Sorry I know asthma is probably a common topic on here but i was looking to see if anyone has recently gone through the same thing in the army or can help give me some answers. Since 2019 ive been to the ER 5-6 times to be treated for asthma even being admitted to the icu at Campbell once. I'm at the point now that im tired of not getting anywhere with my symptoms and i am starting to do research and realizing the meb process is my best option. From what ive said above does it look like its likely to happen? if so what steps should i start taking to help myself. I currently dont have a permanent profile but during my next PCM appoint im going to ask about getting one because i feel like all the PCM's havent been treating my situation properly.
Army meb for asthma
- Thread starter wrangler16
- Start date
IDES which includes the MEB must be initiated by your PCM. Do you have a good relationship with your commander? Are they aware of your medical issues? Have you had to miss work or not be able to perform your job or do PT due to asthma? If so your commander could request a fit for duty exam. That could trigger a MEB.
Also, your PCM may not bring up or talk about a MEB until they have exhausted all treatment. You may want to ask your PCM what further options are there? If you have tried everything and still don't have it under control or it prevents you from doing your job then you may want to ask your PCM at what point do we throw in the towel and initiate a MEB to see if you are medically fit to continue to serve?
Also, your PCM may not bring up or talk about a MEB until they have exhausted all treatment. You may want to ask your PCM what further options are there? If you have tried everything and still don't have it under control or it prevents you from doing your job then you may want to ask your PCM at what point do we throw in the towel and initiate a MEB to see if you are medically fit to continue to serve?
If you are taking inhaled steroids for asthma you should be 30% off greater.
I wouldn't say I have the best relationship with my commander haha. But I don't think they would be against doing that fit for duty exam. They are aware of my issues, they even put me on a DPW detail to avoid the field and get my health straightened out. I'm a 13B so asthma definitely limits my ability to perform with my mos being so physical.
Okay. Then I would ask your commander as its in his best interest to get you out and this would start the process. So its a win/win. I was stationed in a Field Artillery Unit at Bragg a long time ago (early 2000's) I was a chaplain's assistant in it. Those were the days!
Ok ill see about bringing it up to him after my next appointment. And you gotta love field artillery! The guys are all great, definitley have some good memories!
im currently taking an off brand advair 500/50
i managed to get referred to a civilian pulmonologist , is there a note i could have the DR write to help myself get a permanent profile?
Ask the doctor their medical opinion about your condition and if its compatible with military service. Explain everything that you have done up until now and the requirements of your job for which you feel you cannot do. If he believes your medical condition isn't compatible with your job in the military have him write a letter explaining your condition, the treatment you are on and any restrictions he believes are necessary to protect your health while in the military. The more restrictive he is the better your case.
If your specialist is willing to state that he believes your condition is permanent and that it isn't compatible with military service that would greatly help your cause. Next I would get the records for that apt with specialist and have that letter in hand then you can approach your PCM about it. If your PCM agrees then you won't have to say much as they should be the ones informing you that they plan on referring you to IDES which gets the ball rolling towards a MEB.
If your specialist is willing to state that he believes your condition is permanent and that it isn't compatible with military service that would greatly help your cause. Next I would get the records for that apt with specialist and have that letter in hand then you can approach your PCM about it. If your PCM agrees then you won't have to say much as they should be the ones informing you that they plan on referring you to IDES which gets the ball rolling towards a MEB.
so i got my letter from my pulmonologist today. Basically says I'm at max treatment, severe persistent asthma, multiple hospital trips, cant wear mask, no pt test, cant perform duties or run 2 miles and lastly not fit for duty. i have a pa appointment on Monday so i can talk to him and give him the letter. did my dr set me up pretty well for the meb process? id appreciate any input.
Ok so id say im pretty likely to get a permanent profile right? They said they would put in for a meb if i got the letter so hopefully they keep their word haha
No Clue on permanent profile. they could mess with you and give you temporary and give you more time even if you don't think it will improve. That's at their discretion. Once they refer you to MEB the profile should be permanent.
Ok ill hope for the best, thanks for your help. Ill post on Monday if i get any news
Is there anyone who could tell me what my fev number are that would be used towards a va rating. I'm just going through all possible ratings I might get. I take daily inhalers Albuterol, advair 500/50, daily Prednisone and allergy meds. I also have been prescribed Prednisone 4/5 times within the last year. Not sure if that would get me 60% or not. I got my p3 profile and have already had my peblo contact me so my process is rolling now. Any input would be appreciated!
Attachments
This is what I found in the VASRD under asthma. I don't know how to read the numbers you provided but hopefully you can compare yourself.
6602 Asthma, bronchial: | |
FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications | 100 |
FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or; intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids | 60 |
FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication | 30 |
FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy | 10 |
Note: In the absence of clinical findings of asthma at time of examination, a verified history of asthmatic attacks must be of record. |
Thanks for that i think i definitely fall into the 30% but i hope i can fall into 60% based off being prescribed prednisone 4/5 times in the last year.
The VA uses the VASRD for their ratings. There are multiple posts about how the VA calculates the ratings as well.
Update*
Since my last post I've been referred into the MEB/IDES process. My unfit letter and length of time on profile basically triggered the process. I got a p3 profile no mask, no gear, non deployable no pt test/ acft.... I've also been found unfit to continue duty. Still waiting on ratings though.
Since my last post I've been referred into the MEB/IDES process. My unfit letter and length of time on profile basically triggered the process. I got a p3 profile no mask, no gear, non deployable no pt test/ acft.... I've also been found unfit to continue duty. Still waiting on ratings though.
So did you end up with the 60% rating or the 30%%