Is the MEB level the last chance to add conditions as Unfitting?

[Airforcematt]

I'm currently going through the MEB on the base level. It's VERY informal - I haven't had to sign any paperwork or had any sort of a inbrief with my PEBLO. To this point the only thing that is currently listed as "Potentially Unfitting" is my back. I have some mental health issues that I'm dealing with which I believe to be PTSD (and have a civillian diagnosis for) but that the AF is calling Adjustment Disorder with mixed Anxiety and Depression and/or Anxiety Disorder NOS. Whatever they are calling it my MH doctor is refusing to add it my mental issues to the MEB NARSUM as he doesn't feel that they are unfitting.

Is the NARSUM that has been written for this point in the process the ONLY chance I'll have to get my mental health issues listed as potentially unfitting or will I have another chance after my C&P exams to have it listed? Frustrated with the lack of clarity in the process and trying to figure out if I should push for an IMR now or if it should come later down the line.

 

[maparker]

You MEB is required ot include all current medcial conditons (See DoDI 1332.38, MEB CONTENT). If you MEB does not include all conditions, request an impartial medical review and appeal the MEB.

Mike

 

[Airforcematt]

You MEB is required ot include all current medcial conditons (See DoDI 1332.38, MEB CONTENT). If you MEB does not include all conditions, request an impartial medical review and appeal the MEB.

Mike

Mike,

While my mental health issues are listed on my NARSUM (listed as "anxiety with depressive mood") it is NOT covered in detail - only one line under the heading of "pertinent past medical history" - nothing under the "potentially unfitting diagnosis" section. Are you saying that in this case I should appeal/ask for an IMR? My board has yet to meet - peblo is holding off till I give him the okay cause I told him that I had problems with the NARSUM.

 

[maparker]

Yes, all condition are required to be included with full medical detail. Are you in the IDES? Was the issue covered in your VA C&P exam? You should have mental health addendum as part of your NARSUM.



Mike

 

[Airforcematt]

Yes, all condition are required to be included with full medical detail. Are you in the IDES? Was the issue covered in your VA C&P exam? You should have mental health addendum as part of your NARSUM.



Mike

Mike,

I'm not yet in the IDES system - the AF is doing some weird local meb thing called a RILO. Details below. I have not yet had my C&P exams.

AFI41-210
4.51.1.2.1. The ―Review-in-Lieu-of (RILO) MEB will be used as the pre-IDES
screening process. Cases submitted for pre-IDES screening will be referred to as
―Initial RILO packages and will contain a Narrative Summary (NARSUM),
associated consult reports and/or studies, a current AF Form 469 (reviewed IAW AFI
10-203), a commander‘s letter, and a standardized cover sheet checklist

 

[firedawg225]

you just going through the MEB which is local. It goes to a board they decide if you conditions are to to keep you in or not in line to keep you on active duty (i can't remember the words for the life of me that is suppose to go here). They don't find unfit or fit at the MEB. If they find you condition something that can stay in they will fast track it to AFPC. If it's not they will send it to the PEB and you will get your C&P before that.

Sounds like they are trying to find you fit for duty. what is your condition if you don't mind us asking?

 

[Airforcematt]

you just going through the MEB which is local. It goes to a board they decide if you conditions are to to keep you in or not in line to keep you on active duty (i can't remember the words for the life of me that is suppose to go here). They don't find unfit or fit at the MEB. If they find you condition something that can stay in they will fast track it to AFPC. If it's not they will send it to the PEB and you will get your C&P before that.

Sounds like they are trying to find you fit for duty. what is your condition if you don't mind us asking?

Don't mind at all - main conditions are DDD for my back + A mental issues (Anxiety/PTSD/Adjustment disorder depending on who you ask) My package met the local RILO (Review in Lieu of MEB) and came back with the decision to refer me to IDES. As I understand it now I'll go do my C&P exams and have a second more formal NARSUM written up after that. Should have more info on where I stand soon - scheduling my inbrief with my PEBLO tomorrow morning.

 

[firedawg225]

sounds about right. If they said send to AFPC not a fast track they are going for a unfit. You should find out more when you talk to the peblo. You can ask them flat out what do you think they say? Also you can ask for copies of everything!! If you are going to a C&P i'm guessing a unfit finding also. good luck and let us know what happens.

 

[Airforcematt]

sounds about right. If they said send to AFPC not a fast track they are going for a unfit. You should find out more when you talk to the peblo. You can ask them flat out what do you think they say? Also you can ask for copies of everything!! If you are going to a C&P i'm guessing a unfit finding also. good luck and let us know what happens.

About what I'm thinking as well. If you're ever down Tokyo way before you leave hit me up and I'll buy you some coffee

 

[firedawg225]

LOL maybe flying through. Just got my seperation orders! If you have any question feel free to ask. i've read every AFI and whatever else i could find. Look at 38 CFR Book C for the rating for injuries. Also when you talk to you VA MSC (Military service coordinator) state all you conditions you have no matter how big or small. Let them make the choice. The only catch it has to be in your records. Good luck and keep us informed

 

[CrackedBack]

USAF1, I just had the same thing happen to me...I have back issues and during the VA appointments they found some MH issues. I now have an appointment with MH and this report will be attached as an addendum to my NARSUM prior to going to AFPC for my fit/unfit board. Be sure that it is added proir to the NARSUM and VA reports going to AFPC for the fit/unfit portion though as it will be tougher to get it in the package after that stage.

FROM MY PEBLO'S EMAIL---Mr. X has returned your Medical / Mental Health report from the VA, and the documents are attached for your review. I've cc'd Dr. X & Dr. Y regarding this info received. Dr. X may review to determine whether the Narrative written is current and complete and determine if we need any updates before sending to AFPC. Secondly, due to the VA Mental Health exam indicating the( AXIS I) diagnosis of anxiety, adjustment disorder; we will schedule you to see Base X Mental Health for an addendum to the VA report.

Hope this helps.

 

[Airforcematt]

USAF1, I just had the same thing happen to me...I have back issues and during the VA appointments they found some MH issues. I now have an appointment with MH and this report will be attached as an addendum to my NARSUM prior to going to AFPC for my fit/unfit board. Be sure that it is added proir to the NARSUM and VA reports going to AFPC for the fit/unfit portion though as it will be tougher to get it in the package after that stage.

FROM MY PEBLO'S EMAIL---Mr. X has returned your Medical / Mental Health report from the VA, and the documents are attached for your review. I've cc'd Dr. X & Dr. Y regarding this info received. Dr. X may review to determine whether the Narrative written is current and complete and determine if we need any updates before sending to AFPC. Secondly, due to the VA Mental Health exam indicating the( AXIS I) diagnosis of anxiety, adjustment disorder; we will schedule you to see Base X Mental Health for an addendum to the VA report.

Hope this helps.

Thanks - I'm hoping that the VA helps things along, guess we'll see!

 

[Airforcematt]

MEB results are back and I'm formally referred to IDES/the PEB. Mental issues have one line on the document and they're not in the "Potentially Unfitting Diagnosis" section. I'm going to file for an IMR tomorrow and use the IMR + the rebuttal to try and get it added before the NARSUM goes to the PEB.

Any suggestions\advice from folks who have been down this road before?

Right now I have an MFR written up that quotes the DOD regulation talking about the fact that all conditions should be covered with full diagnostic data + the fact that even if a condition by itself may not be enough to be unfitting if it stands alone if it's making/being made worse by another unfitting claim then it should be rated by the DOD. I also specifically reference my mental health issues and ask them to take a look at it. Toying with the thought of trying to get the tendon issues in my feet added/rated too but they just started hurting a couple weeks ago. My PCM has been awesome through all of this - hope he doesn't take exception to the IMR :/

Also got a MFR finished up today with my OIC detailing how my issues are impacting my work. I wrote the draft, he polished it up and signed it. Not sure if I can get it in the PEB file but I'm sure going to try!

 

[Airforcematt]

MEB results are back and I'm formally referred to IDES/the PEB. Mental issues have one line on the document and they're not in the "Potentially Unfitting Diagnosis" section. I'm going to file for an IMR tomorrow and use the IMR + the rebuttal to try and get it added before the NARSUM goes to the PEB.

Any suggestions\advice from folks who have been down this road before?

Right now I have an MFR written up that quotes the DOD regulation talking about the fact that all conditions should be covered with full diagnostic data + the fact that even if a condition by itself may not be enough to be unfitting if it stands alone if it's making/being made worse by another unfitting claim then it should be rated by the DOD. I also specifically reference my mental health issues and ask them to take a look at it. Toying with the thought of trying to get the tendon issues in my feet added/rated too but they just started hurting a couple weeks ago. My PCM has been awesome through all of this - hope he doesn't take exception to the IMR :/

Also got a MFR finished up today with my OIC detailing how my issues are impacting my work. I wrote the draft, he polished it up and signed it. Not sure if I can get it in the PEB file but I'm sure going to try!

So today it came out that the PEBLO mis-informed me. The "MEB" that he said was complete is not. My Review in Lieu Of (RILO) "MEB" is finished. I will now be sent to the states TDY to a VA hospital. Once I do that THEN my formal NARSUM will be written and I'll have a chance to take advantage of the IMR. He is new to the whole process so it doesn't really bother me but I'm sure glad I pretty much have the AFI's/DOD regs memorized. Supposed to have my telephone interview with my VA MSC in a couple weeks. Now the waiting game begins...