Disappointment in the process

I cannot express the amount of disappointment I have in the MEB/PEB process. When the paperwork was started, I thought all parties HAD to follow the "guidelines" Congress has put in place. So far, all of my timelines have been busted.....and my case isn't even that complicated. I figured after 11 years of service and numerous deployments, the DoD/VA would honor our time in service by moving paperwork quickly. It is appalling to read all the other posts.....I realize our country's leadership is only offering "lip service" and nobody really cares. I feel bad for all of us who are going thru this terrible system. Anyone feel the same?????

Disappointed at Fort Huachuca

 

[77617761pdh]

Service Members have to remember that no packet is more important than the other and that there are many many cases in the MEB/PEB. I don't understand that some of people are more worried about time than correctness. What ever happen to "Standard and not to time". It took about 6 months from the time I signed my NARSUM to receiving my 199. In that period, I received a pay check, medical benefits, etc, etc.

I don't want to go all 'old army', but stop crying. This isn't an easy process.

This is the most ridiculous post I've read on this sight. Nobody said anything about foregoing accurateness in the sake of timeliness. Don't tell me you are going "old army".....that is a typical unsuccessful army attitude. SMs SHOULD complain....this is the only way policy makers are ever going to receive feedback. Your statement epitomizes the narrow sight that failing leaders encompass. I hope you open your eyes and realize what you said is not productive at all.

Good luck in your future, I hope you change your views......or else your life will be totally miserable after you exit the military. The civilian world will crush your bad attitude.

 

[mhaynes15]

This is the most ridiculous post I've read on this sight. Nobody said anything about foregoing accurateness in the sake of timeliness. Don't tell me you are going "old army".....that is a typical unsuccessful army attitude. SMs SHOULD complain....this is the only way policy makers are ever going to receive feedback. Your statement epitomizes the narrow sight that failing leaders encompass. I hope you open your eyes and realize what you said is not productive at all.

Good luck in your future, I hope you change your views......or else your life will be totally miserable after you exit the military. The civilian world will crush your bad attitude.

Thank you for your service.

 

[NDBravehart84]

Thank you for your service.

Hey Mike his statement epitomizes the narrow forsight that encompass THE ME GENERATION and really brings credence to the statement that "A Little Bit Of Knowledge Is Truly A Dangerous Thing"......

 

[77617761pdh]

Hey Mike his statement epitomizes the narrow forsight that encompass THE ME GENERATION and really brings credence to the statement that "A Little Bit Of Knowledge Is Truly A Dangerous Thing"......

Braveheart,

I assume your comment isn't directed at me? I have served 11 years (Enlisted and Commissioned) and have always placed the needs of those around me well above my own. I wish I could say that about everyone with whom I've served with, but then I would be lying.

Unfortunately, the Soldiers who are "complaining" on this blogsite are struggling to find peace with the fact they are being discharged, how to budget their money, and taking care of their families. The closemindedness and inability to empathize with others that is evident in some comments is terribly disappointing. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

 

[maparker]

Service Members have to remember that no packet is more important than the other and that there are many many cases in the MEB/PEB.


Actually, imminent death and catastrophic injuries (Expedited DES Policy) cases take priority.

Mike

 

[NDBravehart84]

Braveheart,

I assume your comment isn't directed at me? I have served 11 years (Enlisted and Commissioned) and have always placed the needs of those around me well above my own. I wish I could say that about everyone with whom I've served with, but then I would be lying.

Unfortunately, the Soldiers who are "complaining" on this blogsite are struggling to find peace with the fact they are being discharged, how to budget their money, and taking care of their families. The closemindedness and inability to empathize with others that is evident in some comments is terribly disappointing. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

Oh it was, TRUST ME. A Professional Soldier would NEVER SAY ......."SMs SHOULD complain....this is the only way policy makers are ever going to receive feedback."
Unless You Believe In Anarchy. Our Organization Is Not A Democracy, A Union Or The TEA PARTY.

Blowing off a little steam and expessing the frustration that comes with the process is understandable.... But part of this process is transitioning from struggling to find peace with LIFE NOW and to be productive with the assets that remain in our frail lifes and learn what we still have and NOT WHAT WE'VE LOST. The Triade Of Care teaches this everyday and makes us a part of that responsibility. That comes from finding all of the resources out there that can assist us: LIKE THIS SITE, AW2, WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT, OMBUBSMAN AND COUNTY SERVICE OFFICERS ..... using them for answers .....not as a sounding board. I'm not a therapist (Tri Care and Bases have those). That's what Mike was trying to say........ and you belittled him because he complained about complainers. The Hipocrisy.

Remember: If we all lived by the ethos and the creed this would be simple.
Constructive criticism begins when solutions to the problem are offered at the time of the criticism.

The epitome of LEADERSHIP is the ability to convince someone to accomplish something they don't want to do (or don't think they can do); without them ever knowing that you got them to do it.

Oh I complain mostly to myself "especially here" because there's always someone whose is worse off then myself and they certanly don't need to add my challenges to theirs. When I'm feeling really frustrated and depressed I go to Wallmart on Sundays after church around 1300, I don't buy anything, I just walk around and watch people for an hour. It resets my head space and timing gear and as I leave, I again thank God for his Blessing. I know his Blessing are real after seeing how DISADVANTAGED I AM NOT. After that hour at Walmart, I remember what I still have and slowly put away the HOTLINE FOR HELP card that I carry in my pocket.

By The Way... I HAVE SERVED OVER 20YRS AS ENLISTED AND OFFICER; COMMANDING AND FOLLOWING AND HAVE ALWAYS LIVED BY MISSION, MEN, SELF.... LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND NEVER ASKED MY MEN TO DO ANYTHING I WOULDN'T DO MYSELF. WHOOAHH

 

[77617761pdh]

Braveheart,

I believe you and I aren't understanding each other very well. First off, I applaud you for your 20+ years of service. Secondly, what I'm really trying to convey on this site is that certain timelines weren't being met in my board. By enlisting the help of my Congressman, I brought to light my case....not because I'm more important than others, simply because I was well over timeframes in my case. Thirdly, you called me out regarding the complaining....and you were justified. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if Soldiers don't voice their concerns, then they will never get the answers they may need. I have never allowed Soldiers to complain for complaining sake, but I encouraged them to provide constructive criticisms and potential solutions to said problems/challenges.In the IDES process, I'm not able (or don't know who to) submit solutionary ideas.

We both agree that the IDES process isn't perfect....and I have set-up a meeting with my Congressman (when I return to my home of record) to volunteer to try and get the system fixed. I hope I'm able to assist/help/fix problems. I apologize if I was missing your point.....I'm happy to see there are other Army Officers who are as passionate about this process as I am.

Best of luck to you and your family,

p

 

[NDBravehart84]

Braveheart,

I believe you and I aren't understanding each other very well. First off, I applaud you for your 20+ years of service. Secondly, what I'm really trying to convey on this site is that certain timelines weren't being met in my board. By enlisting the help of my Congressman, I brought to light my case....not because I'm more important than others, simply because I was well over timeframes in my case. Thirdly, you called me out regarding the complaining....and you were justified. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if Soldiers don't voice their concerns, then they will never get the answers they may need. I have never allowed Soldiers to complain for complaining sake, but I encouraged them to provide constructive criticisms and potential solutions to said problems/challenges.In the IDES process, I'm not able (or don't know who to) submit solutionary ideas.

We both agree that the IDES process isn't perfect....and I have set-up a meeting with my Congressman (when I return to my home of record) to volunteer to try and get the system fixed. I hope I'm able to assist/help/fix problems. I apologize if I was missing your point.....I'm happy to see there are other Army Officers who are as passionate about this process as I am.

Best of luck to you and your family,
p

No Prob.... Most of the people here come to learn.... or assist others because we have walked in the same boots and we would prefer if those that trail don't get as dirty in the process as we did. Me, I'm here to learn and assist at the same time. I'm a novice but I don't know of any policy makers here on this site that can fix THAT PREFERBIAL CLOCK that never runs fast enough. So if your just here preaching to the choir to hear them sing I don't understand how you expect to find a policy maker to fix the clock that is never runs fast enough.

Answers... Concerns... No Problem. This is the best site available for that and there are some Real Experts available right here that devote timeless painstaking hours to assist warriors that got the green weeney, but none of them can fix the clock that never runs fast enough. Oh it will get better as Legacy soldiers are swept to the curb only to get back in line at the VA and wait another 12 to 18 months to get a rating that will let them file for CRSC. Those on TDRL will be reevaluated before they evan have thier VA Rating.

So IDES soldiers are way ahead in the time frame issues by departing with duo ratings.

So sometimes we need to remind them what they have and not what they don't have and sometimes we need to remind them that we don't have a policy maker here that can fix the clock that never runs fast enough.

Remember no ones ambulance call is more important then yours if your the one that needs it.

Good Luck In Your Journey For Policy Maker To Fix The Clock That Is Never Fast Enough,
He's Not Here..... He Has Left The Building

 

[Jeep Freak]

Thank you for stating it the way you did. I have tried to do the same many times and this thread and another one had made me so angery that I swore I would not help here again. I guess I had also taken it out on my family as well for a couple of days but that is something else. We all get angry and things are said, sometimes improperly, but in the end we carry on. I have been following this site for quite some time. My MEB began around Sept 2010 and I finally medically retired 28 Dec 2011. When I fractured my back I realized my days were number and began saving as much as I could and that was in Sept of 2009. I am DES or Legacy and someday my VA will be completed. If you had followed and read some of the old posting, some Legacy people had to file bankruptcy because of the length of time. We had to endure harrassment at work as well, sometimes nothing change. Now we have the pleasure of watch people going through the IDES system having their packages completed and going on with life while we still wait. Life isn't always fair and we still continue. Have you read any of the Navy or Marine postings here and their issues? Things could always be worse and for many it is. I've tried to seek assistance for employment with the VA and like a lot of things involving the VA, I need to wait until I get my ratings. They won't even talk to me about what I might be able to do for work, life is good for them. Most IDES people are still getting paid while they wait for discharge and when they are done, they have a good idea what they need to do to survive on the outside. Some people state that they have waited 4, 6, or 8 years waiting for their VA but I'm thinking this is not their inital claim. I am not looking for pity for myself because I view myself as lucky, I could be so much worse off in health and finances. Just to mention it again: 31 yrs ADAF, Army Res, Navy Res, and Air National Guard. I might have drank some Kool-Aid somewhere along the way.

Still trying to figure out "The Lesser Branches" and know I need to deal with the comment "swept to the curb". I know they were not said to cause harm and I did laugh about it.

I Love Wal-Mart.

 

[Joe Spado]

I am reading all of the posts and I have to agree. The common theme here is tranparency and an orderly timeline. I have served 11 years as an officer and NCO. I love the Army. As far as I am concerened I owe the Army nothing but all the Army owes me is an orderly disposition of my case. I do not care about the compensation...I just want to know exactly when I will get out. That affects my ability to find a good job and provide for my family. If they cannot do at least that then they are failing at the task of taking care of Soldiers. We harp on sticking to training schedules; so much so that it is almost criminal not to have some type of "predictability" while in garrison. The same type of ruthless attention should be paid to this process. I should not have to call the VA and get a cookie cutter answer and have to call the PEB board to get an idea of where my packet is. My PEBLO was just changed and the quality is very very different. My first PEBLO would respond to me immediately with anything I asked for. This one will not even answer emails. On the occasion that she does pick up the phone or answer an email, the information is incorrect showing that she is not doing the research on my or most likely any of her cases. That is unaccepable and should not be tolerated.

I don't think anyone is crying here.

I think SMs, for the most part, are questioning and asking about BOTH aspects - correct and accurate Standards and Timeliness.

I know I didn't what some half-a$$ed determination. But I also would have liked timeliness in diagnosis, treatment, and IDES processing.

This is not a perfect world. But that doesn't mean we have to let things go when we know systems can be better.

What is ironic to me is how the Army mandated I perform at certain points with a response under the IDES process in 7 days, 10 days, etc., or lose my rights under this process. And yet, what penalties does the Army have when they are errant and lapse in judgement or timeliness for months on end?

Somewhere, a balance needs to be struck here and things will be better for all concerned.

Taxpayers included.....

v/r,
nwlivewire

 

[77617761pdh]

Joe,
Sorry for your crappy experience. Just keep sticking it out and it will work itself out. Best of luck.

p

 

[K6000]

Thought I would post my timeline too...and yes I am very disappointed with this system. I’m in the Army NG.

12/2008 notified that I am going to MEB. NG has no idea on this process!
10/2010 eval at Ft. Lewis
04/2011 PEBLO contacts me
01/2012 New PEBLO contacts me and tells me the other one is gone and is not sure why I am not done yet. Mind you, I have been contacting everyone to find out what's going on
02/2012 VA appts
05/2012 NARSUM completed but needs to be corrected due to numerous errors.

Very frustrating!!!!!! Almost 4 years and still a ways to go!

 

[usafaviator]

Thought I would post my timeline too...and yes I am very disappointed with this system. I’m in the Army NG.

12/2008 notified that I am going to MEB. NG has no idea on this process!
10/2010 eval at Ft. Lewis
04/2011 PEBLO contacts me
01/2012 New PEBLO contacts me and tells me the other one is gone and is not sure why I am not done yet. Mind you, I have been contacting everyone to find out what's going on
02/2012 VA appts
05/2012 NARSUM completed but needs to be corrected due to numerous errors.

Very frustrating!!!!!! Almost 4 years and still a ways to go!

Wholly crap! That is unacceptable. Looks like your situation could use some "exposure" to your Congressman.

 

[K6000]

I know!! Unbelievable!!!

 

[NDBravehart84]

I know!! Unbelievable!!!

Hey K, my timelines are about the same as yours. I have finally had my rating approved by the Army and was to retire 2 JUL 2012...... but I had a heart attack so I don't know if that date is good or not. I am LEGACY so I still have to go stand in line at the VA and wait for a rating from them....

I really don't want to hear any complianing about the Dual Rating IDES system. I wish I had recieved a DUAL RATING (DOD & VA) during this process. Hell I will be re evaluated by the Army before I am even close to a VA rating. So I feel like I am getting to short stick again and can't imagine what the IDES people complain about..... they get dual ratings before i got one and I'm only half way done.

 

[birchtx]

Dang... That is a long timeline.

 

[K6000]

Hey K, my timelines are about the same as yours. I have finally had my rating approved by the Army and was to retire 2 JUL 2012...... but I had a heart attack so I don't know if that date is good or not. I am LEGACY so I still have to go stand in line at the VA and wait for a rating from them....

I really don't want to hear any complianing about the Dual Rating IDES system. I wish I had recieved a DUAL RATING (DOD & VA) during this process. Hell I will be re evaluated by the Army before I am even close to a VA rating. So I feel like I am getting to short stick again and can't imagine what the IDES people complain about..... they get dual ratings before i got one and I'm only half way done.

NDB-
Some crappy timelines indeed!!! And you have to go through VA still?! I feel fortunate that at least that is done even though its been such a long drawn out process!!!
Good luck. I hope you get recover soon!!!
K

 

[xgijane]

If it makes you guys feel any better, I was completely incompetent due to exacerbation of active duty trauma since 25JAN02 while in the NG off-duty, and could never return to civilian work or NG duty.Put in for medical discharge in Jun02 but was found fit for duty with a two line memorandum sent after discharge on 15OCT02 for 20 years dtd 22OCT02. No MEB/PEB/NARSUM. To top it off they lost all my medical records in the process(luckily I later found my own copies of most of my medical records). Was found 70% PTSD/psyche, 30% UI 2 years later by VA-with no pay backdated to release date. Got SSDI, and just found out that the fitness for duty letter was no longer a valid method of decision since 01SEP02 (Thank you, Jason). ASKHRC is sending OMPF because after talking to them at great length the phone last week rep told me that my data was ALL SCREWED UP! LOL! Was transferred out of reserves; now has been corrected to put me into retired reserves. DEERS said I had 19 1/2 years service; now is corrected to say 20. Was never out-processed, not sent VGLI forms until long after deadline, not counseled. No PEBLO or there wouldn't have been so many problems. Now have to go through ABCMR to pursue either medical retirement, backdated VA claim (to date of injury), PDRL(?), corrections to my NGB 22, etc., etc., etc. because they may owe me some money and benefits. Was too mentally incompetent to know what was happening, and now that I do I get to battle to fix it all!!!!! The bad news is that this is a colossal nightmare; the good news is that this site is giving me the ammunition to fight!!!!! All I can say is that you somehow have to keep on going, keep asking questions, keep fighting until you get as much as possible, and then once you win, THEN use your experiences to help the next guy. There is a difference between whining/complaining and fighting. We were taught to be stoic; this was a strength in the military, but is used against you when pursuing VA/SSDI, medical retirement, etc. They want you to give up and go away. Don't. If you are parents, these benefits ultimately benefit your kids, and you know you would fight hard as hell when it comes to them. If you don't, remember that you risked your life for your country, something very few do, and became disabled, and will not have the quality of life you have earned if you don't get these benefits. Maybe a few years of struggling for possibly a half century of help. Also, getting these benefits then qualifies you and your children to education benefits, property tax discounts and numerous state benefits. Like another guy said, I'll get off of my soapbox now, because you get the idea. Good luck to us all.

 

[NDBravehart84]

It's all good..... everybodys got a story to tell and I learn something from everyone

 

[LillyF]

So far, from diagnosis to IPEB, my case has taken 11 months. (See case history in my other post) My doctor conveniently forgot to initiate the MEB. I don't even think that the process is the problem. The problem is that it's not enforced. A doctor won't get in trouble if they "forget" to start the MEB process for a few months. A PEBLO won't get in trouble if they lose paperwork. No one actually pays attention to the suspense dates. They don't care if the package was supposed to be sent in 90 days and it was sent in 180. If there are no consequences for these glaring mistakes, then they will continue to happen. I got an LOR for missing an appointment once and nothing happens to these people handling important medical documents.