MEB Started--Questions

N

NAV LDO

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
I posted a reply in another thread, but feel this is the better forum. Need some guidance, please, as I feel things are not going as they should. I'll do my best to keep it short.

1) Navy, almost 22 years active, 7 years commissioned. Stationed in somewhat remote location--being sent to Navy hospital in 2 weeks. Just made appointment last week. (Also, when clinic left message, they think it's for an overseas screening?--My first inkling things aren't going right).

2) Chronic nerve pain from surgery 6 years ago--had 2 surgeries to attempt fix--no joy. Had Neurostimulator implant 3 years ago--partially effective. Have been on numerous medications--anti-seizures, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, opioids.

3) Chronic lumbar pain about 2 years--CAT scan shows arthritis/minor bulging discs.

4) PCM wrote up a summation, but didn't include back pain issues--will this be looked at by Navy specialist as well?

5) No assignment of PEBLO or VA MSC(?) yet--is this supposed to happen now or after the appointment? According to NPC explanation of IDES, this should happen now, right?

http://www.public.navy.mil/asnmra/corb/PEB/Documents/IDES WEB.html#14

All this seems to be happening without all considerations being made. If I want JAG Corps legal advice, how do I go about finding one that understands the MEB/PEB process?

Any guidance would be appreciated! Thank you!
 
When we start to think about our future and add in the unknown worry can dominate our thoughts. During the MEB process you will be given C&P exam by the VA or a VA contractor. The C&P exams are central to your future compensation. To prepare for the C&P exams I suggest you do two things.

1. Read the law. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id...&rgn=div5&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5&idno=38

2. Download and complete before you show up for the C&P exams ALL of the forms appropriate to any injury/illness you have. Complete the forms with all the facts.

Nothing that has happened thus far has you off course, only delayed. Expect lots of delays. The process is slooooow.

Best wishes
Mike
 
Thank you very much. I will review the link you provided. I also just sent an e-mail to the Navy Wounded Warrior program to attempt to enroll with them. They state on their website that they can provide legal assistance and other administrative support through the MEB/PEB process, which sounds wonderful and just what I think I will need.

And yes, the unknown is scary, which is why I want to be able to understand/control all aspects that I am able to. This forum, with members such as yourself, provide a great service to those of us in the 'unknown' world of MEB/PEB. Thank you so much.

And as far as the process being slow that is just fine with me; I'm in no hurry and the longer this takes, the closer I get to my voluntary retirement date in 2019. I just want to make sure that if the Navy deems me unfit for continued service, that me and my family incur as little stress and financial burden as possible.

No service member in this position has asked for their medical issues; I assume most, if not all, are like me and would prefer to finish out there service honorably, and would rather not be forced out due to a medical condition beyond their control. I consider myself lucky that my medical conditions, though chronic, are not nearly as severe as many here on this forum, and I especially thank and honor those that are here as a result of combat-related injuries. It's these service members that I truly hope are taken care of fully, as they are the ones on this forum that have given and suffered the most.

Thanks again.
 
Are you already on LIMDU? The oversea screening physical is generally code for determining if a LIMDU is needed. Generally they don't send/keep people in remote locations if they are on LIMDU.

If he's sending you to the hospital over only the nerve problems, I'd make sure the doc there also consider if the back pain/bulging disks needs to be included in the LIMDU as well. What is profiled/LIMDU is important for determining what is rated by DoD.

You probably won't see a specialist unless a doc feels there is a chance of fixing it. I personally feel it sounds like they've done all they can.

It doesn't sound like you're in the MEB process yet, sounds like your PCM is recommending LIMDU with that in mind. Navy generally won't start the MEB until you've had two LIMDU periods, but given the length that problem has been effecting you, they may just start right away.

I know the general attitude the military has toward broken people, but please do note a disability discharge is fully honorable.

With 22 years you'll be guaranteed a retirement and likely the MEB/PEB won't come out with much, if any, additional compensation, although as an officer that is not always true. Likely the MEB/PEB process is mostly to determine if you need to get out now or can hang out until 2019. Most compensation above and beyond your 22 year retirement will come from the VA. Financial stress the process can cause shouldn't be too much extra above the general leaving the military ones.
 
scoutCC said:
I know the general attitude the military has toward broken people, but please do note a disability discharge is fully honorable
Click to expand...

@scoutCC is dead on. The view in the military is very utilitarian, when you perform your are valued, when you don't perform you are in the way. Its a false view of life and value. Don't get sucked in. Thank you for your honorable service.
 
Thank you all. I have found out additional information. I am indeed headed to an MEB--confirmed with both my PCM and our civilian here who 'coordinates' these types of actions--the referral was for an MEB.

To answer your other question, scoutCC, no, I have not yet been on LIMDU. In speaking with my PCM, and he agrees, I plan to provide my input to the MEB appointment Dr. that I would like to be placed in a LIMDU status prior to my case going forward to the PEB. I understand that if he feels my case is 'stable' and not likely to improve, he will need to forward my case up to the PEB if in his opinion, I'm not fit to complete my duties as assigned.

Also, I found out that I will likely be assigned a PEBLO at the MTF I will be going to for my MEB. Additionally, I plan to meet with someone from the Wounded Warrior Project there as well. I'm expecting to hear back from them in the next few days and will hopefully be assigned some sort of case worker there. If at all possible, I plan to request my case worker either accompany me to my appointment, or at least give me some guidance on how I should proceed during the MEB to hopefully attain my desire to go on LIMDU prior to being sent to a PEB. I'm on shore duty now, and have no expectation to be required to go to (PCS to) operational duty for another 16 months at the earliest, as my PRD is not until Oct16. So at my current station, my 'disabling condition' is not negatively affecting my ability to complete my duties, other than the occasional medical appointments and inability to complete a full PRT.

And one more item. The following day, I am scheduled to see a civilian specialist for my primary condition. I've only seen general surgeons or pain managers, and while they intimate that my case is likely chronic and not going to go away anytime soon, I'm hoping this civilian doctor MAY have a last ditch option to fix the problem surgically. My understanding, however, that if my case heads to PEB, I'm not supposed to undergo any further surgeries relating to the condition, so this is another reason I'd like to go on LIMDU, so I can at least get one more opportunity to fix the problem. We'll see in a couple of weeks!

Any suggestions from those with experience, I'd most certainly welcome any advice for me going forward. Thanks again, all!
 
So, heading down for my appointment to determine whether the Neurologist feels I fit for continued Naval Service or not--basically, if he's going to recommend an MEB for me, or whether I go on LIMDU--hoping for LIMDU, as I haven't been on LIMDU at all during my career; I'd like an additional 6-12 months to figure out if a specialist can 'fix' my most pressing issue, Neuropathy, or whether I'm stuck with this for the long haul. I'll be sure to come back and post what they decide next week.
 
Well, I'm back from my appointment, and the Neurologist stated he would be recommending PEB for Inguinal Neuralgia. I was unable to hang out and wait for the Neurologist's report to upload into their computer system, as I had an appointment with a civilian neurosurgeon in LA the next day, so I still have not 'officially' digitally signed whatever paperwork I'm supposed to sign, so as I understand it, I have yet to be assigned a PEBLO and VA Case Mgr.

My follow on appointment with the civilian Neurosurgeon was fruitful, and he seems confident he can 'fix' some, if not all, of my pain issues. I have a triple neurectomy scheduled for next month, so I will go down to LA for that, and hopefully, during the same trip, head to SD to finish my paperwork and officially be entered into IDES.

So, here's the 'rub'. I requested to be placed on LIMDU vice PEB, as I knew I had the surgical consult the next day, but the Navy Neurologist felt that it wasn't likely that this surgeon would be successful. To me, I'm not sure what the rush is. Why not let me go through the surgery, then determine afterward if it might improve my medical situation, possibly to the point where an MEB/PEB wouldn't be necessary, or even if it is, it would be characterized correctly. I also have lower back pain, so it's not as if I would now be able to complete a full PRT, or that I'd be eligible for operational duty. But instead of Inguinal Neuralgia, I'd have a large area of numbness, and possible abdominal weakness, but heck, it's better than nerve pain for sure!!

Anyway, so I called/e-mailed back to Patient Admin to request that I delay my trip down to be assigned the PEBLO/VA Case Manager until around the time I'll be going to my surgery. The Sailor I spoke with asked if it would have any effect on my referred condition--at which I answered, yes, it probably will, so now he's going to discuss with his Division Officer to determine when would be best for me to come down--before or after my surgery.

Anyway, I am a bit concerned that this is going to cause a big 'hubbub' of an issue, which, of course, could've been avoided had the Neurologist just referred me to LIMDU vice PEB, but we'll see, I guess...

The paper work I read and signed while there, which was not the entire packet, as I understand it, stated that I would inform the MEB Office prior to undergoing any planned surgery that may have a critical impact on the MEB progress. Well, I've done that, now I just have to wait for instruction on how to proceed from here...any thoughts on this from the crowd here? Any and all suggestions are welcome!! Thanks!
 
NAV LDO said:
Well, I'm back from my appointment, and the Neurologist stated he would be recommending PEB for Inguinal Neuralgia. I was unable to hang out and wait for the Neurologist's report to upload into their computer system, as I had an appointment with a civilian neurosurgeon in LA the next day, so I still have not 'officially' digitally signed whatever paperwork I'm supposed to sign, so as I understand it, I have yet to be assigned a PEBLO and VA Case Mgr.

My follow on appointment with the civilian Neurosurgeon was fruitful, and he seems confident he can 'fix' some, if not all, of my pain issues. I have a triple neurectomy scheduled for next month, so I will go down to LA for that, and hopefully, during the same trip, head to SD to finish my paperwork and officially be entered into IDES.

So, here's the 'rub'. I requested to be placed on LIMDU vice PEB, as I knew I had the surgical consult the next day, but the Navy Neurologist felt that it wasn't likely that this surgeon would be successful. To me, I'm not sure what the rush is. Why not let me go through the surgery, then determine afterward if it might improve my medical situation, possibly to the point where an MEB/PEB wouldn't be necessary, or even if it is, it would be characterized correctly. I also have lower back pain, so it's not as if I would now be able to complete a full PRT, or that I'd be eligible for operational duty. But instead of Inguinal Neuralgia, I'd have a large area of numbness, and possible abdominal weakness, but heck, it's better than nerve pain for sure!!

Anyway, so I called/e-mailed back to Patient Admin to request that I delay my trip down to be assigned the PEBLO/VA Case Manager until around the time I'll be going to my surgery. The Sailor I spoke with asked if it would have any effect on my referred condition--at which I answered, yes, it probably will, so now he's going to discuss with his Division Officer to determine when would be best for me to come down--before or after my surgery.

Anyway, I am a bit concerned that this is going to cause a big 'hubbub' of an issue, which, of course, could've been avoided had the Neurologist just referred me to LIMDU vice PEB, but we'll see, I guess...

The paper work I read and signed while there, which was not the entire packet, as I understand it, stated that I would inform the MEB Office prior to undergoing any planned surgery that may have a critical impact on the MEB progress. Well, I've done that, now I just have to wait for instruction on how to proceed from here...any thoughts on this from the crowd here? Any and all suggestions are welcome!! Thanks!
Click to expand...

In my opinion, it seems that the U.S. Navy wants you "out of the military and off their official books" as soon as feasibly possible unfortunately at this point in time especially since you already have over 20 years of active duty federal military service!

Indeed, with over 32 years of military service via the U.S. Army myself, I definitely comprehend your current situation and any potential aforementioned actions by the U.S. Navy from an U.S. Army perspective!

To that extent, the IDES process begins whenever a military service member's medical provider(s) determine that the military service member's ability to continue military service is questionable due to a physical or mental impairment. It is the impact of the medical condition(s) upon the military service member ability to perform duties appropriate to his or her rank and job skill that is important.

In addition, it is important to remember that the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process is a performance-based system with an officially published timeline. That said, I would like to direct your attention to my PEB Forum URL thread for a detailed explanation about the entire DoD IDES process as follows:

http://www.pebforum.com/site/threads/a-detailed-explanation-of-the-dod-ides-meb-peb-process.22807/

With that all said, please continue to remain "positively proactive" upon your referral and official acceptance into the DoD IDES process! At that point, never default acceptance to any injustices; fight then continue to fight some more until receipt of your desired expectations supportive via medical evidence and/or medical documentation! Take care!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
Last edited:
Warrior644 said:
In my opinion, it seems that the U.S. Navy wants you "out of the military and off their official books" as soon as feasibly possible unfortunately at this point in time especially since you already have over 20 years of active duty federal military service!

Indeed, with over 32 years of military service via the U.S. Army myself, I definitely comprehend your current situation and any potential aforementioned actions by the U.S. Navy from an U.S. Army perspective!

To that extent, the IDES process begins whenever a military service member's medical provider(s) determine that the military service member's ability to continue military service is questionable due to a physical or mental impairment. It is the impact of the medical condition(s) upon the military service member ability to perform duties appropriate to his or her rank and job skill that is important.

In addition, it is important to remember that the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process is a performance-based system with an officially published timeline. That said, I would like to direct your attention to my PEB Forum URL thread for a detailed explanation about the entire DoD IDES process as follows:

http://www.pebforum.com/site/threads/a-detailed-explanation-of-the-dod-ides-meb-peb-process.22807/

With that all said, please continue to remain "positively proactive" upon your referral and official acceptance into the DoD IDES process! At that point, never default acceptance to any injustices; fight then continue to fight some more until receipt of your desired expectations supportive via medical evidence and/or medical documentation! Take care!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
Click to expand...

Warrior644,

Thanks for the sentiment/reply. I will fight for whatever I can that's fair to the Navy and to me and my family. After speaking with my detailer, it was made clear that the Navy has no need for an officer that can't deploy, even if I'm just 3+ years from retirement, and I should 'clear the way', for someone who can. Of course, being very nice and civil throughout the conversation, but nonetheless, the 'message was conveyed/received'

Since I have yet to officially 'sign' acceptance into the IDES, and haven't been assigned/met a PEBLO/VA Case Manager, my clock really hasn't started ticking, correct? They need me to 'digitally sign' before any MEB is convened, correct? Or is it that once the Doctor refers me to the MEB/PEB, that the MEB is convened and they start reviewing my case? I 'requested' to hold off 3 weeks for ease of travel, etc., but if they are going to go ahead and start the process, and I haven't even met/discussed what is to come with the PEBLO/VA Case Mgr, then I need to get down there sooner, I guess.

I ask because what you wrote in the post--"Upon acceptance into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process, during the MEB Phase is when all of your medical conditions are reviewed to determine which are "medically unacceptable" or "medically acceptable" conditions. The MTF will assign a PEBLO to develop the MEB case file for the MEB phase of the DoD IDES process." It appears that some sort of 'acceptance' needs to be made, correct? Thanks again!!
 
NAV LDO said:
Warrior644,

Thanks for the sentiment/reply. I will fight for whatever I can that's fair to the Navy and to me and my family. After speaking with my detailer, it was made clear that the Navy has no need for an officer that can't deploy, even if I'm just 3+ years from retirement, and I should 'clear the way', for someone who can. Of course, being very nice and civil throughout the conversation, but nonetheless, the 'message was conveyed/received'

Since I have yet to officially 'sign' acceptance into the IDES, and haven't been assigned/met a PEBLO/VA Case Manager, my clock really hasn't started ticking, correct? They need me to 'digitally sign' before any MEB is convened, correct? Or is it that once the Doctor refers me to the MEB/PEB, that the MEB is convened and they start reviewing my case? I 'requested' to hold off 3 weeks for ease of travel, etc., but if they are going to go ahead and start the process, and I haven't even met/discussed what is to come with the PEBLO/VA Case Mgr, then I need to get down there sooner, I guess.

I ask because what you wrote in the post--"Upon acceptance into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process, during the MEB Phase is when all of your medical conditions are reviewed to determine which are "medically unacceptable" or "medically acceptable" conditions. The MTF will assign a PEBLO to develop the MEB case file for the MEB phase of the DoD IDES process." It appears that some sort of 'acceptance' needs to be made, correct? Thanks again!!
Click to expand...
No worries, and you are welcome! :)

Indeed, unfortunately, it seems that the military service departments all have their own specific method of "getting the main point conveyed" in reference to the potential non-opportunity for any continued military service with medical conditions affecting the service member's ability to perform his/her assigned military duties. :(

From my previous experiences within the DoD IDES process via an U.S. Army perspective, the official start into the IDES process begins after your initial counseling from the assigned PEBLO (e.g., completion of specific briefings with your payroll signature on all required IDES documentation).

As such, at this point in time, it's probably in your best interest to try and find out exactly "when" shall you be officially assigned a PEBLO? Hmm, will it take up to three weeks for the aforementioned action to occur or shall it occur instantaneously upon the receipt of the required documentation to the MTF? :confused:

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
I just got word from the Doctor that initiated the MEB, and he is going to 'retract' his MEB/PEB referral until time following my surgery, so I will go see him again the week following to determine what, if any, the effect the surgery has on his initial recommendation. So, basically, this buys me another month or so, which is fine by me, as I'd rather have the most recent information going before the MEB/PEB board to better inform them to make a decision based upon the most recent medical information. Thanks, again!
 
NAV LDO said:
I just got word from the Doctor that initiated the MEB, and he is going to 'retract' his MEB/PEB referral until time following my surgery, so I will go see him again the week following to determine what, if any, the effect the surgery has on his initial recommendation. So, basically, this buys me another month or so, which is fine by me, as I'd rather have the most recent information going before the MEB/PEB board to better inform them to make a decision based upon the most recent medical information. Thanks, again!
Click to expand...
Indeed, this is great news to hear while the medical physician definitely made the correct and wise decision in my opinion for sure; good deal! :cool:

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top