documentation would outweigh that, but still somewhat concerning.
 
Pushing for LIMDU will 1) provide documentation for injuries that prohibit you from performing flying duties and for VA compensation 2) you will likely be DNIF.

What is your long game (beyond the USMC)?
 
chaplaincharlie said:
Pushing for LIMDU will 1) provide documentation for injuries that prohibit you from performing flying duties and for VA compensation 2) you will likely be DNIF.

What is your long game (beyond the USMC)?
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Thanks that's what i figured. Long game finishing up my masters degree then transitioning to a civilian employer. No intent to fly commercially but I would like to continue flying as a hobby. I understand this could be an uphill battle, but my immediate concern is trying to get proper medical treatment for current conditions.
 
h1guy said:
Thanks that's what i figured. Long game finishing up my masters degree then transitioning to a civilian employer. No intent to fly commercially but I would like to continue flying as a hobby. I understand this could be an uphill battle, but my immediate concern is trying to get proper medical treatment for current conditions.
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I suspect you will be able to pass a flight physical for PPL, maybe even commercial , but not ATP.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
I suspect you will be able to pass a flight physical for PPL, maybe even commercial , but not ATP.
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That's what I figured. I have no intention of getting an ATP so I'm not super concerned. My short term goal is just to address these medical issues and figure out how I can gently push for beginning the LIMDU or MEB/PEB process.
 
Update I was put on a 6 month LIMDU period which expires in September.

I talked to my Dr. today about what happens in September if we haven’t seen any improvement because my EAS is 7 months later. He said he will just initiate a second 6 month LIMDU period and return me to full duty so I can EAS.

My ultimate goal is to get better and DAP to the reserves. I’m assuming that won’t be a possibility if I’m on LIMDU.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I’m pretty sure you would only initiate a second 6 month LIMDU period if I’m making progress towards recovery. Right now the treatment plan is just more PRP injections on my elbows. This will be my 4th round of PRP injections, the first 3 rounds didn’t help at all.
 
Had an MRI done yesterday, I have a 4mm central disc protrusion at c3-c4. I probably should have requested an MRI earlier in the process rather than going to chiro as directed. I'm going for second opinion next week, so hopefully then can provide some appropriate treatment options.
 
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