Hello,
In the interest of protecting my identity, as I've been facing a toxic chain of command, I'm going to refrain from posting details that might expose my location but I will be honest and thorough in the hopes of receiving some guidance.
I incurred a fracture in my left fibula during basic training in November. The PA wanted to put me in a boot but the athletic trainer at the unit decided to push me through the final events (even though I was in excruciating pain). So, from mid-Nov through early Dec I finished a final APFT, ruck march, and FTX with a broken fibula (and later found out I also had a fracture on the right fibula as well). My appendix then ruptured and I had emergency surgery. I graduated BCT and went home on convalescent leave. I was then sent to my follow-up training unit where I went to sick call after realizing my legs were far from healed - this was the end of January. I have been in physical training since then - 5 months - and have dealt with the original fibula fracture for almost 8 months. It has not healed and I have since incurred nerve pain in my lower leg/foot due to the fracture and my hips have developed a searing pain when I walk/stand and in particular bend over. My bone scan showed 2 stress reactions in both femurs but the MRI was not clear.
My doctor told me first she was going to send me to an MEB. However, just last week she said she would recommend a Chapter 5-17 instead because she doesn't think I am able to finish AIT or be in the army but also doesn't know if a "MEB is right?" (her words). I have asked to see a specialist as I am in chronic pain but have not been referred. It angers me because everything I have read on fibula fractures is they should be healed in 6-8 weeks - not be lingering for 8 months.
And regardless of whether she thinks a MEB is right, isn't there a time limit for how long a soldier is supposed to be left hanging with an injury? I have developed an adjustment disorder because of how distraught I am over these medical problems and because of the chronic pain I'm in. My treatment from the unit leaves much to be desired but that's another subject.
I am fully aware that with proper medical care (and time) I will eventually heal. But I have been given time and attention and have not. I don't believe I am a good fit for the Army and I do not want to be broken further - mentally or physically but I do not think a Chapter 5-17 is fair. I understand I would probably receive a 0-10% disability rating but I am not looking for a high rating - I just want to get out before I get more hurt.
In the interest of protecting my identity, as I've been facing a toxic chain of command, I'm going to refrain from posting details that might expose my location but I will be honest and thorough in the hopes of receiving some guidance.
I incurred a fracture in my left fibula during basic training in November. The PA wanted to put me in a boot but the athletic trainer at the unit decided to push me through the final events (even though I was in excruciating pain). So, from mid-Nov through early Dec I finished a final APFT, ruck march, and FTX with a broken fibula (and later found out I also had a fracture on the right fibula as well). My appendix then ruptured and I had emergency surgery. I graduated BCT and went home on convalescent leave. I was then sent to my follow-up training unit where I went to sick call after realizing my legs were far from healed - this was the end of January. I have been in physical training since then - 5 months - and have dealt with the original fibula fracture for almost 8 months. It has not healed and I have since incurred nerve pain in my lower leg/foot due to the fracture and my hips have developed a searing pain when I walk/stand and in particular bend over. My bone scan showed 2 stress reactions in both femurs but the MRI was not clear.
My doctor told me first she was going to send me to an MEB. However, just last week she said she would recommend a Chapter 5-17 instead because she doesn't think I am able to finish AIT or be in the army but also doesn't know if a "MEB is right?" (her words). I have asked to see a specialist as I am in chronic pain but have not been referred. It angers me because everything I have read on fibula fractures is they should be healed in 6-8 weeks - not be lingering for 8 months.
And regardless of whether she thinks a MEB is right, isn't there a time limit for how long a soldier is supposed to be left hanging with an injury? I have developed an adjustment disorder because of how distraught I am over these medical problems and because of the chronic pain I'm in. My treatment from the unit leaves much to be desired but that's another subject.
I am fully aware that with proper medical care (and time) I will eventually heal. But I have been given time and attention and have not. I don't believe I am a good fit for the Army and I do not want to be broken further - mentally or physically but I do not think a Chapter 5-17 is fair. I understand I would probably receive a 0-10% disability rating but I am not looking for a high rating - I just want to get out before I get more hurt.