Jason,
I am an active duty PHS officer stationed at a BOP prison. Age 61 in a couple of weeks with 23 years active duty. Just over a year ago I suffered a slipped disk then had to have a spinal fusion on my lower back to fix it this past February. I just finished physical therapy a couple of weeks ago, but a few days ago I discovered that someone at the prison turned me in to the PHS medical branch saying I was 'UNFIT" for duty. Medical Branch called and wants copies of all my medical records for the pasts three years and a letter of statement from me. They came right out and said I have no right of representation and said they were not on anyone's side but were just there to evaluate me. They said worse case would be to declare me as little as 10% disabled then they would recommend administrative discharge. Best case would be to declare me as fit for full duty. Anything in between is possible. What makes things worse is I have been having problems with one individual and have filed three complaints against this person. I won the complaints in the first two. The third was filed July 8, 2013 and is still pending. Note the date of the letter sent to PHS medical branch was dated July 8, 2013, but I was not allowed to see the letter or know who it came from. But such is life. In any rate, this indicates I have no support from the prison executives on my medical evaluation.
My desire is to get past the MRB and remain on active duty, but all of this MUST be in their hands by August 23, 2013. Which only gives me two weeks to get three years of medical records and statements from 13 providers, and one week to allow for mailing. OH, I forgot to mention, they want letters from EACH provider stating what they saw me for, what the condition was, etc, etc, and if they think it will impact my ability to function as a uniformed officer.
How do I go about finding an experienced lawyer in my area QUICKLY?
Thanks,
PHS Officer
I am an active duty PHS officer stationed at a BOP prison. Age 61 in a couple of weeks with 23 years active duty. Just over a year ago I suffered a slipped disk then had to have a spinal fusion on my lower back to fix it this past February. I just finished physical therapy a couple of weeks ago, but a few days ago I discovered that someone at the prison turned me in to the PHS medical branch saying I was 'UNFIT" for duty. Medical Branch called and wants copies of all my medical records for the pasts three years and a letter of statement from me. They came right out and said I have no right of representation and said they were not on anyone's side but were just there to evaluate me. They said worse case would be to declare me as little as 10% disabled then they would recommend administrative discharge. Best case would be to declare me as fit for full duty. Anything in between is possible. What makes things worse is I have been having problems with one individual and have filed three complaints against this person. I won the complaints in the first two. The third was filed July 8, 2013 and is still pending. Note the date of the letter sent to PHS medical branch was dated July 8, 2013, but I was not allowed to see the letter or know who it came from. But such is life. In any rate, this indicates I have no support from the prison executives on my medical evaluation.
My desire is to get past the MRB and remain on active duty, but all of this MUST be in their hands by August 23, 2013. Which only gives me two weeks to get three years of medical records and statements from 13 providers, and one week to allow for mailing. OH, I forgot to mention, they want letters from EACH provider stating what they saw me for, what the condition was, etc, etc, and if they think it will impact my ability to function as a uniformed officer.
How do I go about finding an experienced lawyer in my area QUICKLY?
Thanks,
PHS Officer