Long post ahead. So my package was just submitted and now I am waiting for a decision to be made whether I will be retained in the Air Force or not. I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Chiari Malformation type 1 (not sure if there is a difference) as well as Syringomyelia and syringobulbia (spinal syrinx, fluid filled spinal cyst essentially). I have had multiple MRIs that have confirmed the diagnosis but my neurosurgeon stated that he doesn't think the chiari was caused by my military service but doing the job everyday could cause my symptoms to get worse. I have opted to not get the surgery despite the recommendation from my neurosurgeon. So, my question is, has anyone had a similar diagnosis and if so what was your rating and process like? From my understanding the military considers the chiari a congenital defect and therefore does not consider it rateable. I have a laundry list of other things that I'm assuming could get me a higher rating with the VA. Hearing loss should be added here soon and have a sleep study scheduled for January. Any advice on what to do from here, anything I should particularly be on the lookout for, questions I should be asking? Already documenting everything I can and keeping records of every appt I go to. Is there a difference between medically separated and medically retired, will I keep tricare, how does the VA rating system work and will I get a rating? Sorry for the long winded post, just trying to do my research and get ahead of this. Thanks for any responses.
My journey is just beginning. Please Help!!! Chiari Malformation type 1 and Syringomyelia and syringobulbia
- Thread starter Bshred93
- Start date
How long have you been in? Active duty? Reserve? Guard? Hard to answer your questions without knowing those details.
So if you are kicked out you don't have too much to lose. If medically forced out the best scenario is to have the condition found unfit and service connected. You need to be in 8 years before the military owns everything meaning at this point in your career they can say that the condition existed prior to joining especially if the condition is genetic. If you want the best result I would hire a private attorney to represent you in IDES. The reason for hiring a dedicated attorney is because they know what you don't know. Most of the times the issue is ignorance and unfortunately everyone else in the process is ignorant about everything outside of their scope of it.
The goal would be be found unfit with a rating of 30% or higher to get Tricare for life for your and your family. The argument would be that the condition was permanently aggravated by your service. You may be able to have other conditions added as unfitting too. There is a lot you can do once you have a game plan. The VA rates all conditions and the PEB uses the VA ratings for any conditions it finds that cause you to be unfit for doing your job.
The goal would be be found unfit with a rating of 30% or higher to get Tricare for life for your and your family. The argument would be that the condition was permanently aggravated by your service. You may be able to have other conditions added as unfitting too. There is a lot you can do once you have a game plan. The VA rates all conditions and the PEB uses the VA ratings for any conditions it finds that cause you to be unfit for doing your job.
Chiari malformation type 1 develops as the skull and brain are growing; thus existed prior to service. This means you can only be compensated to the extent your service contributes to your symptoms. Often this results in a low rating and separation rather than retirement. Surgery may prevent further disability.
So another question for you, kind of off topic but, is there anywhere in this process where if I change my mind and decide to pursue the surgery, can I do that? I feel like I might have made a mistake and should have opted to get the surgery, if this is left untreated it can prove to be fatal (severe cases, but fatal)
Thats what I'm discovering so far, although the spinal syrinx could be my saving grace as this is something that has developed not something I was born with.
Generally, a syrinx develops when the normal flow of CSF fluid around your spinal cord or lower brain stem is disturbed. So it may be secondary to Chiari Malformation.
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So they would probably just loop it in with the chiari and say that its not service connected as well, is that what you're saying?
Yes that is what he is saying. Its a symptom caused by a preexisting condition.
Unfortunately, yes. You may want to reconsider surgery. Obviously, it’s your choice.