AF Res Pilot,Cancer,ILOD,IRILO=Fit/ALC-C3

Samaileko

Well-Known Member
Registered Member
I am an AF Reserve Pilot, with about 17 years active duty time and 19 good years.

On 6 Dec 2014, while deployed, I found a 1.2 cm lump on my right breast. I was examined by the deployed location docs and directed to follow up with my home base docs. After returning home three days later, I filed LOD paperwork, and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer about a month later on 15 Jan 2015.

My LOD was initially found EPTS/LOD NA. During my battle with breast cancer, my Wing Commander battled for my ILOD finding. After a year and a half of no points/no pay and medical bills piling up, my illness was found ILOD. I began MEDCON IN Feb 2016. (I am so overwhelmed that I have yet to file for BCMR.)

My treatment for breast cancer included a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction, a full hysterectomy, and now I am on hormonal suppression medication, (my tumors were estrogen receptive.) The lasting side effects of everything has been weakness, fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain, in addition to a lot of scar tissue/adhesions/numbness.

I am still doing physical therapy 2xs a week to regain my strength. I went from less than 0 push ups and sit ups to 8 and 8. I went from barely walking from my bedroom to kitchen to now being able to walk/run 1.5 miles. I am improving weekly. (Prior to my deployment, I scored an excellent on my FIT Test and thought they were required to bring me back to where I was or as close as I can get.)

I am still being treated by the endocrinologist to figure out my fatigue issues. He put me on thyroid hormone pills and says once he gets that set, he will test my adrenal glands. (My body responds slowly to changes in temperature.)

I am doing whatever I can to improve my health with nutrition, which includes moving towards a gluton free, plant-based, whole foods diet with calcium and Vitamin D supplements. I've also cut down on my coffee and sugar intake.

I initially wanted to get back on flight status, but I felt the pressure of it was detrimental to my health. Since chemotherapy, I am way more sensitive to stress. I break out in hot flashes and become short of breath. I also break out with extremely painful mouth sores, which limit my ability to eat. I'm learning to gain control of the overwhelming feeling with meditation and journaling.

I have also been paying out of pocket for acupuncture, but had to stop due to the expense. Since I stopped, my joint pain, neuropathy, and hot flashes have gotten worse and, something really odd, my tenitus has gotten bad. Yesterday, my Flt Doc recommended I double up on my Paxil to help...

Like I said, I have been on MEDCON since Feb 2016. They submitted my MEB paperwork in Jul 2016. I just found out last week that my IRILO found me Fit for duty, with an ALC-C3 and ended my MEDCON orders.

Understandably, my Flt Doc said he could not recommend me for a flying waiver at this time because we do not have my fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain under control, especially since I'd need waivers for my medication.

Since I came to the Reserves, I worked/flew 71% of the time. I flew 2-3 times a week. Because of my Fit for Duty finding, I am only cleared to attend UTAs and Annual Tour. Since I am not waived to fly, essentially I do not have an option to earn a living.

The person who is supposed to help me (PEBLO?) seems to be overwhelmed herself and is basically admin. It is a lot to digest, especially while trying to digest medical info and make decisions regarding my health.

I'm concerned that I am being set up to be separated with no benefits. I think they should have sent me to a full MEB, but didn't want to keep me on orders. The VA has rated me at 100% until I am done with my hormonal suppression therapy, (10 years,) since they consider hormonal therapy still treatment for cancer.

I am overjoyed to be alive, but feel like I'm fighting for my life. I'm always smiling because that's all I know how to do, so everyone thinks I am back to 100%, like I just had a cold.

I don't understand how I have no way to appeal this Fit decision. Can you point me in the right direction?
 
It sounds like you have been through the mill. I've never heard of a way to fight being found fit. But another MEB could be started. Sorry I can't be of more help. Hopefully someone else will have an idea.
 
It sounds like you have been through the mill. I've never heard of a way to fight being found fit. But another MEB could be started. Sorry I can't be of more help. Hopefully someone else will have an idea.
Thank you! It's been rough, but I'm blessed to be here, able to fight for myself and possibly help others in my same situation.
 
I am new here as I just stumbled upon this Forum accidentally, searching around on the webernet.
I am no where near your experience of all this stuff as I'm not even in the MEB process (yet), BUT I too am a Reserve flyer (-135 Boom) experiencing Neuropathy, and have just gotten an MRI (Dec28th) which flt. doc says is probably MS. I just saw a Neuro doc on Friday and awaiting test results from him.
I am currently DNIF for 60 days (for now). Like you, flying ALOT is making my living for me, as I am always an available TR with no shortage of unit flying these days. I am very grateful that my CC has put me on regular orders till May, but am freaking out at the possibility of what might happen. I have 29 years in, but short of a 20yr AD retirement by about 200 points! I kinda hope it takes awhile for things to move, so maybe I can get there?
Dave
 
I am new here as I just stumbled upon this Forum accidentally, searching around on the webernet.
I am no where near your experience of all this stuff as I'm not even in the MEB process (yet), BUT I too am a Reserve flyer (-135 Boom) experiencing Neuropathy, and have just gotten an MRI (Dec28th) which flt. doc says is probably MS. I just saw a Neuro doc on Friday and awaiting test results from him.
I am currently DNIF for 60 days (for now). Like you, flying ALOT is making my living for me, as I am always an available TR with no shortage of unit flying these days. I am very grateful that my CC has put me on regular orders till May, but am freaking out at the possibility of what might happen. I have 29 years in, but short of a 20yr AD retirement by about 200 points! I kinda hope it takes awhile for things to move, so maybe I can get there?
Dave

I'm pretty sure they will have to keep you on orders if you are referred for a MEB. Should be pretty easy to get to 200 points.

Do whatever you can to get to the 20Y mark.
 
ive got 180 days on MEDCON already with no end in sight
 
ive got 180 days on MEDCON already with no end in sight
I see your initial MEDCON request was denied, but later approved? Why did they first deny and later approve? I'm thinking I'll be on MEDCON orders at some point and gaining info.....

Thanks
 
Because they are idiots.

Really, I had a valid LOD but they cherry picked the dates I was diagnosed versus what the LOD said and denied it. Once the SAF got involved, cooler heads prevailed.
 
I believe that.
Cherry picked the dates huh? That's just peachy....
You say SAF? You meant "the" SAF? Big dog?
 
Not sure if sarcasm.........

But hell, it did go through the SAF office, not sure if #1 looked at it.
If you cannot get MEDCON, go for INCAP, it's locally approved for 6 months I believe.
 
flyin_d
I would not settle for the Incap pay. I was on MedCon orders for 2+years while in the MEB process. Took some pulling teeth initially, but once started on MedCon got continued until retirement. Being short only 200 points should be easy to get to 20 active. Appeal each stage up to SAF.
Any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

AnAmericanAirman
 
Thanks for the input American. I have been looking at AFI 36-2910 and find some good information (ammo!) to go forth and see how things develop. I just want to be as knowledgeable as possible because after-all, it is my future that someone's going to have a say in.
 
I can relate to you so much. I also have served 15 years on active duty and now 10 years Air Force Reserves. I was involuntarily mobilized Dec 2016 and deployed in Jan 2018. While deployed I noted a small lump in my breast. I didn't think it was anything serious until 3 months later it had tripled in size. I went to the clinic. It was evaluated with an ultrasound and determined that I needed medevac. June 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 3a er/pr + HER- breast cancer. I was placed on Medcon for the duration of chemo and radiation but Medcon was terminated the last day of radiation. I am still waiting for the LOD determination to be completed but keep being told "it can't be ILOD because cancer is preexisting". However, doesn't the "eight year rule " apply to my circumstances?
I am an AF Reserve Pilot, with about 17 years active duty time and 19 good years.

On 6 Dec 2014, while deployed, I found a 1.2 cm lump on my right breast. I was examined by the deployed location docs and directed to follow up with my home base docs. After returning home three days later, I filed LOD paperwork, and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer about a month later on 15 Jan 2015.

My LOD was initially found EPTS/LOD NA. During my battle with breast cancer, my Wing Commander battled for my ILOD finding. After a year and a half of no points/no pay and medical bills piling up, my illness was found ILOD. I began MEDCON IN Feb 2016. (I am so overwhelmed that I have yet to file for BCMR.)

My treatment for breast cancer included a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction, a full hysterectomy, and now I am on hormonal suppression medication, (my tumors were estrogen receptive.) The lasting side effects of everything has been weakness, fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain, in addition to a lot of scar tissue/adhesions/numbness.

I am still doing physical therapy 2xs a week to regain my strength. I went from less than 0 push ups and sit ups to 8 and 8. I went from barely walking from my bedroom to kitchen to now being able to walk/run 1.5 miles. I am improving weekly. (Prior to my deployment, I scored an excellent on my FIT Test and thought they were required to bring me back to where I was or as close as I can get.)

I am still being treated by the endocrinologist to figure out my fatigue issues. He put me on thyroid hormone pills and says once he gets that set, he will test my adrenal glands. (My body responds slowly to changes in temperature.)

I am doing whatever I can to improve my health with nutrition, which includes moving towards a gluton free, plant-based, whole foods diet with calcium and Vitamin D supplements. I've also cut down on my coffee and sugar intake.

I initially wanted to get back on flight status, but I felt the pressure of it was detrimental to my health. Since chemotherapy, I am way more sensitive to stress. I break out in hot flashes and become short of breath. I also break out with extremely painful mouth sores, which limit my ability to eat. I'm learning to gain control of the overwhelming feeling with meditation and journaling.

I have also been paying out of pocket for acupuncture, but had to stop due to the expense. Since I stopped, my joint pain, neuropathy, and hot flashes have gotten worse and, something really odd, my tenitus has gotten bad. Yesterday, my Flt Doc recommended I double up on my Paxil to help...

Like I said, I have been on MEDCON since Feb 2016. They submitted my MEB paperwork in Jul 2016. I just found out last week that my IRILO found me Fit for duty, with an ALC-C3 and ended my MEDCON orders.

Understandably, my Flt Doc said he could not recommend me for a flying waiver at this time because we do not have my fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain under control, especially since I'd need waivers for my medication.

Since I came to the Reserves, I worked/flew 71% of the time. I flew 2-3 times a week. Because of my Fit for Duty finding, I am only cleared to attend UTAs and Annual Tour. Since I am not waived to fly, essentially I do not have an option to earn a living.

The person who is supposed to help me (PEBLO?) seems to be overwhelmed herself and is basically admin. It is a lot to digest, especially while trying to digest medical info and make decisions regarding my health.

I'm concerned that I am being set up to be separated with no benefits. I think they should have sent me to a full MEB, but didn't want to keep me on orders. The VA has rated me at 100% until I am done with my hormonal suppression therapy, (10 years,) since they consider hormonal therapy still treatment for cancer.

I am overjoyed to be alive, but feel like I'm fighting for my life. I'm always smiling because that's all I know how to do, so everyone thinks I am back to 100%, like I just had a cold.

I don't understand how I have no way to appeal this Fit decision. Can you point me in the right direction?
 
Yes it does, you’ll win but it’s going to take some work.
 
I am so sorry to hear about your cases. I was also an RC soldier misdiagnosed while on AD with what was thought to be a benign spot on my breast, told to followup in a yr...well the “ spot” was a malignancy. I Fell off AD oders while waiting for medcon ( for other medical issues). It ultimatly took 27 months before i was placed on medcon AD orders. After the first yr of fighting for medcon orders I had to hire an attny ( i was to ill to fight. My attny filed a BCMR in 2015 for 27 months of backdated orders which were just approved March 2018. It has been a six yr battle, one of the most horrific fights in my entire military career.. a soldier should not have to pay an attny to force the military to follow thier own regulations...the attny alone has cost $ 70,000.00. The process really took the wind out of my sail, it almost broke my spirit fighting the bureaucratic red tape. Leadership failed at every level to comply with RC regs for line of duty medical care. What is most concerning is reading your journeys, and that we were all misdiagnosed while on AD, and our stories are sadly similar...
 
I don’t understand these cases. So sad. In 20 minutes of studying I found the “8 year rule”. How is it that our medical community in the Reserves/Guard does not know these rules? Laziness or just untrustworthy? I think the Reserve/Guard Doctors and their RILOs assume everyone’s career is the same and serve once a month.
 
I can relate to you so much. I also have served 15 years on active duty and now 10 years Air Force Reserves. I was involuntarily mobilized Dec 2016 and deployed in Jan 2018. While deployed I noted a small lump in my breast. I didn't think it was anything serious until 3 months later it had tripled in size. I went to the clinic. It was evaluated with an ultrasound and determined that I needed medevac. June 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 3a er/pr + HER- breast cancer. I was placed on Medcon for the duration of chemo and radiation but Medcon was terminated the last day of radiation. I am still waiting for the LOD determination to be completed but keep being told "it can't be ILOD because cancer is preexisting". However, doesn't the "eight year rule " apply to my circumstances?

I will respond with more soon...fighting for BCMR now. The 8 year rule only applies if you are found unfit by the PEB.
I assume you meant you deployed in Jan 2017? THE BURDEN IS ON THE AIR FORCE TO PROVE YOU WERE DIAGNOSED PRIOR TO ENTERING THE MILITARY. I will upload my files, when I get a chance. They must have clear and unmistakable evidence that it started during a period which would rule out the possibility of you being in some status.
 
My first post on this thread was 8 Feb 2017. Since that time, I have been on full time orders, and have accrued +7400 Active Duty points and passed 30 years of service. I have not heard any news on my case from my medical staff on base. Not a peep. I have had my Commander email them and ask this to be a ILOD case. I was basing this information due to the verbiage written in AFI36-2910 Para. 1.8.1 an "illness sustained by a member will be presumed to be ILOD. Para. 1.8.2 "should be considered ILOD" and Para. 1.9 'Standard of Proof for LOD determinations'. The Flight Doc denied my request stating (which my CC told me) that MS is preexisting and I have always had it. When you read further in the AFI, it talks about what determines that it can be called NILOD. Para 1.9.3 "clear and unmistakable evidence is required to establish NILOD, it may be provided by accepted medical principles". Para 1.9.3 would weigh heavily in having one think he is wrong. I would like to have him made to follow the guidance as it is written and not go against the rules.
 
I would recommend you consult a neurologist to determine if you are exhibiting signs and symptoms of MS that would indicate the disease progressing more rapidly that would normally be observed; that would support the disease being aggravated by your service. You only need the doctor to state that it is more likely than not that the stress and ops tempo of your job while activated may aggravate your condition. Also, IAW AFI 36-2910 par. 1.6 An LOD determinations must be initiated, whether a member is hospitalized or not, when the following occurs... par. 1.6.8.1 The member incurs or aggravates an illness, injury or disease, or receives any medical treatment while serving in any duty status, regardless of the member’s ability to perform military duties". I would also speak with my command to request they push for the AF Form 348 to be initiated. It is not a decision that a flight doc in a wing should be making.
My experience has led me to believe that not many people know how the process is supposed to be or what the LAWS and DODI says. You have to be your own advocate. Even if they start the 348 just to shut you up. Push them to start it
 
I would recommend you consult a neurologist to determine if you are exhibiting signs and symptoms of MS that would indicate the disease progressing more rapidly that would normally be observed; that would support the disease being aggravated by your service. You only need the doctor to state that it is more likely than not that the stress and ops tempo of your job while activated may aggravate your condition. Also, IAW AFI 36-2910 par. 1.6 An LOD determinations must be initiated, whether a member is hospitalized or not, when the following occurs... par. 1.6.8.1 The member incurs or aggravates an illness, injury or disease, or receives any medical treatment while serving in any duty status, regardless of the member’s ability to perform military duties". I would also speak with my command to request they push for the AF Form 348 to be initiated. It is not a decision that a flight doc in a wing should be making.
My experience has led me to believe that not many people know how the process is supposed to be or what the LAWS and DODI says. You have to be your own advocate. Even if they start the 348 just to shut you up. Push them to start it


I have re-engaged with my Med folks and been given a checklist to start the LOD process. She stated that we can submit it and see what AFRC says when they send it up? No real reassuring, but at least they're doing something? I explained that I just want my case to be handled properly and called the correct name. I did ask my Neuro specialist Dr. about the 'preexisting, born with it' statement my Flt Doc stated, and she said that was a crock! There is no way to prove that and shouldn't be called that. Hopefully it works out?
 
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