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EaglezEye

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Air Force SSgt
9 Years in Service Nov 9th
I have had chronic sinusitus issues over the past 4 years. I have had three sinus surgeries over the past 5 years. My two latest surgeries were to remove a mucus buildup and pollyps.

My biggest problem, as far as the military is concerned, is shortness of breath. I have seen numerous doctors for this problem and they have ruled out my heart, asthma, etc. (Both of my younger brothers have asthma.) The latest doctor I went to was a life skills doctor.

My PCM wrote my MEB package with a diagnosis as 'air hunger in gask mask' and then deployed. The PEB on base sent the package back saying this wasn't a medical diagnosis and required a new package.

Being my PCM was deployed the package was sent to the life skills doctor. He diagnosed me during my time there with anxiety disorder. He ended up writing the MEB package using this diagnosis.

I recently received the results from the informal board and they are offering me 10% with severance pay. I am going to appeal the results and try to get them to evaluate my sinuses and rate me based off of that.

I am wondering where to find a database of cases to see if people have been medically retired for sinus problems. I am also trying to find help for going to the formal board.

Please help if you can.
 
Here is the rating schedule for sinusitis

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear about your condition, hopefully this will be helpful.

This is the rating schedule for sinusitis:

“General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC’s 6510 through 6514):

Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near
constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and
tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or
crusting after repeated surgeries......................................... ... 50

Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring
prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or;
more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis
characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or
crusting.......................................... ....................................... 30

One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring
prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or;
three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis
characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or
crusting .................................................. .............................. 10

Detected by X-ray only.............................................. ................ 0

Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician. "

I bolded the rating that I think applies to your case based on what you have said. It seems that you should be rated at 50%.

The PEB's do not publish their decisions in cases. Therefore, you cannot find a database that you describe. The closest would be the Board of Corrections database of cases, where servicemembers appeal cases that are denied. Here is the link: http://boards.law.af.mil/AF_BCMR.htm .

Hope this is helpful.

 
Thanks Jason.

I have seen this rating before. I figured I would be rated at the 30% or possibly the 50%. I don't disagree with the diagnosis I received from the Life Skills doctor but I believe the majority of my breathing problems come from my sinuses.

The way my case worked out with my PCM deploying wasn't exactly to my favor. I will be seeing my PCM's backup on the 21st of this month. I am expecting him to write a current diagnosis of my sinuses. Do you think this will be enough for the board to base a new decision for my rating?

They have all of my medical records from my sinuses but I am assuming since my MEB package was written as an Anxiety Disorder they are forced to use this diagnosis as the basis for my results.

Here is an excert from the Informal Boards results:

'The Board notes your concerns that some of your medical symptoms were not included in the narrative summary. It appears that your symptoms are either under control or have no diagnosis associated with them.'

As I stated in my first message I believe because my MEB package wasn't written under my sinuses condition that is why I was only rated at 10%. I am hopefull that after seeing my PCM and getting a current diagnosis of my sinus problems my new result from the Formal Board will grant me 30% or higher.

Your thoughts?
 
They should rate you

It is surprising to me that they did not return the case to the MTF to clarify your diagnosis.

AFI 36-3212 Chapter 2.6.1 states "If a major change in the diagnosis or in member’s condition is discovered, the referring MTF commander must recall the case for further medical evaluation and new medical board or addendum, as appropriate. The commander sends a report of circumstances and request for recall to HQ AFPC/DPPD."

It sounds like the back-up PCM may be able to assist you by giving the new diagnosis. Ensure you get a copy of everything the PCM writes and forward a copy to your PEBLO. Do you have a profile that identifies sinusitis as a condition?

Based on what you have written, I still think you should get rated at 40% or 60%.
 
My profile has always stated:

No gas mask usage. No chemical warfare.
No timed running. Member may run at his own pace.
 
I practice at all PEB's

EaglezEye,

I am not one of the government provided attorney's if that is what you are asking. I was formerly one of the assigned counsel when I was on active duty.

I do, however, still practice in this area as a civilian.
 
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