Hi Everyone, I'm just trying to get some information for my own understanding. I'm not quite sure how to work this forum and start a new thread, so I hope I'm doing this right. My husband's ETS date is in the beginning of May of this year. There is talk of his PCM possibly getting the MEB process started but nothing has been confirmed as they are waiting for MRI's and Ultrasounds to come back. All we know is that he has a protruding disc in his back, muscle tear or missing muscle between his calf and foot and onset of osteoporosis as they call it osteopenia. He's thinking about putting in his orders in the next week or two to just clear because they aren't giving him any final answers and we need to figure out what we are doing asap as we have a Son and figuring out our transition-(I.E-jobs, healthcare, living situation). Would it be smart to wait it out and see if MEB would even be an option at this point, given he only has 2 months left before his ETS date? or is it unheard of for them to start the MEB process this close to his ETS date?
MEBs 2 months before ETS?...
- Thread starter nab8889
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It is not unheard of. I would recommend pushing for the MEB which will extend him on active duty until it is finished. If his conditions are bad enough he will get medically retired and the MEB will give him VA exams and claims which will jump start the process of getting him paid by the VA when he does get out.
It is not uncommon. I got my MEB during normal separation. I had around 3 weeks left before I would have hit my terminal. I would go through the MEB because it will document all disabilities fit or unfit, it will extend your husband's stay on active duty which will help with finances/planning, then if there are unfitting conditions he will get a rating and be compensated for those conditions.
Pursuing the MEB was the hardest thing for my family and I... but ultimately it worked out in our favor as I got a rating and it has helped my family out tremendously. Get the MEB especially if he has NOT filed for Benefits Delivered at Discharge or Quick Start. He will remain in the military till he gets his rating and then separate with some income in his pockets to help support his family.
Worst case scenario is he gets a 0% rating and they cut him loose down the road which gives you extra time to prepare financially as well get a plan of execution going.
Please go visit Military Disability Made Easy so he understands how to communicate his injuries and hold the VA accountable when performing the tests. My doctor was awful but it was for BDD. The DOD actually saved the day with me and did a more accurate and thorough write up and test. But I still don't have a VA rating so you never know what they will decide.
Pursuing the MEB was the hardest thing for my family and I... but ultimately it worked out in our favor as I got a rating and it has helped my family out tremendously. Get the MEB especially if he has NOT filed for Benefits Delivered at Discharge or Quick Start. He will remain in the military till he gets his rating and then separate with some income in his pockets to help support his family.
Worst case scenario is he gets a 0% rating and they cut him loose down the road which gives you extra time to prepare financially as well get a plan of execution going.
Please go visit Military Disability Made Easy so he understands how to communicate his injuries and hold the VA accountable when performing the tests. My doctor was awful but it was for BDD. The DOD actually saved the day with me and did a more accurate and thorough write up and test. But I still don't have a VA rating so you never know what they will decide.
Your husband should definitely go through the MEB process. I have similar disc issues along with others and it interferes with me everyday. ETSing will just send him home, leaving him to fight the VA for help. At least if he goes through a MEB, he can have a smooth transition to the VA side when he does get out. Doing an extra few months in will be worth it. If he needs help, he definitely has a group of servicemembers to help him out. All it took was one NCO that took the MEB route to talk to me before I ETSed to pursuade me into finally taking care of myself.