After 3 years, I guess it's my turn. This one is going to be long so buckle up. Hopefully this will help drill-status (traditional) Guard and Reservists (Air Force).
Background: ANG O-5, 19Z3 Special Warfare (TACP). 24 total years TIS, 16.5 active.
- Went on near-continuous orders in 2017-2023. Had several musculoskeletal issues during this time and contracted COVID while on long-term orders. The original COVID LOD was approved.
- Submitted for LODs between 2020-2023. All were denied (9 in total) by NGB including 1 at my Wing.
- Kicked off of MEDCON orders July 2023.
- Returned to MEDCON in October 2023 then kicked off again for good in November 2023.
- Immediately appealed the NILOD determinations to NGB.
- Surgery in January 2024 in non-duty status.
- Appeal denials started trickling in starting May 2024.
- Filed SAF/IG complaint which turned into a Report of Inquiry due to several similar complaints coming in at the same time.
- July 2024: Awarded 100% P&T from VA
- Fast-forward to January 2025: The Report of Inquiry comes out from SAF/IG systematically stating that NGB LOD Determination Board failed to provide "clear and unmistakable evidence" among a bunch of other "soft" determinations...but it was generally a good finding for the affected servicemembers.
- February 2025: 3 LODs overturned by the appellate authority, leaving 5 others still NILOD or under review. I didn't appeal 1 of the original 9.
- February 2025: Individual SAF/IG complaint found to have merit. Case resolution was for me to submit to the BCMR (eye roll). SAF/MR and SAF/IG agreed to "fast track" the BCMR
- May 2025: Submitted initial BCMR
- May 2025: Final 2 NILOD appeals upheld by NGB = amendment to BCMR for additional contentions
- July 2025: Wing submits a bogus IRILO to NGB for Non-duty consideration. NGB Returns me to duty with 2 x ALC-2 codes for conditions they previously stated I was never diagnosed with!
- August - Oct 2025: Appeal to local Wing Commander and Med Group to re-accomplish IRILO. They agree, but I simultaneously convinced the active-duty flight doctor (SGP) to accomplish the NARSUM. Things start looking up.
- November 2025: BCMR results come back: 100% ILOD determinations for all conditions and MEDCON backpay for 8 of the <24 months removed from MEDCON. BCMR also agrees that due to my whistleblower status that my new IRILO be accomplished by active-duty AFPC vs. NGB to eliminate bias. Things are really starting to look up!
- Jan/Feb: NARSUM and CIS re-accomplished
- 19 Feb 2026: FL-4 received with referral into DES! All potential unfitting ILOD conditions. The MEB/DES process has officially begun. Potentially unfitting conditions: (right shoulder: 2 x SLAP repairs and reinjury + determination for eventual replacement), right knee: recurring meniscus tear (surgical hx), right ankle: 2 x surgeries including 1 on AD and 1 overturned ILOD determination (osteochondral defect of talus), severe cervical disc degeneration, asthma + GERD stemming from long-COVID symptoms. All conditions have already been rated by the VA.
Background: ANG O-5, 19Z3 Special Warfare (TACP). 24 total years TIS, 16.5 active.
- Went on near-continuous orders in 2017-2023. Had several musculoskeletal issues during this time and contracted COVID while on long-term orders. The original COVID LOD was approved.
- Submitted for LODs between 2020-2023. All were denied (9 in total) by NGB including 1 at my Wing.
- Kicked off of MEDCON orders July 2023.
- Returned to MEDCON in October 2023 then kicked off again for good in November 2023.
- Immediately appealed the NILOD determinations to NGB.
- Surgery in January 2024 in non-duty status.
- Appeal denials started trickling in starting May 2024.
- Filed SAF/IG complaint which turned into a Report of Inquiry due to several similar complaints coming in at the same time.
- July 2024: Awarded 100% P&T from VA
- Fast-forward to January 2025: The Report of Inquiry comes out from SAF/IG systematically stating that NGB LOD Determination Board failed to provide "clear and unmistakable evidence" among a bunch of other "soft" determinations...but it was generally a good finding for the affected servicemembers.
- February 2025: 3 LODs overturned by the appellate authority, leaving 5 others still NILOD or under review. I didn't appeal 1 of the original 9.
- February 2025: Individual SAF/IG complaint found to have merit. Case resolution was for me to submit to the BCMR (eye roll). SAF/MR and SAF/IG agreed to "fast track" the BCMR
- May 2025: Submitted initial BCMR
- May 2025: Final 2 NILOD appeals upheld by NGB = amendment to BCMR for additional contentions
- July 2025: Wing submits a bogus IRILO to NGB for Non-duty consideration. NGB Returns me to duty with 2 x ALC-2 codes for conditions they previously stated I was never diagnosed with!
- August - Oct 2025: Appeal to local Wing Commander and Med Group to re-accomplish IRILO. They agree, but I simultaneously convinced the active-duty flight doctor (SGP) to accomplish the NARSUM. Things start looking up.
- November 2025: BCMR results come back: 100% ILOD determinations for all conditions and MEDCON backpay for 8 of the <24 months removed from MEDCON. BCMR also agrees that due to my whistleblower status that my new IRILO be accomplished by active-duty AFPC vs. NGB to eliminate bias. Things are really starting to look up!
- Jan/Feb: NARSUM and CIS re-accomplished
- 19 Feb 2026: FL-4 received with referral into DES! All potential unfitting ILOD conditions. The MEB/DES process has officially begun. Potentially unfitting conditions: (right shoulder: 2 x SLAP repairs and reinjury + determination for eventual replacement), right knee: recurring meniscus tear (surgical hx), right ankle: 2 x surgeries including 1 on AD and 1 overturned ILOD determination (osteochondral defect of talus), severe cervical disc degeneration, asthma + GERD stemming from long-COVID symptoms. All conditions have already been rated by the VA.
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