Medical Chapter?

My son finished basic training and was almost done with AIT when he got a stress fracture of his sacrum. He was first told it was a Stage 4 stress fracture. He is now being referred to an orthopedic doctor and is being told he will more than likely be "chaptered" out of the Army or may have to go through the MEB Board process. What does "chaptered" out mean and will he be eligible for any benefits (i.e., financial or funds for college)?
 
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Yooper,

Thank you for your son's service and thank you for raising a son who is willing to serve in a time of war. It says a lot about you as a father to be on here looking for answers about your son's situation!

First, I will say, in less there is something I'm missing or am not aware of, your son can not be "chaptered" out for a medical condition that was a direct result of his service! An MEB would the only appropriate avenue of discharge in your son's situation.

If he is somehow chaptered out which i think is highly unlikely, he would not be eligible for the GI Bill (funds for college). However, if he is separated via the MEB/PEB, then he would be eligible for such benefits. Make sure your son goes to legal about his issues and situation.

If you don't mind me asking, I have a few questions: 1. Which branch of service is your son in? 2. What installation is he currently at? 3. What was going to be he's MOS once finishing AIT?
 
"Chapter" is a broad term. Those given medical separation or medical retirement via a MEB/PEB are indeed "Chaptered Out" via Chapter 61 of Title 10, United States Code. If your son is to be dismissed for a disability, it should be via Chapter 61. If your son is under going, or will undergo a MEB, he is on the right track. If they try and dismiss him without a MEB please contact me directly via a PM on this website. If they try and state this is a preexisting conditon, also contact me directly.

Mike
 
Thank you for the responses. He is in the Army currently at Ft. Leonard Wood placed in a "hold-over" status. His MOS is Combat Engineer. He is getting conflicting information. His physical therapist told him he now thinks the stress fracture is not as severe as he originally thought and told him he would more than likely be "chaptered out" rather than going through the MEB. Originally, after x-rays and an MRI, the physical therapist told him it was a stage 4 stress fracture. He was told that it is apparently up to the orthopedic doctor to make the decision whether it will be chaptered out or MEB. Of course, at this point, he is so depressed, he just wants to get home to heal as quickly as possible.

Mike, I will let you know if they try to dismiss him without the MEB.
 
Sounds like they are confused and/or giving bogus information. He is either fit and can continue to serve or, if his conditions prevent his continued service, he is unfit and should be compensated and given his due benefits. Be vigilant about them separating him without going through an MEB and PEB.
 
Thanks for the advice. I will pass it on to him and hopefully, this will all work out!
 
Hi mike i have a question my son qenr in the army at for leonard wood march 2 weeks in hw fractured both hips they put 3 rods in each hip sent him home a con leave for 30 days he reported bach april 30 so tuesday he had a second surgery the said med bd now as of today he is being chaptered out they said he is able to go back out there and do basic i don't see how please help where do i go from here
 
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