IDES

J

jessicacm

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Hello all,

New to the forum. I was given this site by a friend who went through the old way of MEB. Up here at Elmendorf AFB (now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson JBER), they are using the IDES (Integrated Disability Evaluation system) for processing MEBs. According to my PEBLO, this system will be integrated across the Air Force over the next two years. I know it's going DoD-wide, but I don't have the timeline for the other services.

With this program I process my VA claims and medical exams performed by the VA are also done while on active duty. On this program I should have my VA benefits begin within 30 days of separation/retirement.

Under the new program (as of 21 September 2010) you can take PTDY for house hunting (20 OCONUS, 30 CONUS), take accrued and terminal leave at the commander's discretion.

I'm currently in the Referral stage of the process. I met with my PEBLO and my timeline began. They now have 10 days to get a copy of my medical records to the VA rep for the next stage: Claim development. Since I'm not a fast track, my PEBLO let me know I was likely looking at a retirement or separation. The maximum length for all phases of this process comes out to 295 days barring appeals.

Upon completion, I'll have up to 90 days to outprocess. I've never met anyone who has gone through this process, so I thought I'd give a running commentary through each phase.
 
jessicacm,

Welcome and thanks for sharing your experiences. That is really one of the values of this site as a community, that people can share what they went through. It can help with planning and easing anxiety.

Thanks again and I hope all goes well for you!
 
I’m getting a little confused now. We have the Legacy program (Original) and the Pilot program. Are they going to scrap all of these for the IDES or is the IDES the Pilot program. AT W-P we still have the Legacy.
 
Sorry for the confusion, and I'm glad Mike replied. I didn't know it was called the Pilot program before. IDES is supposed to be implemented 1 Oct 2011.
 
Phase One, part two: Claim Development

I met with the VA rep last week. He gave me the lowdown on the VA program, complete with my options for AF vs VA retirement. He walked me through the next several months of the process, and let me know that I can expect everything to take a very long time. One key point of interest is that through the IDES there is no real appeal process against the rating. The only way you can appeal the rating is by providing new and persuading medical evidence that shows they are wrong.

My VA medical appointments have been scheduled. I was informed that all surgeries from this point on are labeled as elective surgeries and have to be approved, and until I see the VA doctors, am discouraged from seeing my PCM for any referrals. I was reminded that I can take leave in the local area, but that all other leave/TDY's have to be approved by AFPC.

Anyway, that's the new latest and greatest on my IDES.

On another note, I'm working with the Army Warrior Transition Unit on some key training regarding living with TBI, transition assistance (far more thorough than TAPS), and prep for return to duty/transition out. It's nice seeing others that are right there in the trenches with me. The only way I know AF people who are going through the process is by those who come up to talk to me (I walk with a cane and have a pronounced limp), and through here.

I'll keep you posted as new and fun stuff comes up!
 
I'm new to the forum and also going through the IDES process here at Robins.I'm quite frustrated that I was within 6 months of my approved retirement dateand am now being forced to go through this process in lieu of taking my regularretirement and initiating my VA disability claim after retirement. I can't seemto find anyway out of this and have no way of knowing when to tell employerswhen I can start work after retirement.

My PEBLO wanted me to sign a letter stating that I wanted to be retained onActive Duty to undergo the process and I refused. I have met with my VA rep andam now awaiting my medical exams to be scheduled.

Any guidance or suggestions you may have are appreciated. Its nice to be able to hear what I can expect from someone actually going through the same process.
 
Hello, I'm at Elmendorf AFB and the IDES program is a pain, but better than the old MEB process. Just be prepared to wait and wait for answers. I'm coming up on almost 11 weeks and peblo said I still have a lil wait. But my peblo is a good man and they keep you up to date on what's happening. Good luck on your process!
 
How far have you made it through the process in 11 weeks? I'm trying to prepare myself for 10 months (290 day process per PEBLO) and then 90 days from my final ruling until I officially retire.
 
Hello Jessica,

Thanks for the breakdown of each phase--it really helps! We are starting IDES at JB - San Antonio tomorrow and I'll be one of the first to go through this program. Have they coded you (code 37-MEB) during this process? I've been coded ALC code 37 for months now in order to allow me to stay under my doctors care but my code expires Friday; I imagine they'll have to push it out. I look forward to reading your updates and I'll provide inputs on my experience to anyone interested. Take care.

- Julie
 
I've just been informed by my MEB representative that, due to my narrative summary not being compelted last year, I would be processed under the IDES program. I've been AAC 37 coded since the middle of last year and it's been rediculous attempting to get appointments at my location. Now we're entering almost a year and now I'll probably end up waiting until the end of this year before I can PCS. Needless to say, I'm not very happy with how the process has gone so far and not looking forward to additional time starting again because of the lag time I experienced waiting for appointments.
 
AFRetireMe said:
I'm new to the forum and also going through the IDES process here at Robins.I'm quite frustrated that I was within 6 months of my approved retirement dateand am now being forced to go through this process in lieu of taking my regularretirement and initiating my VA disability claim after retirement. I can't seemto find anyway out of this and have no way of knowing when to tell employerswhen I can start work after retirement.

My PEBLO wanted me to sign a letter stating that I wanted to be retained onActive Duty to undergo the process and I refused. I have met with my VA rep andam now awaiting my medical exams to be scheduled.

Any guidance or suggestions you may have are appreciated. Its nice to be able to hear what I can expect from someone actually going through the same process.
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My apologies for the delay in response. I went through a complex migraine episode that left me unable to remember things from moment to moment for few weeks. Just one of the interesting TBI side effects, I've been told.

There are a couple of things you should know about going through the MEB process. If you are found unfit for duty and they give you compensation or medical retirement, you will not (per the VA and federal regulation) be able to pull from the AF and the VA for financial compensation (there are some exceptions, but they're minor). Please, anyone can correct me if the information I have is inaccurate, but I was thorough in this line of questioning. If you continue and do a standard retirement (no MEB), you can pull your retirement pay and VA because they are not for the same issue (ie medical compensation). I can't give you advice on what to pursue, but I would ask questions of your VA representatives. The local VFW and VA vocational rehab representatives were fantastic at answering my questions. Good luck with your process and I hope to hear how it goes!
 
Turnerman said:
I've just been informed by my MEB representative that, due to my narrative summary not being compelted last year, I would be processed under the IDES program. I've been AAC 37 coded since the middle of last year and it's been rediculous attempting to get appointments at my location. Now we're entering almost a year and now I'll probably end up waiting until the end of this year before I can PCS. Needless to say, I'm not very happy with how the process has gone so far and not looking forward to additional time starting again because of the lag time I experienced waiting for appointments.
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If they are having difficulty meeting your medical needs, have you considered applying for a patient squadron? There are many throughout the nation, and a few overseas. I know there are two AF MEB members who are PCSing up to Elmendorf so they can fall in our patient squadron and work through the warrior transition battalion (army) for transition assistance.
 
My apologies for the delayed reply to this thread. I've had a few medical complications that has taken a majority of my concentration the past three weeks. I have set up reminders to check this board weekly for updates.

To answer some questions:

1. The 290 days rule...290 days for the process includes a formal hearing in San Antonio. Because of the new system, the only way you can formally appeal a disability rating is by providing new evidence (a change in your medical condition, medical records that weren't originally available, etc). So 30-45 days of that 290 is only if you follow through with the formal board.

2. Week 11 of the process. At week 11 I was waiting to be seen by two VA doctors. I'll give a full update in the next post. I think I answered all the questions. Let me get to the update post and I'll answer any more questions that pop up.
 
jessicacm said:
Because of the new system, the only way you can formally appeal a disability rating is by providing new evidence (a change in your medical condition, medical records that weren't originally available, etc).
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I have seen no change in the granting of Formal PEB hearings. The IDES changes some things about when you can request rating review, but formal hearings remain the same, overall.
 
jessicacm said:
If you are found unfit for duty and they give you compensation or medical retirement, you will not (per the VA and federal regulation) be able to pull from the AF and the VA for financial compensation (there are some exceptions, but they're minor). Please, anyone can correct me if the information I have is inaccurate, but I was thorough in this line of questioning. If you continue and do a standard retirement (no MEB), you can pull your retirement pay and VA because they are not for the same issue (ie medical compensation). !
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This is close, but not exactly right. Anyone with a length of service retirement eligibility can get CRDP. So, it is not the case that getting to 20 gives you full concurrent receipt. It just means that so long as you have at least a 50% disability rating from the VA, you can get restoration through CRDP. This is not too far from what you said, but it is not the case that you automatically get full receipt of both by being length of retirement eligible.
 
Phase One, Part Two: Claim Development Ending

So it's been a little over a month since my last update. According to my timing chart they reached the suggested 45 day limit this week. I had my final (of two) VA doctor evaluations. So I'll give you updates on that and give a summary of what to expect next.

A quick reminder: These are the four conditions I'm being boarded for...

1. PTSD
2. TBI (traumatic brain injury)
3. Post Concussive Syndrome (a result of the TBI)
4. Chronic Pain (from a debilitating back injury)

Some information you may or may not know. You can have a VA representative present during these exams, but not a family member. Your local VA assistance groups can provide this service (free of charge) for you while on active duty. I have a VFW retired AF Colonel who was kind enough to offer his assistance. It keeps everyone honest, especially if you're worried about fair evaluations.

I was evaluated by two VA doctors. On March 31st, I saw a general practitioner (GP). She completed a full physical evaluation of my body. There were many things I was unable to do. I walk with a cane, so we did physical exams with and without its assistance. She was very thorough...and guys, when you have pain as a limiting factor, don't suck it up, but be prepared...it HURTS. They are looking for an honest assessment of your condition. I was out of commission after the exam (it lasted six hours) and for most of the rest of the week into the weekend. That is just me, though, because of my back. Physical and mental exhaustion increase my TBI symptoms, as well. I scheduled leave for the Friday after my exam (it was on Thurs) so I could recover. Anyway, moving on...

This doctor took notes on my TBI, PTSD, and Post Concussive Syndrome. Her primary goal, however, was the chronic back pain and evaluation all of my other post active duty VA claims (you know, like that gall bladder that was removed 10 years ago, that bad case of food poisoning you had from your favorite fast food chain, or that old knee injury that still gives you issues).

The second evaluation was performed by a VA clinical psychiatrist. His exam was two weeks later (PTSD is the most evaluated "new" VA condition at the moment, so his exams were delayed). Yesterday, as a matter of fact. His evaluation was far less physically demanding, but mentally exhausting. He went through my entire history of trauma (PTSD), to include (and focus on) any combat/deployment related events. We went through challenging memory evaluations (TBI) and discussion of symptoms I suffer from related to the concussion (post concussive syndrome). We discussed my limitations (unable to drive, walk without assistance of some type; ie cane, and the complex migraines I now suffer from). We glossed over my chronic pain, and he documented a connection between my stress levels (related to physical limitations and constant headache) and chronic pain. We continued the discussion into work around options and my hopes for the future.

Both doctors asked me what I wanted to do in my future. This is very important in the exams!

While neither doctor will be in my Informal board, both hesitantly suggested that I search for options outside the military. This isn't a formal consideration, and I have taken it as such. Only the board can determine the outcome of my future at this point.

To clarify "new" VA condition: It was recently determined that all veterans are entitled to PTSD evaluation and therapy under certain criteria. Because of this, the VA is being flooded with veterans requesting evaluation for claims. This information was provided by the VA Psychiatrist I met with.

So now what? Well, the VA doctors compile their reports/suggestions for my medical team. When the suggestions are returned, my TBI, neurologist, PCM, and psychologist will complete their reports for the board. That, according to my PEBLO, can take an additional two weeks. So the 45 days for Phase One is busted already. :)

So what do I do in the meantime? I meet with the VA vocational rehab reps and continue working with the Warrior Transition Battalion on the Army side. I keep working on archery so I can attempt paralympic competitions in the future. Right now my case is being evaluated to see if I qualify for the Wounded Warrior program. I keep working, staying positive, and doing my best to continue being a necessary part of my unit.

Are there any additional issues I'm facing?

It's very strange to be judged based on my physical limitations. It's a new kind of discrimination for me, and some days rough to deal with. My suggestions: be assertive, remain positive, and do your job. Just like any other thing in life, if you say nothing, the behavior will continue. A wise chief told me that the outspoken voice isn't always the summary of everyone's feelings. For the most part, my entire group is fantastic, and supportive. That's it for now!
 
Jason said:
This is close, but not exactly right. Anyone with a length of service retirement eligibility can get CRDP. So, it is not the case that getting to 20 gives you full concurrent receipt. It just means that so long as you have at least a 50% disability rating from the VA, you can get restoration through CRDP. This is not too far from what you said, but it is not the case that you automatically get full receipt of both by being length of retirement eligible.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the correction! I've adjusted my notes, accordingly. :)
 
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