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Medboard for PTSD?
- Thread starter Skyrat
- Start date
Generally, yes if your PTSD is causing you to be "unfit" for duty, you can be separated due to PTSD. Generally, this is a pretty long process and if you are retired, it is likely to be a temporary retirement with years of follow up. The same will go for your VA rating, with will likely be re-evaluated for a few years before becoming a permanent rating/retirement.New to the site with a question I was hoping to get answered. Currently getting treated for PTSD and it’s not helping. Can I get medboarded due to having PTSD?
I know that having PTSD can be pretty debilitating and time seems to never pass, so without knowing more about your full story.. I can't comment on your particular situation.
The best path forward if you feel your situation wont get better is talking to your Dr. about your health/duty/career future. I highly advise NOT asking for a medboard, as that is usually a negative indicator. But, again I don't know your story, maybe it is a good idea (although generally not).
I do not say any of this to discourage you, but to inform you of what is likely in front of you.
I appreciate the response. I'm a pilot and currently “grounded” due to seeking PTSD treatment. Currently going to counseling and taking medication. At the same time I am also going to physical therapy on both my shoulders due to a torn labrum in both of them. I also am going to occupational therapy due to my hand going numb while flying. I have been going to physical therapy and the chiropractor the last few years for my back. I have numerous other things documented such as bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral knee issues (was getting knee injections) and issues with my ankle as well as Sleep apnea. I didn’t know if I’d get medboarded for one specific thing (PTSD) or all that’s included. I’d like to get medboarded, I just didn’t know what to do at this point except continue to go to therapy for PTSD. Again, it hasn’t changed the way I feel.
I was medically retired due to PTSD, well, actually, it was the medication I needed to take for the PTSD that ultimately made me unfit for service. It took a while to get to that point and the doctor’s tried every other type of treatment first, but the only medication that worked for me made me non-deployable.I appreciate the response. I'm a pilot and currently “grounded” due to seeking PTSD treatment. Currently going to counseling and taking medication. At the same time I am also going to physical therapy on both my shoulders due to a torn labrum in both of them. I also am going to occupational therapy due to my hand going numb while flying. I have been going to physical therapy and the chiropractor the last few years for my back. I have numerous other things documented such as bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral knee issues (was getting knee injections) and issues with my ankle. I didn’t know if I’d get medboarded for one specific thing (PTSD) or all that’s included. I’d like to get medboarded, I just didn’t know what to do at this point except continue to go to therapy for PTSD. Again, it hasn’t changed the way I feel.
I had some other physical issues as well that I was also found unfit for. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
So, from what I have seen your only medboard option of what you have listed is PTSD. The other conditions generally are not going to be considered as "unfit" conditions. They will be part of your VA rating, but NOT your DoD rating. If you are grounded for 1 continuous year+ that is about the timeframe that a medboard would be initiated. The Army invested a lot, and wants to make sure that they give you every opportunity to get better.
If the army says I need to get surgery on my shoulders or hand and I decide not to get them will that affect me getting a medboard? For instance, if me reaching to toggle switched and levers hurts my shoulder wouldn’t I be considered unfit? I know if you’re “grounded” as a pilot for over 12 months then you get FEB. not sure what that entails exactly but maybe that’s prior to a medboard. If I’m able to get out on a medboard if like to do that the fastest way possible. The PTSD is not joke and I feel being in the army and around it just makes it worse. Thanks for all the replies!
I wouldn’t recommend turning down treatment. Army medicine is all about readiness and getting you back in the fight, so you should try to get better.
Your mileage may vary, but the conversation I had with my doctor was about regular retirement, how far away from it I was at the time, and how beat up my body was. I told him that if I was closer to retirement then pump me full of medication and get me across the finish line. After I said that he was like yea you’re not going to be able to retire in this condition and brought up the medboard.
Your mileage may vary, but the conversation I had with my doctor was about regular retirement, how far away from it I was at the time, and how beat up my body was. I told him that if I was closer to retirement then pump me full of medication and get me across the finish line. After I said that he was like yea you’re not going to be able to retire in this condition and brought up the medboard.
@Skyrat I'm also a pilot getting medboarded. I'm duty connected for my back but once I get in touch with the peblo, I'm hoping to add all of the unfitting conditions for flying. I know my PTSD and meds should kick me off as well. That radiculopathy sucks. My back is jacked up and I have to lay on the floor at work lol. Not only does that stuff mess with the emergency procedures and all that, but when you get boost off? My left arm still has issues but I haven't been seen for those conditions yet. You are 100% correct. Staying in any aviation unit where the mindset is mission first or any forcecom unit has that mindset makes it even worse and unbearable to stay in.
Again, just my opinion.. But the "unfit" conditions have to be against the standards for being in the Army, not the standards for being a pilot. I used the PTSD keeping you grounded for a year, because that generally means unfit to hold a rifle or be in combat as well. As for your shoulders. It is 100% up to you to elect for surgery or not, and not electing for surgery COULD make you more "unfit". However, if the shoulder surgery ONLY limits you from being a pilot and not a Soldier, then they will not include the condition. Unfit conditions in the Army come from AR40-501, so you will need to look there for your specific conditions.If the army says I need to get surgery on my shoulders or hand and I decide not to get them will that affect me getting a medboard? For instance, if me reaching to toggle switched and levers hurts my shoulder wouldn’t I be considered unfit? I know if you’re “grounded” as a pilot for over 12 months then you get FEB. not sure what that entails exactly but maybe that’s prior to a medboard. If I’m able to get out on a medboard if like to do that the fastest way possible. The PTSD is not joke and I feel being in the army and around it just makes it worse. Thanks for all the replies!