MEB for eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE)

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Kenbob22

Well-Known Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
Good Morning,

I had a appointment with my PCM just now about starting the MEB process for my EOE. I have had EOE for years and have had half a dozen upper GI scopes and esophagus stretching. I am actually hoping for a MEB to go through.

However, my PCM told me that there was actually a MEB recommended by my last PCM back in Sept of 2020 for this issue because they medically denied a deployment for me because of this issue. That MEB recommendation was turned down by the hospital board (Dawg i think?). What I believe happened then was when they denied my deployment and had me follow up with GI I had asked the GI doc to put off my next Upper GI scope as i was quitting tobacco at the time and wanted to see if that improved anything. Fast forward to this year and i have had 2 more scopes and my biopsys have come back that my EOE is very "Severe" still and has actually gotten worse.

So im hoping this time it will get through the hospital side and get sent up to the actual board.

I have two questions right now. When would i get notified that I'm being formally put up for a MEB. (How long should i give it before I schedule a follow up with my PCM to check on it).

And.

When does my Commander get notified and give his recommendation? I have a good relationship with my Commander and want to schedule a sit down with him to give him my desires before he gives his recommendation. Not sure how much weight he will give my wishes but just want to let him know as part of his decision making process.

Timeline:

4 Oct 2021: Sitdown with PCM, he is writing up a MEB reccomendation.
 
I would stay in touch with your PCM. If the DAWG concurs with MEB, then I'd let my CC know. Is it safe to assume the EGDs included biopsy?
 
chaplaincharlie said:
I would stay in touch with your PCM. If the DAWG concurs with MEB, then I'd let my CC know. Is it safe to assume the EGDs included biopsy?
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Yes it included biopsy. GI doc said he would classify it as severe and non responsive to medication including steroid inhaler
 
I would expect an MEB to begin. Microscopic examination of biopsies is a definitive diagnostic.
 
@chaplaincharlie Alot has happened over the last month that goes beyond my original EOE. Enlarged Lymph nodes found. PET scan done, Lymph node biopsy done. Lymphoma has been ruled out. Im about to begin more testing but one hypothosis is Sarcoidosis Autoimmune. Are you aware if that is a typical MEB? Ive tried googling but only found a 60% VA raiting on it
 
If the % of a disqualifying condition comes back low because of a change you should ask for a VARR.
 
@Kenbob22 Currently in the IDES referred for my EOE issues. I've completed the MEB portion and my Peblo is submitting everything to begin the PEB. I met with legal to discuss what my ratings would be. He said that EOE generally gets rated as Gerd, or Stricture of the Esophagus, because of this he was unable to give me any kind of prediction as to what my DOD rating could be. Wondering if you could explain how your EOE was rated by the DOD. EOE is currently my only condition which does not meet Retention Standards, so I'm hoping I can get at least 30% rated by DOD. Thanks!
 
SeaTurtle said:
@Kenbob22 Currently in the IDES referred for my EOE issues. I've completed the MEB portion and my Peblo is submitting everything to begin the PEB. I met with legal to discuss what my ratings would be. He said that EOE generally gets rated as Gerd, or Stricture of the Esophagus, because of this he was unable to give me any kind of prediction as to what my DOD rating could be. Wondering if you could explain how your EOE was rated by the DOD. EOE is currently my only condition which does not meet Retention Standards, so I'm hoping I can get at least 30% rated by DOD. Thanks!
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I just finished up thr whole process and am currently on terminal leave. I got 30% and was pretty much rated for stricture.


To answer your question it really depends on your symptoms and how the doc wrote it up during your C&P exams. If you have difficulty swallowing it should be atleast 30%. If your experiencing weight loss as a result then it would probably be 70%.

I reccomend looking up the VA disability ratings schedule and reading about gerd & stricture (if you have it) and that will tell you what symptoms you need to qualify for the ratings. I'll try to find the link
 
SeaTurtle said:
@Kenbob22 Currently in the IDES referred for my EOE issues. I've completed the MEB portion and my Peblo is submitting everything to begin the PEB. I met with legal to discuss what my ratings would be. He said that EOE generally gets rated as Gerd, or Stricture of the Esophagus, because of this he was unable to give me any kind of prediction as to what my DOD rating could be. Wondering if you could explain how your EOE was rated by the DOD. EOE is currently my only condition which does not meet Retention Standards, so I'm hoping I can get at least 30% rated by DOD. Thanks!
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Look at the PDF for schedule of ratings under the digestive system and then find gerd ect and it will break down the rating criteria
 
@Kenbob22 Hey brother thank you! I'm definitely having those difficulties with swallowing, and it was annotated in c+p exam. It wasnt mentioned much in my narsum though. Dont know if that can have a negative effect.

I've read through that schedule of ratings and now have a lot more confidence moving forward! God Bless and happy holidays.
 
What did you end up getting? I have EoE on steroids and dysphagia as well. My VA examiner was generous and my PCM was too rosy about it.
 
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