Arthritis Questions

Good morning,

I am active duty Air Force, been serving for 14 years. Around the end of 2015 I began to have back issues (lower back pain, sciatic never pain). I went to physical therapy (didn’t really help), then they sent me to pain manager for lower back injections (I had 5). During this time, I was on and off of a profile for physical fitness but, never had any primary duty restrictions. The pin management specialist indicated, after reviewing my MRI, that they believed I have arthritis. I finished the treatment and my PCM later prescribed meloxicam (an NSAID). I took it regularly at first but, have now been switched to and as needed basis (I take it 2-3 times per month, with no side effects). I have not had a back injection since early 2019 and have not been seen for the issue or on a physical fitness or duty related profile restriction since the end of 2018. The medical standards directory (MSD) list several types of arthritic conditions as needing review.

My question is am I missing something?

Though this is documented in my records I have been cleared given a clean bill of health during my last 2 PHA’s. I was simply asked if I was having any complications.

I am hyper-focused on the issue now as I am awaiting my PCM to sign off on my PHA and to have my medical clearance on my virtual out-processing (vOP) checklist signed off. Even though the MSD states that review for retention is required I have not been notified of a RILO or any other medical retention review process.

Is it possible that my PCM has reviewed my info and determined I am cleared or is it more likely that the issue has been missed.

Again, I think I’m focusing it because I am set to PCS soon and I’m worried the start of an in-depth review (even though I believe it would return favorable) would deter my pending PCS.

Am I worrying for nothing?

Thanks in advance for the info and support!
 
From what I gather in your post, you’d like to be med boarded. Have you directly asked your PCM?
 
From what I gather in your post, you’d like to be med boarded. Have you directly asked your PCM?
I have not talked to my PCM yet. And my apologies if I was misleading, I do not want to be med boarded. I actually want to continue to serve and am excited about my upcoming PCS. I am wondering if I should be worried about the IRILO or MEB processing being started because I know it will likely cause me to lose the assignment due to me not being considered medically clear for PCS out-processing
 
Top