Army Officer Possible Med Board

Army Officer Possible Med Board Advice

Possible MedBoard

I’m posting this to simply get some opinions and guidance, I have upcoming medical appointments and am working with my doctors, so I’m not looking for specific medical guidance. I just want to run this by people anonymously and would really appreciate input.
I was told by my specialist that if I opt for a procedure, it is an auto trigger for a med board. I’ve been dealing with this condition for a few years and have gone through years of treatments and medications that don’t work. This condition prevents sleep and makes things really difficult in the field but also day to day as it interrupts my life. I’d been suggested this procedure a year prior but was not told it was an auto trigger for a med board but at that time I was seeing an Air Force doctor so they may have not known. I also have a diagnosed tear in my knee that causes problems and requires surgical repair now or in the future that I’ve already repaired surgically once.
I suppose I’m looking at what I should do with this med board situation.

Discussion part: The army has given me a lot, tangibly hundreds of thousands in educational benefits. I’d feel really guilty about taking this route because I’ve taken so much and haven’t given an equal amount back.
I’m also right now at a point where if I opt for the procedure I want out and don’t want retained but if I opt out I want to stay in. I’m an officer with seven years TIS. Any input and guidance is welcome
Can anybody talk about the overall picture of the ides? Like is the environment that they are pretty much retaining everyone they can or is it most everyone is medically separated/retired or somewhere in the middle? I can provide more details if it will help too

 

[Provis]

Army Officer Possible Med Board Advice

Possible MedBoard

I’m posting this to simply get some opinions and guidance, I have upcoming medical appointments and am working with my doctors, so I’m not looking for specific medical guidance. I just want to run this by people anonymously and would really appreciate input.
I was told by my specialist that if I opt for a procedure, it is an auto trigger for a med board. I’ve been dealing with this condition for a few years and have gone through years of treatments and medications that don’t work. This condition prevents sleep and makes things really difficult in the field but also day to day as it interrupts my life. I’d been suggested this procedure a year prior but was not told it was an auto trigger for a med board but at that time I was seeing an Air Force doctor so they may have not known. I also have a diagnosed tear in my knee that causes problems and requires surgical repair now or in the future that I’ve already repaired surgically once.
I suppose I’m looking at what I should do with this med board situation.

Discussion part: The army has given me a lot, tangibly hundreds of thousands in educational benefits. I’d feel really guilty about taking this route because I’ve taken so much and haven’t given an equal amount back.
I’m also right now at a point where if I opt for the procedure I want out and don’t want retained but if I opt out I want to stay in. I’m an officer with seven years TIS. Any input and guidance is welcome
Can anybody talk about the overall picture of the ides? Like is the environment that they are pretty much retaining everyone they can or is it most everyone is medically separated/retired or somewhere in the middle? I can provide more details if it will help too

In the Army if they refer you to IDES they are more than likely going to find you unfit and will separate you with severance or medically retire you. If you were at then end of your career I would try to extend to get to 20 years. However, since you are at 7 years TIS I would focus on your health and if that procedure would help I would do it. If then they put you in IDES learn as much about the process as possible and start interviewing private attorneys. I strongly recommend hiring one to get the best result possible for your given situation.

 

[Globalview]

In the Army if they refer you to IDES they are more than likely going to find you unfit and will separate you with severance or medically retire you. If you were at then end of your career I would try to extend to get to 20 years. However, since you are at 7 years TIS I would focus on your health and if that procedure would help I would do it. If then they put you in IDES learn as much about the process as possible and start interviewing private attorneys. I strongly recommend hiring one to get the best result possible for your given situation.

I’m sorry if this is a simple question, but does the specific job in the military play a role? I’m in what is generally considered a more administrative and and professional branch? Professional by degree that is. I have heard if they MeB finds you unfit the PEB rarely reverses that, is that the case? I’m trying to get the most clear picture possible about my options and what the process would look like.

 

[Provis]

I’m sorry if this is a simple question, but does the specific job in the military play a role? I’m in what is generally considered a more administrative and and professional branch? Professional by degree that is. I have heard if they MeB finds you unfit the PEB rarely reverses that, is that the case? I’m trying to get the most clear picture possible about my options and what the process would look like.

Your MOS definitely plays a part but understand if referred and your condition prevents you from doing EVERYTHING in the Army to include deployments they will find you unfit. Each branch is a bit different. For example the AF is more likely to keep you on a limited duty assignment and they can do that because they are a smaller organization. The Army is the largest branch and so there is less nuance so they are more than likely to find you unfit if you can't do everything at all times.

 

[Globalview]

Your MOS definitely plays a part but understand if referred and your condition prevents you from doing EVERYTHING in the Army to include deployments they will find you unfit. Each branch is a bit different. For example the AF is more likely to keep you on a limited duty assignment and they can do that because they are a smaller organization. The Army is the largest branch and so there is less nuance so they are more than likely to find you unfit if you can't do everything at all times.

I’m definitely talking to my provider about this but if an implant makes me not deployable in the Army but I am a professional (i.e. doctor or lawyer) does that matter?

 

[chaplaincharlie]

Doctors are usually retained

 

[Provis]

I’m definitely talking to my provider about this but if an implant makes me not deployable in the Army but I am a professional (i.e. doctor or lawyer) does that matter?

It would be much easier for us to help if we know what your position was. Like @chaplaincharlie said if you are a doctor you will be retained. For doctors its almost impossible to be found unfit. They will work around any issues you have because of how valuable your position is and there is a shortage of them.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

I understand you want to remain anonymous, but best advice requires more information. Best wishes.

 

[Globalview]

I am a

I understand you want to remain anonymous, but best advice requires more information. Best wishes.

I am an attorney. The implant is for a urinary issue. As I understand the implant would make me non deployable and the implant is something that lasts ten years before it needs replacement. I have been going through treatment since 2020

 

[RetiredAtty]

With 7 years TIS and a law degree, you should focus on your health and take whatever action you and your medical team believe is in your best interests from a medical or health persepctive. Your concern about duty and loyalty to the Army is admirable, but you should remain mindful that it is not reciprocal and the Army cannot be relied upon to act in your best interests. Plus, the Army will replace you with another judge advocate (of which there is no shortage) without blinking (nor should it). Once you make the call to prioritize your own health, you can deal with a potential MEB or IDES referral. If that occurs, and it sounds as though it is a likely outcome, you will then have to make a decision whether to advocate for your retention as fit or for a finding of unfit with a maximum disability rating. Aside from your personal preference, that decision will largely be informed in the first instance by the outcome of your physical examinations, the DA Form 3947 (Report of MEB Proceedings), and the accompanying NARSUM. Plus, it is at that point that it is critical you begin to advocate for your desired outcome, as shaping an IDES outcome begins as a formal matter with your authorized responses to the MEB (although it really starts with interacting with your providers and with VA or VA contract examiners performing the examinations). The risk of advocating for fitness is a PEB finding of unfitness with a rating less than 30%, which results in a one time severance payment rather than lifetime retired pay and retiree benefits. In addition, you will have created a record that will make it extremely challenging for you successfully to appeal the PEB results in order to obtaiin a disability retirement. Don't represent yourself going forward in the IDES if that should occur. Rely on OSC counsel to some extent but consider retaining private counsel experienced in this area (some contributors to this Forum can give you good recommendations). Experience as reflected on this Forum shows that having vigorous and experienced advocacy from the beginning of the IDES process is far more likely to result in a more favorable outcome for you if events go that way.

 

[Provis]

With 7 years TIS and a law degree, you should focus on your health and take whatever action you and your medical team believe is in your best interests from a medical or health persepctive. Your concern about duty and loyalty to the Army is admirable, but you should remain mindful that it is not reciprocal and the Army cannot be relied upon to act in your best interests. Plus, the Army will replace you with another judge advocate (of which there is no shortage) without blinking (nor should it). Once you make the call to prioritize your own health, you can deal with a potential MEB or IDES referral. If that occurs, and it sounds as though it is a likely outcome, you will then have to make a decision whether to advocate for your retention as fit or for a finding of unfit with a maximum disability rating. Aside from your personal preference, that decision will largely be informed in the first instance by the outcome of your physical examinations, the DA Form 3947 (Report of MEB Proceedings), and the accompanying NARSUM. Plus, it is at that point that it is critical you begin to advocate for your desired outcome, as shaping an IDES outcome begins as a formal matter with your authorized responses to the MEB (although it really starts with interacting with your providers and with VA or VA contract examiners performing the examinations). The risk of advocating for fitness is a PEB finding of unfitness with a rating less than 30%, which results in a one time severance payment rather than lifetime retired pay and retiree benefits. In addition, you will have created a record that will make it extremely challenging for you successfully to appeal the PEB results in order to obtaiin a disability retirement. Don't represent yourself going forward in the IDES if that should occur. Rely on OSC counsel to some extent but consider retaining private counsel experienced in this area (some contributors to this Forum can give you good recommendations). Experience as reflected on this Forum shows that having vigorous and experienced advocacy from the beginning of the IDES process is far more likely to result in a more favorable outcome for you if events go that way.

Best response I have ever seen for this scenario! Thank you @RetiredAtty for contributing to this forum!!!

 

[Globalview]

With 7 years TIS and a law degree, you should focus on your health and take whatever action you and your medical team believe is in your best interests from a medical or health persepctive. Your concern about duty and loyalty to the Army is admirable, but you should remain mindful that it is not reciprocal and the Army cannot be relied upon to act in your best interests. Plus, the Army will replace you with another judge advocate (of which there is no shortage) without blinking (nor should it). Once you make the call to prioritize your own health, you can deal with a potential MEB or IDES referral. If that occurs, and it sounds as though it is a likely outcome, you will then have to make a decision whether to advocate for your retention as fit or for a finding of unfit with a maximum disability rating. Aside from your personal preference, that decision will largely be informed in the first instance by the outcome of your physical examinations, the DA Form 3947 (Report of MEB Proceedings), and the accompanying NARSUM. Plus, it is at that point that it is critical you begin to advocate for your desired outcome, as shaping an IDES outcome begins as a formal matter with your authorized responses to the MEB (although it really starts with interacting with your providers and with VA or VA contract examiners performing the examinations). The risk of advocating for fitness is a PEB finding of unfitness with a rating less than 30%, which results in a one time severance payment rather than lifetime retired pay and retiree benefits. In addition, you will have created a record that will make it extremely challenging for you successfully to appeal the PEB results in order to obtaiin a disability retirement. Don't represent yourself going forward in the IDES if that should occur. Rely on OSC counsel to some extent but consider retaining private counsel experienced in this area (some contributors to this Forum can give you good recommendations). Experience as reflected on this Forum shows that having vigorous and experienced advocacy from the beginning of the IDES process is far more likely to result in a more favorable outcome for you if events go that way.

This is very helpful and I’m grateful for the thoughtful advice. It feels almost wrong to potentially advocate for an unfit finding, but if that’s what I want I suppose I need to get over that feeling and do what I think is best.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

This is very helpful and I’m grateful for the thoughtful advice. It feels almost wrong to potentially advocate for an unfit finding, but if that’s what I want I suppose I need to get over that feeling and do what I think is best.

I admire the desire to serve. But after 32 YOS, I can tell you when they say goodbye, you will be replaced and only friends you made along the way will ever seek your advice again. You are #1 today.

 

[Globalview]

With 7 years TIS and a law degree, you should focus on your health and take whatever action you and your medical team believe is in your best interests from a medical or health persepctive. Your concern about duty and loyalty to the Army is admirable, but you should remain mindful that it is not reciprocal and the Army cannot be relied upon to act in your best interests. Plus, the Army will replace you with another judge advocate (of which there is no shortage) without blinking (nor should it). Once you make the call to prioritize your own health, you can deal with a potential MEB or IDES referral. If that occurs, and it sounds as though it is a likely outcome, you will then have to make a decision whether to advocate for your retention as fit or for a finding of unfit with a maximum disability rating. Aside from your personal preference, that decision will largely be informed in the first instance by the outcome of your physical examinations, the DA Form 3947 (Report of MEB Proceedings), and the accompanying NARSUM. Plus, it is at that point that it is critical you begin to advocate for your desired outcome, as shaping an IDES outcome begins as a formal matter with your authorized responses to the MEB (although it really starts with interacting with your providers and with VA or VA contract examiners performing the examinations). The risk of advocating for fitness is a PEB finding of unfitness with a rating less than 30%, which results in a one time severance payment rather than lifetime retired pay and retiree benefits. In addition, you will have created a record that will make it extremely challenging for you successfully to appeal the PEB results in order to obtaiin a disability retirement. Don't represent yourself going forward in the IDES if that should occur. Rely on OSC counsel to some extent but consider retaining private counsel experienced in this area (some contributors to this Forum can give you good recommendations). Experience as reflected on this Forum shows that having vigorous and experienced advocacy from the beginning of the IDES process is far more likely to result in a more favorable outcome for you if events go that way.

I’m sort of just venting/writing down my thoughts, but I feel very guilty about advocating for a medboard. I had never considered this and this was not on my radar at all. But now that it is I find myself almost excited about the possibility of the treatment and exiting the Army and that’s what I feel most guilty about. I have received so much from the Army, more than I’ve given in return. And I’ve really enjoyed the Army for the most part but the thought of something else is exiting. I’m just not sure how to feel about the whole thing.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

As a captain, I had a rare opportunity to chew the fat with a retiring Chief of Staff, Air Force. He said , “Everyone leaves ( the military). Some after a few years, some after many years, even the CSAF.”

 

[RuffBader]

I’m sort of just venting/writing down my thoughts, but I feel very guilty about advocating for a medboard. I had never considered this and this was not on my radar at all. But now that it is I find myself almost excited about the possibility of the treatment and exiting the Army and that’s what I feel most guilty about. I have received so much from the Army, more than I’ve given in return. And I’ve really enjoyed the Army for the most part but the thought of something else is exiting. I’m just not sure how to feel about the whole thing.

I had to advocate for a med board and it was hard. If you have real medical concerns about continuing though make sure to take care of yourself. Nobody else will.