Congressional Inquiry

[Fran0609]

Has anyone here done a congressional inquiry before? If so, can you give me some insight on how it works? Pros/Cons? Does it actually help? I've read that it could extend your time on active duty, for me that would be fine.

I know there are steps I can take after the Formal such as VARR and SECAF appeal, just want to get my ducks in a row.

I've been in 18 yrs 3 months, awaiting a formal board date for migraines 10%DoD/80% VA. Don't feel like I should even be going through this, but I am. I put my faith in the system that they would see that this is a big mistake, but thus far, I've been shocked and disappointed at what has happened in my case, even from the reason why I was boarded..

Anyway, any info would help.

 

[Camp P Marine]

I did one to get an outside second opinion, after getting the Tricare run around endlessly. The way it works the Congressional Office reaches out to the Service HQ and it works its way down from there, then back up to the Congressional Offie. It has a lot of visibility/attention at the levels of command and it's usually responded in about 72, unless it's more complex.

Given how close you are to having 20 years, I'd argue you have little to lose by trying it. The military will be indifferent to you getting retired or separated. You will care about your benefits and future $ more than anyone else.

 

[Hotmic09]

Hello Fran0609. I work with a guy who retired 29 yrs in the AF reserves and he is a WG-12 now. I just so happened to have a discussion with him about my MEB, and he said he went through 2 FPEB's himself. The first one (at his 18 year mark) was for migraines.

Apparently, he was having them for weeks at a time. They were just really bad headaches and he wore sunglasses. He really didnt have the aura, dizziness, etc, so he was able to still pretty much do his job as a mechanic.

They rated him at 10% at the IPEB, and he rebutted and went FPEB. While standing face to face with the panel, he argued he passed all of this PT tests, can still walk the flightline, turn wrenches, etc... The doctor leading the panel said they dont understand why the DAWG at Duke Field made such a big deal about it, and they came back after 30 mins and said he was Fit for Duty, no questions.

In short, the process made a huge deal out of it, and the panel were realistic. He spoke with high regard of the 2 times he went to the FPEB. Hopefully yours turn out well.

 

[Fran0609]

@Hotmic09 the DAWG recommended that I return to duty. In short , the commanders letter stated not to retain me based on erroneous info given my my leadership. I had no idea about the letter, but by the time I found out I was placed in IDES and a formal board was initiated. I confronted my leadership about the info, and long story short, my CC only signed the info because she trusted what they said.Ive had an issue with a member of my management, so I assume that's why that info was intentionally passed. (IG COMPLAINT in the works) My commander recanted the letter, and provided a new letter and apologized but that does me no good for now. My commander also said she would come to my formal board. Hoping that they see this is all a bunch of BS, especially since there is no evidence of me constantly missing work, and I've been continually worked with no issues. Only issue is that you can't deploy with Botox. But I have a plan B for if I do deploy...

 

[Hotmic09]

@Hotmic09 the DAWG recommended that I return to duty. In short , the commanders letter stated not to retain me based on erroneous info given my my leadership. I had no idea about the letter, but by the time I found out I was placed in IDES and a formal board was initiated. I confronted my leadership about the info, and long story short, my CC only signed the info because she trusted what they said.Ive had an issue with a member of my management, so I assume that's why that info was intentionally passed. (IG COMPLAINT in the works) My commander recanted the letter, and provided a new letter and apologized but that does me no good for now. My commander also said she would come to my formal board. Hoping that they see this is all a bunch of BS, especially since there is no evidence of me constantly missing work, and I've been continually worked with no issues. Only issue is that you can't deploy with Botox. But I have a plan B for if I do deploy...

I am glad to hear you got your commander backing you up, and even going with you. I will say a prayer after typing this post that all goes well for you, and goes fast with little anxiety. I hope my little re-told story helps you. God Bless.