Hello PEB Forum!!!
Before I begin, I just want to say this that website has been a major help regarding giving me information about a process which I know very little about. You folks are awesome for being so open and sharing your experiences. Now on to the issue I have.
I've read through most of the forums and I believe that I have a good idea regarding how the military responds to Bipolar I Disorder. It seems that the initial phase is a combination of what my Psychiatrist says and what my Commander’s letter says about my condition.
My Psychiatrist has been very adamant about starting an MEB on me. He is the second Psychiatrist to diagnose me with Bipolar I Disorder. I recently (Aug-Sep 2013) went through a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation where they took me off of my medication. When I followed up with my Psychiatrist, he put me back on the medication and reiterated the need for me to remain on my meds. The thing that he keeps stressing is that I won’t be able to work odd hours (night shifts) or deploy. With that, my job sometimes require that I do both. How much will that sway the decision of the initial portion of the MEB? I haven’t started a PEB (Just waiting for my MEB package to be finalized and reviewed by AFPC-Air Force Personnel Center). However, I have a good feeling that a PEB will be initiated. Does anyone who has dealt with or heard valuable information about Bipolar I Disorder and MEBs/PEBs have any input?
My First Sergeant will be writing my Commander’s letter. I’ve discussed the letter with her at length. She ultimately will be recommending that I be retained but retrained into a different specialty. She will also be using the Psychiatrist’s input when writing the letter. Does the fact that the Commander’s letter suggests that I be retained have any bearing on the MEB?
Finally, I’m somewhat skeptical about the whole process when it comes to mental health issues. I’ve read on this forum where people are found fit for duty and where others are separated/TDRL/PDRL for similar mental health issues. It seems like the doctors who review the packages just roll the dice and pick a decision. I know that other factors are supposed to affect the outcome of these boards… It just seems like everyone’s outcomes are all over the place. Can someone provide clarification as to what influences the doctor’s decisions?
Again, I thank everyone who has posted their situations here. It takes a lot of courage to be open and forthcoming about something so personal. Any feedback I receive here is more than welcome.
-SonOfSoul
Before I begin, I just want to say this that website has been a major help regarding giving me information about a process which I know very little about. You folks are awesome for being so open and sharing your experiences. Now on to the issue I have.
I've read through most of the forums and I believe that I have a good idea regarding how the military responds to Bipolar I Disorder. It seems that the initial phase is a combination of what my Psychiatrist says and what my Commander’s letter says about my condition.
My Psychiatrist has been very adamant about starting an MEB on me. He is the second Psychiatrist to diagnose me with Bipolar I Disorder. I recently (Aug-Sep 2013) went through a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation where they took me off of my medication. When I followed up with my Psychiatrist, he put me back on the medication and reiterated the need for me to remain on my meds. The thing that he keeps stressing is that I won’t be able to work odd hours (night shifts) or deploy. With that, my job sometimes require that I do both. How much will that sway the decision of the initial portion of the MEB? I haven’t started a PEB (Just waiting for my MEB package to be finalized and reviewed by AFPC-Air Force Personnel Center). However, I have a good feeling that a PEB will be initiated. Does anyone who has dealt with or heard valuable information about Bipolar I Disorder and MEBs/PEBs have any input?
My First Sergeant will be writing my Commander’s letter. I’ve discussed the letter with her at length. She ultimately will be recommending that I be retained but retrained into a different specialty. She will also be using the Psychiatrist’s input when writing the letter. Does the fact that the Commander’s letter suggests that I be retained have any bearing on the MEB?
Finally, I’m somewhat skeptical about the whole process when it comes to mental health issues. I’ve read on this forum where people are found fit for duty and where others are separated/TDRL/PDRL for similar mental health issues. It seems like the doctors who review the packages just roll the dice and pick a decision. I know that other factors are supposed to affect the outcome of these boards… It just seems like everyone’s outcomes are all over the place. Can someone provide clarification as to what influences the doctor’s decisions?
Again, I thank everyone who has posted their situations here. It takes a lot of courage to be open and forthcoming about something so personal. Any feedback I receive here is more than welcome.
-SonOfSoul
