It was submitted on 19 Dec. Processed (opened and closed) by VA on 29 Dec.
Took 26 calendar days, or 16 business days, if my math is right.
In the meantime, I have had a bad flare-up of two chronic conditions.
CONUS Timeline (MH)
- Thread starter zazoo
- Start date
Took 26 calendar days, or 16 business days, if my math is right.
In the meantime, I have had a bad flare-up of two chronic conditions.
their package was also submitted the day before a major holiday break so take his/her timeline with a grain of salt
Do you think that sped up the process for them or do you think it might've prolonged it and mine could possibly be faster?
Thank you! And I'm sorry you're having a flare I've been in one lately as well. I hope you feel better soon.
honestly not sure. what i hope happens is that they kind of work the cases quicker before the potential shutdown to prevent a huge backlog but who knows..
Here is my weekly update:
PRE-IDES:
I know this is all new to me and I am somewhat excited, but I’m not ready to wrap my head around packing up my belongings and going home. I was hoping for many more years in the USAF, but the end came sooner than expected.
PRE-IDES:
- 16 Jul 25 – Referred to AMRO
- Early Aug 25 – First contact with PEBLO; NARSUM received
- 8 Aug 25 – CIS signed (Retain); submitted to DPMNR for IRILO; 37 applied (Day 0)
- End of Sep 25 – Inpatient admission (MH)
- 26 Sep 25 – DPMNR requested additional documentation (Day 49)
- 29 Sep 25 – DPMNR results: RTD ALC-2; 37 to be removed (Day 52)
- 2 Oct 25 – Case resubmitted to IRILO for re-consideration (Day 55)
- 6 Oct 25 - DPMNR results: Full MEB requested (Day 59)
- 20 Oct 25 - Case submitted to VA (Day 0)
- 22 Oct 25 - First contact w/ MSC; VA claim appointment scheduled (Day 2)
- 24 Oct 25 - MSC Appointment, form signed, sent back (Day 4)
*** EXAMS***
5-8 Nov 25 - Calls from the contractor before "head-to-toe" exam (Day 17-19)- 6 Nov 25 - C&P #1 (hearing) (Day 18)
- 10 Nov 25 - C&P #2 (general) (Day 21)
- 13 Nov 25 - C&P #3 (vision) (Day 24)
- 17 Nov 25 - C&P #4 (TBI) (Day 28) (virtual)
- 20 Nov 25 - C&P #5 (PTSD/MH) (Day 31) (virtual)
- 20 Nov 25 - Sleep Study at a clinic (Day 31)
- 25 Nov 25 - Sleep Study results in (Day 36)
- 25 Nov 25 - Sleep Apnea results sent to Optum (Day 36)
*** VA ***
10 Dec 25 - Optum sent exam results to VA (Day 51)- 12 Dec 25 - Development stage at a VA Regional Office (assigned to a team member) (Day 53)
*** MEB *** - 15 Dec 25 - PEBLO received the DBQs from MSC (Day 56)
- 16 Dec 25 - I got my DBQs and reviewed them (a few problems - addressed via MSC and VA Quick Submit) (Day 57)
- 17 Dec 25 - MEB made the determination (refer to PEB) (Day 58)
- 19 Dec 25 - Documents reviewed, concurred, signed, sent to PEB (Day 60)
*** IPEB *** - 19 Dec 25 - IPEB received package from PEBLO (Day 0)
- 22 Dec 25 - 1st Email from myFSS (Day 3) (literally the next business day: submitted on Friday in the afternoon, myFSS email on Monday at 0557)
- 29 Dec 25 - Compensation claim closed on the VA website (Day 10)
- 29 Dec 25 - PEBLO informed me that the IPEB turnaround is estimated at 3-4 weeks from the 19 Dec submission (placing it roughly between 9–16 Jan 26)
- 30 Dec 25 - PEBLO advised me to wait for the official appointment, at which point I would receive both my IPEB and VA decisions (including potential rating) (Day 11)
- 9 Jan 26 - one or two emails and phone calls - a few recommendations received (with a guesstimate and a "read-between-the-lines" statement, sitting tight for now (Day 21)
- 15 Jan 26 - Appointment w/ PEBLO: Reviewed IPEB decision (70% PDRL) and VA proposed rating (100% P&T), including next steps and required actions. Since I want to double- and triple-check everything before signing, I postponed signing for a couple of days. (Day 27 - as predicted by PEBLO)
I know this is all new to me and I am somewhat excited, but I’m not ready to wrap my head around packing up my belongings and going home. I was hoping for many more years in the USAF, but the end came sooner than expected.
curious to know if a case ever populated for you in myFSS or only the emails?
No, they never did.
Maybe one day they’ll consolidate and streamline the system to make it end-user-friendly. On top of our daily struggles, there’s a whole pile of additional stress coming from the process we’re in. We’re not healthy, and this process can end up making some people feel even worse.
On top of the prolonged uncertainty, imagine going through the entire process to be returned to duty after the IPEB. You've completed TAPs, enrolled in Skillbridge, schools, found a job etc. for nothing. Smh. It's a final kiss from the military lol.
I have just noticed something in the decision letter.
1. In the "Reasons for Decision" section they are saying that MH exam "will be scheduled" IAW 38 CFR 4.129. (proposed rating 70%)
2. Then, further down in the document they are proposing eligibility to Ch 35, that I have a "totally disabling service-connected disability or disabilities permanent in nature." then "Evidence we have used to grant permanent disability status: your overall combined evaluation is now 100% and there is no evidence showing any service-connected disability affecting your combined evaluation of 100 percent is likely to improve in the future."
The CFR says: "When a mental disorder that develops in service as a result of a highly stressful event is severe enough to bring about the veteran's release from active military service, the rating agency shall assign an evaluation of not less than 50 percent and schedule an examination within the six month period following the veteran's discharge to determine whether a change in evaluation is warranted."
So is it P&T?
I am confused.
1. In the "Reasons for Decision" section they are saying that MH exam "will be scheduled" IAW 38 CFR 4.129. (proposed rating 70%)
2. Then, further down in the document they are proposing eligibility to Ch 35, that I have a "totally disabling service-connected disability or disabilities permanent in nature." then "Evidence we have used to grant permanent disability status: your overall combined evaluation is now 100% and there is no evidence showing any service-connected disability affecting your combined evaluation of 100 percent is likely to improve in the future."
The CFR says: "When a mental disorder that develops in service as a result of a highly stressful event is severe enough to bring about the veteran's release from active military service, the rating agency shall assign an evaluation of not less than 50 percent and schedule an examination within the six month period following the veteran's discharge to determine whether a change in evaluation is warranted."
So is it P&T?
I am confused.
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If you are TDRL you will be reviewed at 6 months after getting out. The VA can say P&T but that's the VA. Your branch can review it still assuming that condition was TDLR and not PDRL.
PDRL is permanent. Even if they did review it they couldn't change it
If you are found tdrl, and after reviewing, if they find you fit can they force you to join active again? Even after separating and moving and starting a new job? And if so, what if it’s past your original contract end date?
I’m waiting on ipeb results and am terrified of this outcome
The feeling is super weird. Today I signed the paperwork accepting the IPEB decision. Now I’m waiting for my orders.
To everyone following my thread: don’t quit and don’t lose hope. The last six months and four days—since the first mention of a possible med board—felt endless. But looking back now, it feels like everything happened in just two or three days.
Side note: for some reason, the “My Cases” section on MyFSS just populated.
To everyone following my thread: don’t quit and don’t lose hope. The last six months and four days—since the first mention of a possible med board—felt endless. But looking back now, it feels like everything happened in just two or three days.
Side note: for some reason, the “My Cases” section on MyFSS just populated.
Wow congrats!!!
Weekly update:
PRE-IDES:
188 days from the first call from the MH provider to orders in hand.
Praying for all of you and hoping for fast, favorable closures across the board.
I’m heading to the shopette to grab a beer and will raise one to everyone’s success. Take care and don't quit.
PRE-IDES:
- 16 Jul 25 – Referred to AMRO
- Early Aug 25 – First contact with PEBLO; NARSUM received
- 8 Aug 25 – CIS signed (Retain); submitted to DPMNR for IRILO; 37 applied (Day 0)
- End of Sep 25 – Inpatient admission (MH)
- 26 Sep 25 – DPMNR requested additional documentation (Day 49)
- 29 Sep 25 – DPMNR results: RTD ALC-2; 37 to be removed (Day 52)
- 2 Oct 25 – Case resubmitted to IRILO for re-consideration (Day 55)
- 6 Oct 25 - DPMNR results: Full MEB requested (Day 59)
- 20 Oct 25 - Case submitted to VA (Day 0)
- 22 Oct 25 - First contact w/ MSC; VA claim appointment scheduled (Day 2)
- 24 Oct 25 - MSC Appointment, form signed, sent back (Day 4)
*** EXAMS***
5-8 Nov 25 - Calls from the contractor before "head-to-toe" exam (Day 17-19)- 6 Nov 25 - C&P #1 (hearing) (Day 18)
- 10 Nov 25 - C&P #2 (general) (Day 21)
- 13 Nov 25 - C&P #3 (vision) (Day 24)
- 17 Nov 25 - C&P #4 (TBI) (Day 28) (virtual)
- 20 Nov 25 - C&P #5 (PTSD/MH) (Day 31) (virtual)
- 20 Nov 25 - Sleep Study at a clinic (Day 31)
- 25 Nov 25 - Sleep Study results in (Day 36)
- 25 Nov 25 - Sleep Apnea results sent to Optum (Day 36)
*** VA ***
10 Dec 25 - Optum sent exam results to VA (Day 51)- 12 Dec 25 - Development stage at a VA Regional Office (assigned to a team member) (Day 53)
*** MEB *** - 15 Dec 25 - PEBLO received the DBQs from MSC (Day 56)
- 16 Dec 25 - I got my DBQs and reviewed them (a few problems - addressed via MSC and VA Quick Submit) (Day 57)
- 17 Dec 25 - MEB made the determination (refer to PEB) (Day 58)
- 19 Dec 25 - Documents reviewed, concurred, signed, sent to PEB (Day 60)
*** IPEB *** - 19 Dec 25 - IPEB received package from PEBLO (Day 0)
- 22 Dec 25 - 1st Email from myFSS (Day 3) (literally the next business day: submitted on Friday in the afternoon, myFSS email on Monday at 0557)
- 29 Dec 25 - Compensation claim closed on the VA website (Day 10)
- 29 Dec 25 - PEBLO informed me that the IPEB turnaround is estimated at 3-4 weeks from the 19 Dec submission (placing it roughly between 9–16 Jan 26)
- 30 Dec 25 - PEBLO advised me to wait for the official appointment, at which point I would receive both my IPEB and VA decisions (including potential rating) (Day 11)
- 9 Jan 26 - one or two emails and phone calls - a few recommendations received (with a guesstimate and a "read-between-the-lines" statement, sitting tight for now (Day 21)
- 15 Jan 26 - Appointment w/ PEBLO: Reviewed IPEB decision (70% PDRL) and VA proposed rating (100% P&T), including next steps and required actions. Since I want to double- and triple-check everything before signing, I postponed signing for a couple of days. (Day 27 - as predicted by PEBLO)
- 20 Jan 26 - Appointment w/ PEBLO. Accepted IPEB decision. Package sent back to AFPC. Orders issued 1 hour later, and uploaded everywhere. (Day 32)
- 1 Jan 26 - Out-processing...
- TBD - Termina Leave, Retirement
188 days from the first call from the MH provider to orders in hand.
Praying for all of you and hoping for fast, favorable closures across the board.
I’m heading to the shopette to grab a beer and will raise one to everyone’s success. Take care and don't quit.
This out-processing feels very different.
For one, it’s final.
For two, my head and my body are not cooperating.
It’s embarrassing to admit, but my brain is not what it used to be, and out-processing has been genuinely difficult. In the past, I PCSed across continents without breaking a sweat. This time is very, very different. Simple things, like checking out, getting signatures, turning in badges, setting up healthcare after separation - take a significant toll on me.
People congratulate me on my retirement, but when I say it’s medical, the response quickly turns into “I’m sorry.”
At work, I’m still dealing with last-minute tasks, suspenses, and deadlines. I don't think they realize, that I am running on fumes and if it was not for a handful of meds every day I would not be able to function, let alone work.
On top of everything I am stressing about moving to a different state, time zone, climate.
In summary: lately, I’ve had that familiar feeling of losing my mind again.
For one, it’s final.
For two, my head and my body are not cooperating.
It’s embarrassing to admit, but my brain is not what it used to be, and out-processing has been genuinely difficult. In the past, I PCSed across continents without breaking a sweat. This time is very, very different. Simple things, like checking out, getting signatures, turning in badges, setting up healthcare after separation - take a significant toll on me.
People congratulate me on my retirement, but when I say it’s medical, the response quickly turns into “I’m sorry.”
At work, I’m still dealing with last-minute tasks, suspenses, and deadlines. I don't think they realize, that I am running on fumes and if it was not for a handful of meds every day I would not be able to function, let alone work.
On top of everything I am stressing about moving to a different state, time zone, climate.
In summary: lately, I’ve had that familiar feeling of losing my mind again.