COPD-Not Another Asthma Thread

Y

yankin

PEB Forum Regular Member
After being on profile for a year and seing civilian and military Docs I was given a diagnosis of bronchiectasis and emphysema, Yes I was a smoker and have given them up. I need to use the advair daily and the puffer. With 14 years in the AF I have a hunch this is the end of my military career even though I am a desk jockey. My CC is behind me along with the rest of my supervision. My latest profile (a month old) states that an MEB will be initiated. Going thru the post on this board I sort of know what to expect with the process. Just curious if anyone else out there had the same diagnosis with a recomendation to return to duty with limitations? I feel it is a bit of a long shot but I love the AF and will be gutted if medically discharged. I just made Tech and now I may never see the Stripe. I know my smoking was the cause for the COPD but is there a chance I could be medically retired or even recieve any severance pay?
 
If unfit, you should be given severance or retirement benefits. There are some laws and regulations regarding use of alcohol, drugs, and nicotine, but even though that may have actually been the cause, it seems unlikely/near impossible that they can show this without resorting to speculation, opinion and conjecture.

Good luck!
 
The Doc at Landstuhl was more concerned with the bronchiectasis-asking me questions about history of pneumonia and such. I have had several bouts of it since aged 16. Doc says it causes scar tissue on the bronchials-cant blame that on the smokes!!. After reading several of the Asthama threads it appears those that get discharged are those that cannot control the illness-ie need daily treatment. I am concerned because I need the advair and puffer on a daily basis to control my breathing.
This is what has me concerned about being medically discahrged.
 
Well, if you do need advair and are unfit, you will get at least 30% retirement. There is also an option to request limited assignment status to remain on active duty if unfit. The forms/regulations indicate that you need to have between 15 and 20 years to request this. Not sure your timing for hitting 15 years, but even if you have less, there is an argument to be made that the 15 year threshold should not apply after the changes to DoD Instruction 1332.38 . Be very clear, this is my opinion on the regulation, this has not been challenged to my knowledge in court. It is just an option.

Also, I do not mean to suggest that you may not have a case for a fit finding and return to duty. If the facts are right, you may want to pursue that argument.
 
I have seen where many folks with asthma are retained and that is my hope. However with my breating conditions caused by the bronchiectasis and emphysema I am not to hopefull of being retained and am trying to come up with a plan for civilian life if the worst happens. Am curious to know if I am medically retired am I still eligible for my GI bill?
 
Yes, you keep your GI Bill benefits.
 
Going to try and finish my degree while I wait this process out. Thanks for the info and I will be sure to update as things progress.
 
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