Air Guard PEB process

[Green&Blue]

Hello everyone. I have questions about the MEBprocess. Quick background on me. Initial enlistment in Army Reserves with 2 OIF deployments. Took a break and re-enlisted in Army Guard after that and had my 3rd deployment, this time to AFRICOM. Finished that enlistment and received my commission in the Air Guard, currently an 03 with no further deployments.

50% PTSD rating, 20% for my shoulder, 10% ankle and 10% tinnitus. 70% overall. All ratings stem directly from my deployments. Currently in the claims process for small issues due to burn bit registry and alleged presumptive conditions I have per the VA doc that interviewed me.

Didn’t get rated for PTSD until last year. Things finally became so bad with work and the military that I had to do something. I never felt right after my 2nd and 3rd deployments but couldn’t pin it on anything until I talked with others. I was put on COVID orders last year and was miserable and made everyone around me miserable with my anger and frustration. I kept it all in during my shift and took out frustrations at home. This is what prompted to seek help and file for PTSD. I have since been given a reasonable accommodation with my civilian employer to work from home more than our normal schedule allows.

Still in the Guard and just hit 20 years earlier this year. Have about 3200 points. Each drill is more and more difficult to attend with mounting anxiety, frustrations, anger and a lack of desire to be there. I owe my troops more than that and I simply can’t dig deep enough to give that to them. I have since been in contact with base mental health due to me getting medications for the anxiety/anger and was put on a profile. Meetings with mental health and the docs during drill are a regular thing for me now. In my last meeting with mental health, they suggested the MEB process for me and they are going to inquire with the full-time doc we have on base about starting the process for me. I am also in regular counseling sessions with the Vet Center as well and have been for the better part of 2 years.

I tried researching the MEB process after my last meeting and like anything federal, it's clear as mud. Still a little confused with Chapter 61 and CRSC and CRDP, the MEB process and what happens upon being medically retired in my situation. I did find this post that was helpful, but I still have questions: Chapter 61 for ARNG Officer | Physical Evaluation Board Forum (pebforum.com)

• Am I placed on MEDCON orders in this situation as a Drill Status Guardsman (DSG)?
• Do I need to be evaluated again by the VA going through this process?
• If I am medically retired due to my conditions, what does my retirement look like? My understanding is that because I have over 20 good years and my conditions were due to Title 10 service in time of conflict, I would be eligible for an “active-duty retirement” (50% of my base 03E pay) as well as still getting my VA compensation with no offsets (CRDP). I am also understanding that I can draw retirement immediately upon being medically retired. Am I understanding all of that correctly?
• Would/could this have any negative affect on the remainder of my career if I am not medically retired?
• Am I missing anything you all feel is pertinent?

Thank you in advance.

 

[cullenrp]

Sorry for your situation. I'm by no means an expert, but am slightly ahead of you in the process in the ANG. Bottom line: you have to be referred to to an IRILO by the AMRO board. You likely won't get MEDCON orders and if I'm a betting man, you're looking at the "Fit for Duty" DES process. Do you have any lines of duty from the Army? You will have a lot of time to figure out pay and benefits, so I would instead focus on engaging with your Guard Medical Unit and supervisor/commander to understand the local process for getting your IRILO package prepared which includes the commander's impact statement and Narrative Summary (NARSUM). Hopefully some of this is already in the works if your medical staff has already mentioned MEB/DES as an option. Best of luck to you.

 

[Green&Blue]

Thanks for the info. I don't have any LOD's from the Army when I was in. What made my PTSD claim a shoe-in was that I was awarded the Combat Action Badge, so that's the best I have. I can get some supporting statements from my prior OIC with the Army, if required. My last conversation with a provider last drill ended with them saying they would look into referring me to the AMRO board. Doubt I'll hear anything from mental health or the full-time doc on base until next drill, at the earliest... But based on what I hear, I guess I'll start getting my information and commanders impact statements in order. He is well aware of my issues and situation and willing to help. He is dealing with his own process presently.

I doubt anything has been started for me since mental health simply brought up the MEB process and asked if was something I would feel up to considering it could take a while. I didn't think I'd be on MEDCON orders for any of this, I just didn't what the SOP was for us DSG folks. Thanks again.

 

[thizzle29]

Thanks for the info. I don't have any LOD's from the Army when I was in. What made my PTSD claim a shoe-in was that I was awarded the Combat Action Badge, so that's the best I have. I can get some supporting statements from my prior OIC with the Army, if required. My last conversation with a provider last drill ended with them saying they would look into referring me to the AMRO board. Doubt I'll hear anything from mental health or the full-time doc on base until next drill, at the earliest... But based on what I hear, I guess I'll start getting my information and commanders impact statements in order. He is well aware of my issues and situation and willing to help. He is dealing with his own process presently.

I doubt anything has been started for me since mental health simply brought up the MEB process and asked if was something I would feel up to considering it could take a while. I didn't think I'd be on MEDCON orders for any of this, I just didn't what the SOP was for us DSG folks. Thanks again.

Hello, fellow airman. I'm in the Air Guard in Louisiana with over 28 years of service. I'm a DSG as well and been a federal technician for 6 years (plus 5 years of prior federal service). I enlisted as an E1 and now an O5. I've no active duty time but been deployed several times to include Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm currently rated 100% P&T including rated for '50% other stressor related disorder' since Oct 2019.

I started my 'MEB' process around Feb of 2023 by first contacting medical asking what were the requirements since I can no longer perform my duties to include my daily job and physical fitness. I was sent the Physician's Summary and Mental Health Summary and directed to our Director of Psychological Health. I also talked to my commander who's on my side and will do what I need to get me medically retired. In fact, the Dir of Psych Health is on board as well. That helps me breathe a bit easier. Anyways, I have a non-VA psychiatrist (she helps A LOT versus the VA psych that I got a few months ago) that wrote my Mental Health summary. My VA Primary Care Physician wrote my Physician Summary. The Dir of Psych Health wrote a good Narrative Summary and my Commander wrote a Commander's Impact Statement that should help as well. I even submitted my VA explanation of Benefits for my IDES packet since it spells out all of the VA disabilities in detail. The Dir of Psych Health and two other professionals that have extensive experience with IDES said all the paperwork look good and should help me.

My official IDES packet was submitted 2 Jan 2024. The Dir of Psych Health, along with others, stated that I should be 'hearing something' around April or May based on the packets they've seen. They also told me that the VA will see the 50% 'other stressor-related disorders and weigh that with my later claims, diagnoses and treatments for General Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and other mental disorders (prescribed pills, psychotherapies, etc.) and that could at least get me to 70% PTSD for DoD (not including my well-documented physical ailments, but harder for DoD to recommend medically retiring me from).

Once I complete this process and hopefully get medically retired from the Guard, I will use the paperwork to apply for my federal disability retirement since my military job and federal jobs are tied. This is one reason I am being very meticulous of how, where and who writes things in my medical files. For example, if I notice the doctor didn't address my nightmares in one of our meetings, I ensure that I send a secure message through VA spelling out my issues and requesting assistance for them. Each time I've done this, I've received positive results. I also am required to apply for Social Security Disability Income (different from SSI). Since I don't plan to work, I want to make sure that I have the proper paperwork and worded correctly the way Social Security wants it. I have heard and read their office is more strict than DoD or OPM, so I want to ensure I am studying the right material and dotting my 'I's and crossing my 'T's. While I am still affiliated with the military, I am using my time and resources to do just that (also, to get all of my documents saved....).

So, how does this look for us DSGs? IF we are medically retired, then yes, we receive our retirement checks right away. Let's say they medically retire me at 50%. that means I get 50% of O5 base pay (roughly $5,000 monthly). this is BEFORE the VA 'penalty' kicks in. Because I receive the roughly $3,600 a month from the VA, the DoD will subtract that amount from my retirement pay, which leaves me with $1,400 before taxes. Since I'll be retired (doesn't matter medically), I have to apply for the Concurrent Retirement Pay (I forget the official name of it) so that way I receive all of my money. It sounds like you would qualify as well, but I would go to Defense Finance and Accounting Service > RetiredMilitary > disability > crdp just to be certain you are doing the right thing.

Sorry this is so long. I assume something here will possibly help you or someone else that reads this. I wish you well in your endeavors...

 

[cullenrp]

Do you happen to know if you were entered in to the "Fit for Duty DES"? I'm still learning about this process, but am under the impression that it is being increasingly utilized when members of the Guard/Reserve have prior service conditions without an LOD. You previously mentioned “IDES”, so I just wanted to clarify.

 

[Green&Blue]

Hello, fellow airman. I'm in the Air Guard in Louisiana with over 28 years of service. I'm a DSG as well and been a federal technician for 6 years (plus 5 years of prior federal service). I enlisted as an E1 and now an O5. I've no active duty time but been deployed several times to include Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm currently rated 100% P&T including rated for '50% other stressor related disorder' since Oct 2019.

I started my 'MEB' process around Feb of 2023 by first contacting medical asking what were the requirements since I can no longer perform my duties to include my daily job and physical fitness. I was sent the Physician's Summary and Mental Health Summary and directed to our Director of Psychological Health. I also talked to my commander who's on my side and will do what I need to get me medically retired. In fact, the Dir of Psych Health is on board as well. That helps me breathe a bit easier. Anyways, I have a non-VA psychiatrist (she helps A LOT versus the VA psych that I got a few months ago) that wrote my Mental Health summary. My VA Primary Care Physician wrote my Physician Summary. The Dir of Psych Health wrote a good Narrative Summary and my Commander wrote a Commander's Impact Statement that should help as well. I even submitted my VA explanation of Benefits for my IDES packet since it spells out all of the VA disabilities in detail. The Dir of Psych Health and two other professionals that have extensive experience with IDES said all the paperwork look good and should help me.

My official IDES packet was submitted 2 Jan 2024. The Dir of Psych Health, along with others, stated that I should be 'hearing something' around April or May based on the packets they've seen. They also told me that the VA will see the 50% 'other stressor-related disorders and weigh that with my later claims, diagnoses and treatments for General Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and other mental disorders (prescribed pills, psychotherapies, etc.) and that could at least get me to 70% PTSD for DoD (not including my well-documented physical ailments, but harder for DoD to recommend medically retiring me from).

Once I complete this process and hopefully get medically retired from the Guard, I will use the paperwork to apply for my federal disability retirement since my military job and federal jobs are tied. This is one reason I am being very meticulous of how, where and who writes things in my medical files. For example, if I notice the doctor didn't address my nightmares in one of our meetings, I ensure that I send a secure message through VA spelling out my issues and requesting assistance for them. Each time I've done this, I've received positive results. I also am required to apply for Social Security Disability Income (different from SSI). Since I don't plan to work, I want to make sure that I have the proper paperwork and worded correctly the way Social Security wants it. I have heard and read their office is more strict than DoD or OPM, so I want to ensure I am studying the right material and dotting my 'I's and crossing my 'T's. While I am still affiliated with the military, I am using my time and resources to do just that (also, to get all of my documents saved....).

So, how does this look for us DSGs? IF we are medically retired, then yes, we receive our retirement checks right away. Let's say they medically retire me at 50%. that means I get 50% of O5 base pay (roughly $5,000 monthly). this is BEFORE the VA 'penalty' kicks in. Because I receive the roughly $3,600 a month from the VA, the DoD will subtract that amount from my retirement pay, which leaves me with $1,400 before taxes. Since I'll be retired (doesn't matter medically), I have to apply for the Concurrent Retirement Pay (I forget the official name of it) so that way I receive all of my money. It sounds like you would qualify as well, but I would go to Defense Finance and Accounting Service > RetiredMilitary > disability > crdp just to be certain you are doing the right thing.

Sorry this is so long. I assume something here will possibly help you or someone else that reads this. I wish you well in your endeavors...

Thank you for the thorough explanation, sir. It was very helpful to me in explaining the process and answering my questions. I do believe I would qualify for the Concurrent Retired Disability Pay (CRDP) based on the definition from DFAS. I have heard from our DPH on base and she is already requesting more info on me from my current counselor since our base F/T doc wants me to wait it out more to see if things get better... Been 15+ years of dealing with this crap, but okay... Granted, I have only been on meds for a few months and had a proper diagnoses and counseling since 5/2022 but... I have another meeting with them next week and will see what happens. I am sure I will get the necessary support from them, my current commander and my physicians and counselors. Oddly enough, my former counselor is one of our two DPH staff on base now, so I have that continuity as well. I just need to see if my MDG and chain of command beyond my SQCC is going to be on board. From things I have seen recently, it's a good chance I'll be in this solo, hence a big reason for my issues. Thanks to the issues presented on base, I have file for an increase for my PTSD.

 

[Green&Blue]

Do you happen to know if you were entered in to the "Fit for Duty DES"? I'm still learning about this process, but am under the impression that it is being increasingly utilized when members of the Guard/Reserve have prior service conditions without an LOD. You previously mentioned “IDES”, so I just wanted to clarify.

I know I am currently under a profile in our medical system as not worldwide deployable right now. This was supposed to be extended but will see at the meeting next week with my DPH.

 

[Provis]

Thank you for the thorough explanation, sir. It was very helpful to me in explaining the process and answering my questions. I do believe I would qualify for the Concurrent Retired Disability Pay (CRDP) based on the definition from DFAS. I have heard from our DPH on base and she is already requesting more info on me from my current counselor since our base F/T doc wants me to wait it out more to see if things get better... Been 15+ years of dealing with this crap, but okay... Granted, I have only been on meds for a few months and had a proper diagnoses and counseling since 5/2022 but... I have another meeting with them next week and will see what happens. I am sure I will get the necessary support from them, my current commander and my physicians and counselors. Oddly enough, my former counselor is one of our two DPH staff on base now, so I have that continuity as well. I just need to see if my MDG and chain of command beyond my SQCC is going to be on board. From things I have seen recently, it's a good chance I'll be in this solo, hence a big reason for my issues. Thanks to the issues presented on base, I have file for an increase for my PTSD.

If you have 20 good years and a 20 year letter you will qualify for CRDP at the eligible age to retire. So if your medically retired any pay you recieve from that pension will be offset by any VA compensation that you receive. You get both at age 60 or less with reduction in time due to qualified deployments. So CRDP does not kick in right away for Guard or Reservist. It only kicks in immediately for Soldiers who have 20 year AFS. Check out CRSC because if you are medically retired you can immediately apply for CRSC. CRSC acts the same way as CRDP in that it restores that VA offset with a seperate check. If medically retired just know the most you can receive in total is the combination of longevity earned portion of your pension + VA compensation. So take your point total divide by 360 to convert into years and then multiply that number by 2.5% or if BRS 2% and that is the percentage you get of your HIGH 36. Take that number + total VA compensation received and that is the max compensation you can get by law regardless of the retirement you have to include a chapter 61 retirement.

 

[Green&Blue]

So, figuring out my retirement with that formula, I am at about 23%. That means about $2,037/mo based on my rank right now. Then, if I am 80% after this next C&P, I would be receiving $2,365/mo from the VA. Total potential compensation of about $4,402/mo. So, by law, I am not able to receive more than that, even if found 50% by the DoD in the MEB/PEB process? Just trying to wrap my head around this and understand it so I know where I stand.

Also, still waiting on my 20-year letter. Probably have 21 years before I get it at this rate.

If this process comes to fruition for me and I am medically retired, I will look into the CRSC until I reach my retirement age. From what I can tell, the CRSC is the program I apply to my service branch for, correct? Also, would I receive Tricare for me and my dependents if medically retired?

Thank you for the info, appreciate your time.

 

[Provis]

So if you are at 23% and the average of your highest 36 months was $8,500 then your earned longevity pension is $1,955. Now your VA compensation is $2,000 a month. The most compensation by law you can get is $1,955 pension earned longevity + $2,000 VA compensation = $3,955. That's the most you can get regarding CRDP and CRSC.

Now lets say your DOD % is 70%. $8,500 x 70% = $5,950. Since $5,950 is higher than $3,955 CRDP and CRSC won't help you. In that scenario $5,950 - $2,000 VA received = $3,950 leftover to be paid by your chapter 61 retirement.

 

[Provis]

So, figuring out my retirement with that formula, I am at about 23%. That means about $2,037/mo based on my rank right now. Then, if I am 80% after this next C&P, I would be receiving $2,365/mo from the VA. Total potential compensation of about $4,402/mo. So, by law, I am not able to receive more than that, even if found 50% by the DoD in the MEB/PEB process? Just trying to wrap my head around this and understand it so I know where I stand.

Also, still waiting on my 20-year letter. Probably have 21 years before I get it at this rate.

If this process comes to fruition for me and I am medically retired, I will look into the CRSC until I reach my retirement age. From what I can tell, the CRSC is the program I apply to my service branch for, correct? Also, would I receive Tricare for me and my dependents if medically retired?

Thank you for the info, appreciate your time.

Now lets run this scenario with 50% DOD. 50% x 8500 is : $4,250. This is higher than your earned longevity and VA compensation. Its the most compensation you can get and CRDP and CRSC wont help you gain more gross compensation. So in this case $4,250 - $2,000 VA compensation received = $2,250 left to be paid by our chapter 61 retirement.

 

[Provis]

So, figuring out my retirement with that formula, I am at about 23%. That means about $2,037/mo based on my rank right now. Then, if I am 80% after this next C&P, I would be receiving $2,365/mo from the VA. Total potential compensation of about $4,402/mo. So, by law, I am not able to receive more than that, even if found 50% by the DoD in the MEB/PEB process? Just trying to wrap my head around this and understand it so I know where I stand.

Also, still waiting on my 20-year letter. Probably have 21 years before I get it at this rate.

If this process comes to fruition for me and I am medically retired, I will look into the CRSC until I reach my retirement age. From what I can tell, the CRSC is the program I apply to my service branch for, correct? Also, would I receive Tricare for me and my dependents if medically retired?

Thank you for the info, appreciate your time.

Last example. 30% DOD X 8,500 = $2,550. $2,550 - $2,000 VA compensation received = $550 paid by chapter 61 pension. Since this amount is less than $3,955 you are leaving money on the table. If you applied for CRSC and was granted 50% for PTSD using tables for single soldier (May be different in your exact case). CRSC could pay you up to $1,075.16. Since you can't get more than $3,955 lets see how much you would get in this instance. $3,955 - $2,000 VA & $550 chapter 61 pension = $1,405 left on the table. You would get $1,075.16 CRSC payment. That is less than $1,405 so you would want to try to increase your CRSC % if possible to max out. Of course when you reach age 60 you could apply for your Reserve/Guard retirement and that would get you the rest you are missing by getting CRDP. The issue is CRDP isn't something you can get until you are eligible to apply and receive your Reserve/Guard retirement.

 

[thizzle29]

Thank you for the thorough explanation, sir. It was very helpful to me in explaining the process and answering my questions. I do believe I would qualify for the Concurrent Retired Disability Pay (CRDP) based on the definition from DFAS. I have heard from our DPH on base and she is already requesting more info on me from my current counselor since our base F/T doc wants me to wait it out more to see if things get better... Been 15+ years of dealing with this crap, but okay... Granted, I have only been on meds for a few months and had a proper diagnoses and counseling since 5/2022 but... I have another meeting with them next week and will see what happens. I am sure I will get the necessary support from them, my current commander and my physicians and counselors. Oddly enough, my former counselor is one of our two DPH staff on base now, so I have that continuity as well. I just need to see if my MDG and chain of command beyond my SQCC is going to be on board. From things I have seen recently, it's a good chance I'll be in this solo, hence a big reason for my issues. Thanks to the issues presented on base, I have file for an increase for my PTSD.

That's very good on all fronts, brother. Yes, only you can and should be a strong advocate for yourself, regardless what anyone else says.

 

[thizzle29]

Do you happen to know if you were entered in to the "Fit for Duty DES"? I'm still learning about this process, but am under the impression that it is being increasingly utilized when members of the Guard/Reserve have prior service conditions without an LOD. You previously mentioned “IDES”, so I just wanted to clarify.

I'm sorry for the delay. No, I don't know. From what I was told today, my NARSUM shows "not in the Line of Duty, not due to member's misconduct" and Medical sent it to NGB for Prior Service Connection. Someone else very familiar with the process told me that was a great thing. That gave me the warm and fuzzy, so Ima let the process cook, ya know?.. lol

 

[cullenrp]

@thizzle29 - my interpretation of the Non-duty DES (which has been renamed to the “fit for duty DES”) does not normally result in a medical retirement because an “in the line of duty” determination has not been made. Specifically, Guard Bureau is getting a reputation of denying “service aggravation” for injuries or illness that are aggravated while on a period of activation over 30 days. The practical consequence of the “not in the line of determination” is that members won’t go through the IDES and, if found unfit over 30%, be eligible for Tricare and chapt 61 retirement. Instead, they’re being shoved in to the FFD DES and being ushered out the door without benefits. That’s why the line of duty determination is so important. Does that make sense? This is nuanced but should be understood for “traditionals” facing this process. It’s a very big deal and facing a lot of scrutiny as a lot of Guardsmen (and Reservists I’m sure) are being adversely impacted by it.

 

[thizzle29]

@thizzle29 - my interpretation of the Non-duty DES (which has been renamed to the “fit for duty DES”) does not normally result in a medical retirement because an “in the line of duty” determination has not been made. Specifically, Guard Bureau is getting a reputation of denying “service aggravation” for injuries or illness that are aggravated while on a period of activation over 30 days. The practical consequence of the “not in the line of determination” is that members won’t go through the IDES and, if found unfit over 30%, be eligible for Tricare and chapt 61 retirement. Instead, they’re being shoved in to the FFD DES and being ushered out the door without benefits. That’s why the line of duty determination is so important. Does that make sense? This is nuanced but should be understood for “traditionals” facing this process. It’s a very big deal and facing a lot of scrutiny as a lot of Guardsmen (and Reservists I’m sure) are being adversely impacted by it.

Let me state this up front: you are probably 'wicked smaht' on this than I am, so I abdicate to you. I found out last week that my paperwork has been sent to NGB for a 'PSC' process. Again, this is all so confusing for me so I try to take the information in small, bite-sized chunks for my tiny brain to easily assimilate. Lol