New guy lost as can be

SSgt MO

Member
Registered Member
Hello all, active duty E-5 in the Air Force recently sent to MEB but returned to duty with a C-2 code. Everything happened so fast but my conditions are the same if not worse. I really don't know what to do as I can't even make an appointment with my PCM and my doctor for my Asthma is an allergy specialist. I keep getting kicked back and forth and am pretty lost when it comes to this sort of stuff. Don't really know who I can turn to as no one is being helpful at all once I was branded with the MEB tattoo.

I recently was sent to what I was told to be a DAWG review and pre-IDES. Within two weeks I was told I was to be returned to duty. The reason for the initial MEB process was due to me being diagnosed with Asthma, previous to this I have already been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. But after my last trip to Balad in 2010 I developed severe wheezing and uncontrollable coughing that was not related. Diagnosed with Asthma and am now daily on Albuterol, Singulair, Advair 230, and Spuriva. I was returned to duty with the reason being that my asthma was considered controllable. However not even a month later I was unable to attend 10 day TDY by not being medically cleared saying my asthma was uncontrollable. Struck me as odd but I can find no mention of it in my records. The decision was made over a phone call between myself, my doctor, and my Commander.

During the initial process I asked to have my back taken into consideration as well. Slipped a disc many years back and have been on and off profiled for years. After being in a recent motor vehicle accident my conditions worsened. I asked initially to have an MRI and XRay done...was denied an MRI until 4 months after the accident. Turned out I have 3 "mild" bulged discs from T4-T7 and a herniated disc T-8/T-9. This was not identified until after my return to duty. I just reenlisted for another 3 years which will push me to 15. I am concerned with what this may have happen.

After talking to my Asthma doc he informed me they kind of screwed up on the process considering my current condition. But I don't know where to go from here. I feel like I can't do my part in helping my Squadron out, but at the same time I feel like no one is looking out for me. Anyway, any help/advice from here would be greatly appreciated. I fell like I am probably not answering enough questions or providing enough info but I'm pretty lost as to what I should do.

MO
 
So they said your condition, as profiled, is acceptable to the AF. They cannot use your limitations to tank any evaluations or hold you back. You can continue in your career, you are helping enough by filling your role, don't beat yourself up. That's what the MEB determined, so its official ATM.

Not sure what the story is about not being able to see your PCM or not getting a specialist who can help. Every active SM is entitled to adequate medical treatment. I would escalate the issue through patient advocacy and tricare.

If your profile is not adequate to cover your limitations however, you should seek to get it adjusted. This may trigger a new MEB, especially if your new profile reflects uncontrolled asthma.

That help at all or just sound like more of the same BS you've been given? Can't help but feel like its half an answer.
 
Thanks for the quick response.

The reason I can't see my PCM on a normal basis is because my current hospital group decided it would be a great idea to do a mass changeover of all PCMs in the Family Health Clinic(where all non-flyers go). This caused a severe backlog in all appointments resulting in ridiculous timeframes i.e. call for an appt you get one in 4-5weeks. If I had the flu and called I'd be rid of it before I even saw my doc haha. It's not personal I don't think, it's pretty much the same for everyone currently.

My profile currently limits me on assignments that's it. I actually have an appt on the 10th and 17th with my PCM and Asthma doc respectively.

Unfortunately I've never been the complaining type about ailments as such. Just always dealt with whatever and went to work. I think that's my own fault. But I never want to give the appearance to my peers, superiors, or subordinates of being a malingerer. Just press and if I'm not real bad off deal with it later. I think I need to be more vocal with things that bother me as I have a tendency to just deal with it.
 
Yeah, that profile is going to keep you in. There is no PT restrictions you experience because of the back and asthma? Many will do unofficial limitations and just gut check the tests. If you don't talk over the limitations you experience with the doc, you can't get a proper profile. Profile seeking is perceived as whining time, but there comes a point where you need to be realistic, even if it means whining.

There have been times when I was forced to use the ER due to lack of acute care options. ER at a MTF will almost always put you on a quick appointment for followup. An uncontrolled asthma attack would actually be a good use for the ER, to both document the severity and ensure proper longterm care.
 
Hello all, active duty E-5 in the Air Force recently sent to MEB but returned to duty with a C-2 code. Everything happened so fast but my conditions are the same if not worse. I really don't know what to do as I can't even make an appointment with my PCM and my doctor for my Asthma is an allergy specialist. I keep getting kicked back and forth and am pretty lost when it comes to this sort of stuff. Don't really know who I can turn to as no one is being helpful at all once I was branded with the MEB tattoo.

I recently was sent to what I was told to be a DAWG review and pre-IDES. Within two weeks I was told I was to be returned to duty. The reason for the initial MEB process was due to me being diagnosed with Asthma, previous to this I have already been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. But after my last trip to Balad in 2010 I developed severe wheezing and uncontrollable coughing that was not related. Diagnosed with Asthma and am now daily on Albuterol, Singulair, Advair 230, and Spuriva. I was returned to duty with the reason being that my asthma was considered controllable. However not even a month later I was unable to attend 10 day TDY by not being medically cleared saying my asthma was uncontrollable. Struck me as odd but I can find no mention of it in my records. The decision was made over a phone call between myself, my doctor, and my Commander.

During the initial process I asked to have my back taken into consideration as well. Slipped a disc many years back and have been on and off profiled for years. After being in a recent motor vehicle accident my conditions worsened. I asked initially to have an MRI and XRay done...was denied an MRI until 4 months after the accident. Turned out I have 3 "mild" bulged discs from T4-T7 and a herniated disc T-8/T-9. This was not identified until after my return to duty. I just reenlisted for another 3 years which will push me to 15. I am concerned with what this may have happen.

After talking to my Asthma doc he informed me they kind of screwed up on the process considering my current condition. But I don't know where to go from here. I feel like I can't do my part in helping my Squadron out, but at the same time I feel like no one is looking out for me. Anyway, any help/advice from here would be greatly appreciated. I fell like I am probably not answering enough questions or providing enough info but I'm pretty lost as to what I should do.

MO

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

In my opinion, sometimes what we see as a "strength" is indeed an unforeseen "weakness" in reference to seeking medical healthcare treatment unfortunately. :(

Hmm, if medical conditions are chronic or severe in symptomatology then it should be properly documented in the medical records since the goal for seeing a PCM or visit to an ER is to receive healthcare treatment for symptom relief. As such, have you been officially referred into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process at this point in time? :confused:

Nonetheless, please remain "positively proactive" with your medical healthcare treatments and never default acceptance to any injustices; fight then continue to fight some more until receipt of your desired expectations! Take care and enjoy life! :cool:

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
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