Introduce yourself

SandSoldier,

The 50% temporary rating should also apply to the VA (it is a VA regulation, 38 CFR Section 4.129).

After that, you would need to see how your condition meets the VA General Schedule for Rating Mental Disorders. You can find that in the Linked VASRD forum.

Best of luck!
 
Hello everyone I'm currently an E5 in the Navy is is facing HYT 1 Oct. for nearly 5 years I suffered from left hip and lower back pain which started shortly after the birth of my daughter. The M.D.'s could never tell what was really happening and none of the treatments were working I have not been able to perform a prt and have been put on limdu twice. In nov of 08 my PCM put me back to full duty seeing how they could'nt come up with anything and quite frankly I was sick of it myself. In May of this year I had started experiencing severe pain in mu RIGHT hip and knee just out of the blue. I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis in both of my hips which is a condition where the blood vessels that feed your bones have been cut off somehow so it causes the bones to die. My PCM put me back on LIMDU and no one was really sure what my status would be because this kind of situation had never been encountered before. I was told that my paperwork had to be routed up to the departmental level because it was my third 1. I then scheduled an appt with my PCM to make sure there was nothing else I needed to do to retain me because of my approaching HYT. He assured me that I was good to go and that nothing else needed to be submitted because my limdu did'nt expire to Jan 2010 and they could not release untill my treatment was complete. I had surgery on my right hip and am in the process of being scheduled for my left. I'm also being followed in numerous clinics as a result of this. On 9/11 I had recieved a call from my workcenter sup telling me to call PSD. Once I called I was told that my limdu status would not retain me and I would still be released on my HYT date because I was not on a med board staus. Psd and med boards said there was nothing they could do. When I contacted my PCM on 9/14 he told me that I was on a board and he would get back to me later on in the week. Everytime I tried to contact him he was never available and when I did finally talk to someone on 9/18 I was told he was not there, he did leave a note though. On the note it said that the HYT would even supersede a PEB and to contact P.E. so I could start my sep P.E. I asked the nurse if they could check and see if I was indeed on a board and they said they could not find anything. I have not recieved any help from anyone and I'm trying to see if there is anything I could do to try to continue my treatment while on A.D. I'm just afraid that I'm going to get lost in the mix and have to start this process all over. I just can not believe that they would drop the ball like this so close to my HYT date when I did everything that I was supposed to do. I aonly have about a week to try to get anything done and I just don't find this acceptable. Sorry my intro is so long but i could really use some help. Thanks alot.
 
It falls out being a 9411. I still don't know what all this means, but I was also told to file for CRSC. Does this make any sense to anyone? I haven't recieved a rating from the VA, but the WWP is telling me to file now!
 
Hello, I'm a Navy reservist and currently going through a PEB. I came over to this site after reading a post on military.com
 
Hello All,

E-6 CG Reservist w/over 20 years. I've been in IRR since 2006 and after hiring a lawyer to get a physical I did not receive prior to RELAD, PRRB petition, delayed separation physical and BCMRi petition, I just received MEB results that say I am fit for retention. I am rated 100% total and permanent by the VA, though.
So go figure. Obviously, I rebutted the MEB findings due to the fact that it seems that most of my medical records were missing and what they had were not legible (per the MEB), but they still concluded that I am fit for retention.

Thus, I am "Still Waiting".
 
Hey Everyone

My name is Aaron, I went through Paris Island PLT 2016. I had a C&P exam in Des Moines, Iowa on 09-30-09 took 3 hours. Exam was for requesting an increase. Im 10% Lower Back, 10% Neck, 10% Scars. For 30%.
C-Spine: Active 0-20-30
Repetative 0-10-20

Extention Active 0-15-20
Repetative 0-5-5

Lateral Flexion (left) Active 0-20-30
Repetative 0-10-15

Right ( Active
Repetative
 
Greetings all,

Air Force MSgt 23 yrs in service - My case is not normal

Deployed to OIF 2004 - Security Forces - injured and removed from AF Specialty code by CC action no MEB conducted upon return from deployment

Worked as un-allotted Airman (special duty and additional duties) for 4 yrs

MEB - Dec 2008

IPEB - Feb 2009 found unfit 20% (knees) other conditions not addressed by board - turned down to secure higher rating and ID all unfitting conditions

FPEB - May 2009 Identified all conditions to board - requested 100% per VASRD had great documentation from Doctors, itemized three main unfitting conditions - ortho knees, shoulder and Meniere’s (Return to Duty) but no disposition on AFSC reinstatement

Appealed to SAF/MRBP Aug 2009 (Return to duty) given an assignment limitation code C-2

Petitioned AFPC to reinstate my former AFSC (Security Forces) I was turned down due to physical conditions not compatible with duties required. I was given two options - Separate (not happening with 23 years in) or retire, I need a couple of waivers to retire but looks like that is the course of action I will take - Going to have to fight this battle from the other side of the fence.

Crazy world - just tired and every time I read this forum I get depressed a little bit more
 
Hiya! Short version: AF AD just under 8 yrs, then almost 10 years reserve duty (including two years of activation), employed as an ART. Just received a favorable LOD for injuries sustained in the 1990s and aggravated by service (fuel cell). Missed 14 drills and an annual tour on profile P4 after unsuccessful orthopedic surgery. Now I am going in front of the MEB. My ART bosses have been hiding me since my surgeon has me permanently restricted from lifting over 25 lbs, working overhead, and confined space entry (in other words, fuel cell). Since the LOD came over a year after the surgery, all I can recoup is the cost of my future stomach bleed (3200 mg ibuprofen daily). Fun around every corner!
*Read everything twice
*Make at least two copies
*Watch and wait...and wait
 
Hey guys, Thought I would introduce myself as I've been reading the site for a long time trying to get ideas on how everything works out. I'm in the Active army, I've been in for over 5 years now and still an E-4(I slacked alittle here and there, whoops) anyways Heres my story..

2 years ago, while In iraq I somehow injured my right ankle(just normal wear and tear i guess, no trauma) I went to sick call couple times about my pain, only to get turned around and was given some pain meds and told to buy new running shoes. I gave up for 2 years on it, as the pain would come and go. I went to Korea shortly after my tour in Iraq and got MRSA while I was there, so for the year I was there, I was on Percoet for most of my time there, hence why I had no real pain in my ankles. After my year there, I got stationed at Fort Bliss(not really "bliss") Texas. Couple months into being here, my ankles started bothering me again and had to take a PT test. I'm pretty stubbern when it comes to going to sick call after being told so many times just go to get new running shoes.. anyways, I failed my run because of the pain. I gave up and went to sick call.(December 08) After my doc looked at my foot for about 5 seconds he told me I have tendonitis. He said to come back in 2 months if I still had pain, well 3 months later I went back still in pain.(Now Feb 09) I had to go to the ER one day because of the pain, where they just gave me an Xray and sent me on my way(no real help there) I went back to the TMC, He finally sent me to ortho to figure out what was causing the pain. The doc there had no ideas, so he sent me to get an MRI, which took about 2 weeks to get, then I had to wait another 3 weeks to go back in Ortho.. In June(when I finally got to see him again) he said that I'll need to have surgery as they found Cysts inside my ankle bone. No problem there, other then they just lost their ankle surgeron and have to wait till the new one gets there In August. Mean time, in July my back starts to give me issues. I've only had one time when i had a back issue, it was a stress fracture when i was a Sophomore in HS. I go to sick call, and get sent to Phyiscal Therpay straight away. So while I'm trying to get ahold of the new ankle surgeon who doesn't show up till the end of August.. I finish my Physical Therapy with no help with the pain. I get to see my Ankle Surgeon who says after reviewing my MRI theres nothing majorly wrong with my ankle other then the fact that I have constant pain no matter what I take or do. Bummer. I get sent to Physical Therapy as a last resort for my ankle before I receive a Perm. Profile. After my PT for my ankle, They give me an X-ray to see what was going on, and also sent me to a Chiropractor to see if they can't figure it out. The Chiropractor tells me that I have Arthritis in my T12, L2, L3 and something else about my Hip and spine not being fused(not too sure)

Now we are at the present, (OCT 09) I'm now cleared from Ortho and Physical Therpay for my Ankle. This past sunday I start having the worst pain in my life in my back, My wife makes me lay in bed all sunday to try and help my pain. I wake up at 0345 in the morning crying because of the pain, we head to the ER, just to get drugged down by Vicodin, Vallum and a shot of Tordol. No help from the meds what so ever. I spend the next 2 days fighting at the TMC to get something better and something to happen to figure out whats going on, instead of just masking my pain with drugs. I'm now on Perocet, Vallum and Mobic. My Pain is now at a 4-5 with all 3 drugs. I also now have to call to get an Appt for my MRI for my back. They say Arthritis and DSD for my spine. They say after my results that they are going to start my MEB Process as I have to get a P2 anyways for my ankle(I guess theres no more options that they wanna do..)

So Now I look forward to my MRI and find out whats going on, and to hopefully get out. I'm tired of the armys way of taking care of their soldiers.. Instead of finding the problem, they mask the problem with drugs. I can't perform PT right now, though Im not on a Non-PT Profile, so Now I'm sure I'll get yelled at for not doing all the exercises.. Nor will I be able to do my job, as I have to be on the drugs otherwise I'l be crying my head off in pain. So I'll get yelled at for, forgetting stuff and being out of it.. because I'd rather be drugged then in Pain. And they wonder why I want to get out. I've started to keep a diary of all my eposides of pain, any kind of pain.. what I did, the pain level and what i try to do to decrease the pain.. Most of the time, I don't do anything to cause the pain.

I thank you guys for this site. Its helped me and my wife both cope with what may happen in the near future.

Also sorry for my rambling and any mis spellings.. Percoet just kicked in once again and I feel alittle.... uh Loopy.

Jeremy
 
Jeremy,

Welcome! Sorry to hear about your injuries and what you have gone through. I hope that all goes well for you and feel free to ask any questions.
 
Hey guys, I should have introduced myself first, my story I posted in the Personality disorder section but my discharge is actually an adjustment disorder with anxiety aggravated by a medical condition. Long story short, I'm a former Marine discharged out of SOI after spending a while in the medical platoon there, my situation is pretty complicated but I feel I was pretty screwed since I was never treated properly for my medical condition and I feel that led to all the other events which I'm trying to fight. Simply put I never wanted out of the military and since 2005 I've been working on getting back in, simply want to serve and do my time.

Recently after spending long hours working with a group of recruiters to join the Army my paperwork was rejected and I was PDQ'd with no reason given by USAREC despite having numerous letters and evaluations medically and psychologically clearing me of any issues and recommending me fit for service. I've been referred to both Marine, Army, and National Guard recruiters in the last couple days who all said I should seek a congressional inquiry into the matter because they are not being given reason for the PDQ as well and they feel something is not right.

I found this site yesterday and it helps to know there is a lot of information on here with other avenues I can pursue before seeking an inquiry. I always felt guilty about not being able to stay in the Marines and serve overseas as all my friends have done their time and tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. I've been fighting for almost 4 years come November 22nd, each year I get a little closer, I don't plan on quitting any time soon.
 
I would like to introduce myself and ask for your input.
MEB was RTD in June, now IPEB says 20% separate 26 Oct.
My MEB had the following nine items when it left my AFB. 1. Lumbar degenerative disc disease, 2. Lumbar disc herniation, 3. Lumbar spondylosis, 4. Lumbar Radiculopathy, 5. Asthma, 6. Allergy to shellfish, 7. Environment allergies—dust mites, mold, 8. Dysphagis, 9. Stool urgency and occasional stool incontinence.
My meds listed in the NARSUM are: 1. Tramadol 50mg every 4-6 hours 2. Levalbuterol 45 mcg inhaler prn 3. Fluticasone 220 mcg two puffs bid, 4. Nasonex one spray in each nostril bid.
Line of duty: yes, Profile P4/U1/L4/H1/E1/S1
MEB was marked RTD 18 Jun, and I was told it was going to IPEB 3 July. Hadn’t heard anything until today 30 October, when I went to review the results.
Discharge with severance pay, 20%
Category 1 Chronic low back pain with disc protrusion at L4-5, and L5-S1 disability rating 20%
Category 2 Conditions that can be unfitting but are not currently compensable or ratable: Asthma 0%
Category 3 1. Dysphagia, 2. Stool urgency and incontinence 0%
Remarks
Lower back pain is not compatible with the rigors of military service. Your duty restrictions include no high impact activities, lifting over 10 pounds, or bending at the waist against resistance. NP xxxxx notes that you require ongoing consultation with Pain Management and are not to sit or stand for prolonged periods due to pain. Your asthma symptoms are currently will-controlled on current medication regimen, and are not unfitting for duty. The Informal Physical Evaluation Board finds you unfit and recommends discharge with severance pay with a disability rating of 20% per the schedule for rating disabilities in use by the Department of veterans Affairs
I have been on active duty (regular AF) for the last 13 years, and have over 8 years in the National Guard from 1983-1991 (805 points).
I’m going to appeal to the formal board, although I would like to know the best way to go about this. I would rather be RTD than separated, but I’ve been going through this since November 08, so I’m so sick of it, 30% would make me very happy. By the way, my asthma inhaler has been reduced to 110 mcg, two puffs daily.
Scott
 
Hello all first let me alpologize if this is kind of hard to read, I have a hard time thinking straight thesed days. I am an E-6 currently assigned to the WTB, and according to my NCM it looks as though I will be making my way out of the door. I have 3 dependants and honestly I am terrified to leave but cannot stay.

Long story short, I joined because my father was an NCO and I wanted to be a part of the thing that he loved more than anything. I joined the infantry and screwed up my knees (bilateral knee laxity and PFPS) which got me my first Med board. I fought hard to stay in and changed my job to 68S, which I have been doing for about 7 years or so. I have been in Iraq only once and managed to get screwed up for what it appears to be life. I hit my head so many times I cant count, but once I did it on a bunker during a reaction to the IDF alarm which had me seeing stars for a while and two of everything for days. I also suffered an acute chemical exposure to a chemical cocktail odd thing is that this was the only thing that caused a LOC when knocked me out for a few hours (one of which was identified as Pyridine). I suffered several falls (damned rocks and dizzy spells DO NOT MIX) but the biggest one was when I cracked my back plate falling from the top of an APC while on convoy (damned dizzy spells and heights DAMN SURE DONT MIX). Anyhow when I first got back I was ok, but fell apart around month six. I started losing time (finding myself driving down highway without recalling ever even getting in the car). I was easily confused anyway since the chemical thing, but my ability to hide it went away and was replaced with anger and frustration...and oddly enough more confusion.

I was supposed to be MEDEVAC'd to Germany to see a neurologist but my CDR said no because she didnt want to explain how a Preventive Medicine unit has a DNBI due to TIMs when we teach and enforce occupational safety all the time. I lose time and get lost going home when I got back. I was also diagnosed with chronic PTSD, and adjustment disorder after I got back too. I finally got enough drugs to let me sleep for about 3 hours before I wake up to nightmares or to walk the house because...well I dont know why really... but I have sleep apnea, and chronic neck and spinal pain that prevents me from moving a lot of times. I have post concussion symptoms due to the knocks to the head and have had migraines since i was hit in the head with a GP Large (old canvas type) center pole during a storm while on FTX (the army would come up with the kevlar rule after I was already knocked on my a$$) but odd thing is that I have had a non stop migraine since the chemical in october 07.

I dont go into really crowded public places, and it seems the filter between my mouth and brain is FUBAR, because alll I ever hear is SSG Killian why would you say that, or that was inappropriate. I cant do basic math in my head, but I cant do 5th grade math on paper...which is a huge drop for a guy who was accepted into the health physics program, taught himself college algebra and got an A, and uses math including fractions that I cant do now to certify myself for AFPMB pesticide applications. I cant follow along in most conversations but I am doing really well with faking it these days. I also tend to have a lot of violent outbursts. All of my joints hurt, and my balance is off, I have high blood pressure, severe chest pain and GERD now...but nobody can tell my why and all the tests come up empty.

I am so sorry that this became a rant, but I am scared to death. I joined with all intentions of doing 20 years, and I love this institution. I never bothered to come up with a plan B and I dont have a degree because I figured I had plenty of time to figure all that out later...after retirement as a warrant officer. The worst part is that I dont want to leave but I have to. Without going into detail, I will say the most damaging of my inuries were due to poor leadership. I feel like my life and potential was literally ripped from my hands, and it was not by the enemy who I would expect to do no less...but by the very people I trusted to take care of me, have my interest in mind and watch my back. I am haunted by violent dreams that are odd to say the least, but there has never been a foreign uniform on the other side...only ours. If I stay, I would screw every soldier I was trusted to take care of because I could never trust my leader to take care of me...so I would always take care of myself and put myself first. Thats not fair to the people who look to me to fulfill my role as a leader. I cannot do my job and therefore I must move aside and let someone else who can do it properly...thats a promise I made to myself and my father when I swore in on the first day. I feel like I am going to be screwed out of not only my potential, my relationships, and my person, but now the very means by which I feed my family.

I hear horror stories all the time of how the army shortchanges people in the med board process, and there is only so much that VA can do to help. If anyone reading this has anything at all to help me at least know what I may be looking at please let me know. I am not upset with the Doc for her decision, because I know it is really whats right and in a lot of ways I am unfit for active duty.
 
Hello everyone. I'm glad that there is such a helpful forum such as this one. I'm still learning how to navigate through everything but I think I'm starting to get a hang of things. By the way name is Eric.

Recently I got a phone call from the VA and they told me that I am receiving 40% disability and am unfit. Now I assume that this means medical retirement. What I don't know is if there is going to be any kind of separation pay to get me on my feet when I leave the Navy, as I have limited funds. I am an E-3 and have been in only three and a half years. I know that there is severance pay for anyone that gets an invol. separation, and receives less than 30% but what about the people who get above that? I'm really confused.
 
Ford said:
Greetings all,

Air Force MSgt 23 yrs in service - My case is not normal
Click to expand...


 I am so sorry Ford it really sounds like you got the shaft. Good luck in your retirement and best of luck to you. I would suggest still filing through the VA if you have documentation and a copy of your records ;)
 
hey ya'll i just got tossed into the system for the second time but for another problem this time. they are calling it idieopathic cardial arythemia. basically my heart stopped with no reason. docs cant give me a reason anyway they coerced me into installing an icd, in my chest should i need it again. i have done some research and it appears i will be on the temporary retirement list . is there any way possible that i can finish my career on shore duty only? i have 3 more left,then 2 years shore duty.
 
Bruce,

Welcome! It sounds like you are talking about Permanent Limited Duty Status after an unfit finding. This is easier to get if you have 18 years of active duty. However, I believe that the recent change to DoD Instruction 1332.38 makes this a more likely outcome than in the past.
 
Hello Everyone

Though I am new to this forum, I have on several occassions have gone to this site for information and insight regarding the military disability system.

I am an E5 AD USN member currently suffering from chornic back pain. The problem initially started back in 2005 when I woke up morning and was unable to stand up straight, coupled with shooting pain down to my legs. Following the onset of this, I had been to Physical therapy (at this point, for a total of almost 30 months), six epidural steroid injections, and had been and had maxed out out my limited duty months. At the conclusion of my second LIMDU, my then doctor did not recommend surgery nor an MEB/PEB so I chose to RTD vs an ADSEP as I could not stomach to separate without resolving this issue.

We fast forward to 2008... The pain was still there, and my condition was the same, if not worsened. I was finally offered surgery (though elective) to try to correct the problem. I had a L5-S1 discectomy in July 2009. I am currently four months post op and is still suffering from back and leg pain...

I had intended on separating from the military (EAOS is in January2010) but I am undecided on whether I should reenlist to "try" to get this fixed on my next PCS location. My doctor at the same time was willing to try to fight for another/thirdMEB, which has to be approved by BUPERS. If they dont approve the MEB request, then a PEB will be initiated.

I am half tempted to reenlist and PCS (and fight my way through medical) for another three years to give the military more time to fix me. But at the same time I just want to push through with the MEB get this medical issue over and done with while my issues are in the "limelight". I am tired of fighting the system and I am hoping that with a MEB/PEB, I could get some kind disability ratingor a TDRL.

Would I have a good chance of getting through the medical system with a disability rating? Would I be a good candidate for TDRL? I am ready to separate but medical is my only holdback.

Any insight?

Thanks!
 
Hey everyone-
New to this site so here I go with my introduction....Active Duty Air Force, been in for 7 years come Spring and currently undergoing an MEB (package is currently at the IPEB) for an ankle injury and PTSD...Here's my predicament:
May 2003-while in basic training I fell off a 10 ft obstacle on the confidence course and blew out my right ankle. Got to spend 3 months in medical hold and was returned to duty only to bust up my ankle three times (no fractures, just busted up ligaments and tendons). I was able to graduate just because the docs didn't want to deal with me anymore. So I went thru the motions of physical therapy, steroid injections, prescription NSAIDs (Mobic, Celebrex, etc) from July 2003 to May 2005. During that time I also was deployed (Summer 2004) to Iraq (Believe me that was fun times dealing with the mortar, RPG attacks, loose rocks on an unstable ankle). Finally was referred out to a civilian othropedic surgeon (Who was retired Army) who recommended surgery. He removed a golf ball size of scar tissue that accumulated in my ankle, two bone spurs, and repaired the messed up ligaments and tendons (Had to remove one because it was damaged beyond repair-from what the report read). So went through physical therapy, and got to the point where I could tolerate doing the bike for PT. Things were remotely better, except for the pain which I attributed from the surgery.
Then I got PCS'ed to the Air Force Academy in 2006. And the ankle pain gets worse with running, jumping, etc. So I go through the motions AGAIN: physical therapy, steroid injections, and extreme stuff like casting my ankle and having me remain on crutches for 2 months...
In between the ankle drama- Ended up the victim of a sexual assault, and a violent relationship (two seperate guys....one Army the other Air Force)..will contirue on later on this topic.
So 2008 finally I see my orthropedic surgeon at the Academy. Here I'm thinking a ray of hope being he's the one that fixes the cadet athelets. He looks at my MRI and pretty much tells me I have a condition called osteochondrotin dessicans... In layman's terms I'm missing cartilage in my ankle. So he recommends another surgery, this time to repair the ligaments and tendons again, and drill into my ankle joint to try to get scar cartilage to grow and give my ankle bones some cushioning. I agree to it, and the surgery is done. And my ankle is feeling pretty stable, still in pain, but tolerable. I finally get off of my no running profile, and instead of taking it easy in getting back into running, my chief at the time decides the squadron needs to start running 5ks to be the best squadron at the Academy. So imagine what this did to my scar cartilage. I returned back to my orthro because of the pain and got re-evaluated. All he tells me is there's nothing more they can do for me surgerywise, and that I should have been placed on a permanent no-running/jumping profile. Then goes on to tell me that I'll never be able to run and jump at Air Force standards again. Um why didn't you tell me this earlier?!? So hence the MEB was intiated for that whole can of worms.
My PTSD is result from being deployed, a sexual assault that happened in 2006, and being in a physically/emotionally abusive relationship with an alcoholic. It's been diagnosed as chronic because the two last events were less than a year apart and I have a family history of mental illness (Aunt committed suicide and I have a couple more who are anywhere from bipolar to major depressive disorder). I'm on Prozac, and Klonopin for it. So my shrink stated on my narrative that if I was ever in a combat situation I'd have to be hospitalized, meaning no longer worldwide qualified.

The Good Ol' Boys club at work treats me like I'm the black sheep, and I'm pretty much an outcast because of I can't run with the squadron, I don't advertise what I'm going thru because the last time I did that I got burned badly..... of course it was the situation when my first sgt found out about my SA and broadcasted it to the entire squadron.

So I'm at the point now where I'm waiting patiently for the findings from the IPEB.... and I have my fingers, toes and everything else crossed I get medical retirement (At least TDRL). Doc pretty much stated I will need another surgery in about four years to maintain the ankle (So I am at least able to get around, etc).

Well that's my case in a nut shell!

Later!
Sarah
PS Thanks Jason for putting this site together! It is a definite blessing for us being held in limbo!
 
Sarah,

Welcome! It is good to have you here. I hope everything goes well and you get the outcome you want!
 
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