I was informed last week that I was being Boarded for having Double Hip Replacement in 2013. My 20 year mark in the Air Force is Feb '17. I'm worried that I'm going to get medically discharged prior to Feb...My hips feel the best they have in over 10 years. My orthopedic surgeon has put me on a profile not to do the 1 1/2 mile run and sit ups.
I have deployed over 5 times to Iraq/Afg since 2001 and feel like I getting a little screwed over now from medical.
Looking for any advice.
2. Go along with the process and stretch it out (you literally have less than a year to make to 20), I don't know how complex your medical background is but by experience, you can make the MEB last at least that long.
2. Go along with the process and stretch it out (you literally have less than a year to make to 20), I don't know how complex your medical background is but by experience, you can make the MEB last at least that long.
I agree here. Plus look up US Code Title 10. Over 18yrs usually puts you in the zone where they have to retire AD with a few minor clauses. You can defiantly stretch this process out. I would continue with the MEB though because you still want the ratings regardless of 20 yrs. Plus it makes it easier vice going through the VA once your retired.
Milk it for all it's worth, appeal and then appeal. You do not have to accept the MEB findings, appeal and then go to AF for PEB (I believe that is the order). According to the VA, you're at 50% at 30% each hip and if you have pain or have to use crutches you're probably looking at 100% which is over $3,000 and more with dependents.
My husband is USMC 25 years. We are at the FPEB and is had taken almost a year to get here. There were a few delays for hospitalizations but it has been a long process. I think you will make 20.
You will be able to milk it until you hit your 20 year mark.
How much leave do you have?
You will get your 20 day PTDY for house hunting. So if you have 60 days of leave, that right there is almost 90 days.
It will take about 5-6 month just to get orders if every goes smoothly. Once you get your ratings you can appeal and reaquest a FMEB that will take 1-6 months, and you can also do a VARR(a one time ratings review request).
If you don't make it to 20, you did NOT use they system to your advantage.
I think there was a guy where who had 18 years in and he made it to 20 years by doing everything right.
Disagree with the initial MEB findings.
Request an IMR
Submit a MEB appeal. Dose t really matter what you disagree on just appeal and then take the full ten days to sign the MEB findings
When scheduling your VA comp and pension exams, pick the date farthest out on the calendar as possible.
Disagree with the PEB findings, again take the full ten days to sign
After all this is done, request a formal PEB hearing
Again disagree with the formal board findings and take the full ten days to sign
Submit a VARR doesn't matter for what, just do it. This will add another 3 weeks minimum.
Submit final appeal to dept of the Air Force disability agency. I don't know what this is called but the army calls it a usapda appeal (US Army Physical Disability Agency).
All of the above will get you to the holidays, like the rest of Government, things get backlogged around the holidays this will be to your advantage.
Thanks tony for info. The info is so valuable. Got word today they are thinking about boarding me. I will have 20 years in sep 17. I'm agr in Alabama so I also have a year and 2 months of 1405 time to add to da 199 so if they do board I believe I'm okay. I really appreciate your game plan because if they board me I will follow your plan. Thanks
You can stall the process to 20 with the time you have. Someone mentioned the 18 year mark and you can retire.... that's for Reserves and was called 'Sanctuary.' that's not for Active duty.
Also, when you get the NARSUM, it may very well have already credited you with 20 years.
