MS, RA, PTSD...waiting for PEB results, advise

I was Dx with MS, RA and PTSD all in a 5 month span...:eek: To say the least I am still in shock. I have been on active duty for just over 20 years. Did any of you have a similar Dx and what was your experience with the PEB process? I am interested in what to expect and some good news...but I can take the truth. I know I am not fit for full duty and as a CPO over 20 I can accept that. I need to get my life in order and do some VOC Rehab...Can't be a welder with RA and MS (heat). Thanks in advance for the feedback. :cool:
R/
Carmen
 
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Carmen,

Good to have you here!

You are protected in many ways by having more than 20 years. If you are found unfit for any condition, you will be rated at a minimum of 50%. As far as whether you will get rated higher on the conditions themselves, you will be rated on those conditions that are unfitting and on the criteria for each unfitting condition from the VASRD. Also, with more than 20 years, you will be eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payment for your VA compensation (assuming you are rated at 50% or more by the VA).

As for what rating you might expect, it will really depend on the facts. Given the physical nature of your rate (welder, I am assuming), though, you probably have a strong argument that your conditions are unfitting.

One other issue, if you are already approved for retirement, you may have a harder time getting unfit findings due to the Presumption of Fitness Rule.

I am sorry to hear of your conditions, I hope your doing okay from the medical point of view. If you have any questions, let us know. We are here to help you through this process with answers to your questions.
 
Jason,
I wrote you a response and have no idea what I did to make it disappear??? Any way I was saying thank you for your feedback. I did not submit my FLT Res paper work due to wanting to finish at 24yrs. RA is the most of all three that is active, It hurts to open anything that I have to twist...finger joints are swollen all the time so just the thought of welding or doing repetitive work with my hands makes me cringe. I found out today that my package was recieved on 2 Sep, so I am nervous to see the results...Thanks again.
R/
Carmen :confused:
 
Carmen,

Sorry to hear about your dx. I have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which is similar in symptoms to RA. So I can empathize with the pain. I'm just now going through the MEB process, but my situation is slightly different.

I can tell you if you are just starting treatment for RA, hang in there. I have been adjusting my treatment for over a year and have gone from signficant pain and limitations (i know all about the troubles with using your hands) to now I have a managable amount of pain. We are still adjusting meds and the doc says there is hope for even more improvements. So, if you just want to someone to vent to about unpredicatable chronic pain, I am all ears. Good luck.
 
NOLA,
Thank you for your kind words. I guess people who feel the pain that we do day to day know how agravating it is just to tie your shoes in the morning. IT SUCKS:mad: ! I am currently taking Plaquinil allong with Copaxone for MS and some other stuff for PTSD.

I am hopeful that the MEDS are working, I eat right exsercize and have a possitive attitude. I will always have an ache or what ever the morning brings, but I still have my hands. I am being seen at the VA hospital where I am stationed and just walking around the halls humbles me. I can say poor me or I can figure out how to adjust and overcome! Good luck with you, take it easy and take care of your self.
Carmen
 
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