MEB/PEB and medical hold for Prostate Cancer?

[Ken]

Thank you all in advance . I am still active duty scheduled to separate 31 May 2012. Completed by QTC exams awaiting DD 214. During my exit physical PSA level came back at 5.0, biopsy completed 19 March, found out today I have prostate cancer with Gleason score of 3+3+ (6). Army doc at Madigan aggressive to offer Davinci procedure to remove prostate ASAP

Do you all know if the Air Force is required to place a "medical hold" me for DES review and MEB ? Are AF members are afforded a DES/MEB and residuals after the surgery. I went into the PEBLO office today and the civilian told me I was WWQ because I'm within 12 months of Separation and prostate cancer does NOT warrant a MEB. HUH, WTF?!

I researched the Air Force board for Correction of Military Records on a VERY similar issue (docket BC-2007-03171) and the Air Force did not MEB or medical hold the service member until surgery and recovery for residual affects of prostate removal. They discharged member during his recovery.

AF BCMR reviewed members case they found the AF was required to place a MED HOLD and afford DES/MEB on member and based on residuals of his condition awarded full medical retirement.

Any thoughts? Once again thanks for your time and review.

 

[smacinnes40]

I would think if they can fix the problem, then it should not require and MEB. I am not sure of the Air Force but for army reserve members when we are demobilizing they give us 180days of tricare to take care of any remaining health concerns. In order to go the MEB, you must have a failing condition and if they are willing to fix the failing condition then you should still be able to ETS.