Dropping retirement vs MEB

lorenabeth

lorenabeth

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Aloha,
Husband is 13 months away from 20 year mark. He has been referred for MEB with a P3 cut mid-November. He has not gone to (CME?) appointments yet. Does anyone know if he can drop retirement packet before he signs NARSUM to stop the MEB process? We aren't sure what is best, however he desires to finish his 20 years above all else. It has been a life goal/ quest for him. Any regulations/information/ideas/suggestions are appreciated. We were told that COAD would likely not be approved (due to PTSD being his unfitting condition).
 
lorenabeth said:
Aloha,
Husband is 13 months away from 20 year mark. He has been referred for MEB with a P3 cut mid-November. He has not gone to (CME?) appointments yet. Does anyone know if he can drop retirement packet before he signs NARSUM to stop the MEB process? We aren't sure what is best, however he desires to finish his 20 years above all else. It has been a life goal/ quest for him. Any regulations/information/ideas/suggestions are appreciated. We were told that COAD would likely not be approved (due to PTSD being his unfitting condition).
Click to expand...
Hello, I think your husband is close enough to make the twenty regardless. I would let them pursue the MEB with him and apply for COAD, use up every second you have time wise, use every appeal, and you should have no problem hitting twenty. I believe it would be extremely beneficial for you and him to go through the MEB process. The good thing about the MEB is that it puts you through the VA process simultaneously so he can start drawing that upon discharge. Congrats, just a little longer and you all will be done.
 
I concur with the advice above. Go through the process, but be in no hurry. Delay, question, take your time, appeal ... and he will get his 20.
 
I agree as well, so close to the 20 mark it doesn't make sense to not go through the MEB. Gives the option for CDRP if applicable.
 
Thank you for your responses. His biggest fear is not getting the opportunity to finish his 20 years. It's his quest, his personal mission. That fear has started to consume him, thus making is anxiety and irritability increase. Most report that the MEB process has significantly increased lately. He will have to make it take until the beginning of November next year in order to be within 90 days from retirement date. On another related note, I have read from several sources that the Army will allow completion of 20 years if within 90 days. I would like to know if anyone has information as to if there is a regulation that exists that covers this, and also would like to know if the 90 days can be excluding his accrued terminal leave. Thanks again for your helpful comments.
 
here is the best reason to finish with the medical "YOU HAVE BEEN EXEMPTED FROM TAXES DUE TO YOUR DISABILITY STATUS." I love those words on my RETIREE ACCOUNT STATEMENT.
 
It can easily take a year if he doesn't go for the soonest appointments and if necessary, contests something to a formal PEB. I fast tracked mine as much as possible and it took 260 days.
 
One thing that I have found with the MEB/PEB versus retirement is the VA. If you are retiring from Hawaii and not planning on staying here then you have to wait to do the VA portion of the paperwork when you return to the mainland(you must be available at the VA you began the process with for appts after separation). With the MEB/PEB, the VA will be finished with everything completed here on the island and then you can return to the mainland. If you are planning on staying on island, this whole point is irrelevant ;)
 
You certain? I went through MEB in Alaska and then moved to Oregon. Never hindered my VA work. I had to go to the VA hospital in Anchorage during my MEB, but otherwise I had no clue where I was going when I was starting the process.
 
Retirement is not seamless, MEB is.....when OCONUS. So that is one small reason why MEB is better after 20 yrs.
 
Salros13, Thanks for your added input. We are still creating a list of pros & cons. Husband is still determined to complete 20, and the ONLY way to truly ensure that he makes it there is to drop retirement papers in February. I think the MEB?PEB process would offer additional benefits (like the whole VA process being complete), however he has to be okay with that timing gamble, and it is not something that he is comfortable with at this point. We will see what comes in the days ahead.
 
I totally understand. My husband has 26 years in and we are gambling the other way. Feel free to message me with your private information if your husband would like to talk to mine about why he is choosing to gamble this direction. Once you drop retirement paperwork you definitely cannot go MEB. Good Luck! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top