Awaiting retirement orders... now what?

[ym244]

Hello everyone,

I recently received my determination (80%TDRL/100% VA) and I was wondering if there were any regulations out there governing the time between getting your decision and being retired.

The issue comes in with the fact that my unit is still requiring me to do everything as if I was going to be at the end of this. I still go to PT five days a week, go to work everyday, etc. I should say here that I've had 18 years in the AF so I know my responsibilities (so please don't give me a lecture that I'm still active so have to suck it up)... but I hurt. I can't do this anymore.

I fought the med board in the beginning but after a while I realized what my best options were. Sooo... my VA rep and one of the PEBLOs (not mine since she's on leave again which is a whole other story) keep asking me if I'm done work... my response was "No, I'm pretty sure I don't have a choice but to go to work". The VA rep made a point to say that sometimes individuals are released to get their homes together, etc because of the extent of their injuries and she thought for sure they would have done that with me.

I know that seems really farfetched but does anyone know of any way I can get some relief... mostly from PT and additional training requirements that are physically taxing since I'm retiring? I should also mention my unit paid little regard to my profile during the process so it's not likely to start now. Our HAWC FPM likes to believe she knows better than the medical community so rather than being someone I could turn to... she makes the problem worse.

Thanks!

 

[Jason Perry]

If they have already notified you of the outcome, you should already be processing for retirement.

However, this may apply to you:

AFI36-3212
4.7. Application Procedures. Members wishing to go PCS in awaiting orders status apply in writing to
HQ AFPC/DPPD through their MPF. General officers and general officer selectees may apply to
AFGOMO through their commander. Applicants provide the reasons for the request and verify they meet
all requirements reflected in Section 4B of this chapter. When a member is a patient at the referring medical
facility, the application is first sent through the PEBLO at the facility. Criteria for applying:
4.7.1. Request is for PCS from, and to, locations within continental United States (CONUS). Do not
consider Alaska and Hawaii as part of the CONUS.
4.7.2. Member is on extended active duty.
4.7.3. The PEB evaluated the case, with a finding that the member is unfit and recommended disposition
is disability retirement, discharge with or without severance pay, or discharge under other than
chapter 61, Title 10 U.S.C.
4.7.4. Member has either agreed with the informal PEB findings or has submitted a rebuttal to the formal
PEB hearing.
4.7.5. Member did not request retention in limited assignment status and did not submit a rebuttal
requesting retention on active duty.
4.7.6. Member is competent or incompetent and the NOK or guardian accepts responsibility.
4.7.7. Member does not need further hospital care at a military, VA, or civilian medical facility.
4.7.8. Member does not have a nondisability retirement or separation action pending.
4.7.9. Local TMO counseled the member on movement of dependents and household goods and
member received a copy of Attachment 3.
4.7.10. Member knows that, while in a PCS-awaiting-orders status, he or she must return to unit of
assignment, referring medical facility, or the PEB if directed to do so by HQ AFPC/DPPD, through
the MPF or HQ AFGOMO, as applicable. If SAF approves the PEB's recommendation, the member
will not have to return.
4.7.11. Member gives the MPF a nonmilitary address and phone number to write or call, if needed,
and advises the MPF of any changes to that address or phone number.
4.7.12. Member acknowledges understanding that the Defense Joint Military Pay System (DJMS)
deducts the number of days in PCS-awaiting-orders from the number of days leave accrued as of the
date of retirement or discharge.
4.7.13. PEBLO Actions. When attached or assigned to the referring medical facility, the PEBLO
endorses the member's application to the MPF and indicates the member was counseled on the findings
and recommended disposition of the PEB - 4.7.14. MPF Actions. The MPF endorses the application
to HQ AFPC/DPPD and verifies that the member does not have a nondisability retirement or
discharge pending. If AFPC approves the application, the MPF completes the following actions:
4.7.13.1. Verifies whether member has an injured or ill travel or transportation entitlement pending.
If so, does not publish special orders until the member exercises those entitlements.
4.7.13.2. Publishes and distributes orders according to AFI 36-2102, Base Level Relocation Procedures.
Ensures the member has a copy of "PCS In Awaiting Orders Status Instructions"
(Attachment 3). NOTE: AFGOMO will publish and distribute orders for general officers and
general officer selectees.

4.7.13.3. Completes all required retirement or discharge processing and counseling so the member
won't have to return to the unit of assignment at the time of actual retirement or discharge.
4.7.13.4. Refers the member to the local TMO for counseling on movement of dependents and
household goods.
4.7.13.5. Obtains an address and phone number where the member can be reached while on awaiting
orders status and determines whether address is member's home of record or the place where
ordered to AD.
4.7.13.6. Notifies HQ AFPC/DPPD if the member does not go PCS in awaiting orders status or if
there is any change in the nonmilitary address or phone number.

 

[ym244]

Jason,

Thank you for the information. I am told by my unit and MPE that I must await orders before doing any retirement processing. They have not even initiated my final checklists, etc because I've not gotten a final date from AFPC. Local MPE had me call the AFPC Hotline today but med board section was unavailable. Was told that it would take up to 15 days to receive a retirement date, etc. That was over today. AFPC Hotline person told me they were going to tell her to go through my PEBLO. My PEBLO is on leave for two weeks. LOL So I'm kind of stuck in limbo and not sure where to go from here. A bit concerned that it is August and cannot even schedule TMO without my orders. Did my pre-sep brief and signed up for TAP. My replacement is in so there isn't even a desk or computer for me in my office but I'm getting grief for doing anything to do with my retirement outside of the office without a final date (I did accept my findings and had my VA exit brief).

Thanks again.