No end in sight

Hello all. I finally decided to register for an account after a few months of observing the infomation on this site (very helpful by the way). So here's my story/timeline to date.

Last April I delivered my 1st baby early due to having severe eclampsia as a result of my pre-eclampsia being left untreated by my OB. I ended up having an eclamptic seizure (BP was 198/116 at time of seizure) and was forced to deliver my baby (2mos premature) - she's 100% healthy too thank goodness. Anyhow long story short, I had to have an emergency c-section, 2x blood transfusions, 18 days post delivery discovered my brain was bleeding in four different places due to subarrachnoid hemorrhage (reason unknown), four blood pools (cerebral hematomas ?) around my brain, had a cerebral angiograph, debilitating migraines as a result of bleeding, then developed RL femoral DVT (from ankle to waist in femoral, popliteal, tibial, & fibial), post phlebetic syndrome, later developed 2x Pulmonary embolus, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial enlargement. All of these diagnoses have occurred w/in the last 11mos.

I am on 40-50mmHg compression therapy (for life), 8mg of Coumadin daily (10 mos now), verapamil 120 mg ER (for BP and migraines - for life), Magnesium oxide 400mg daily, and fioricet as rescue therapy for migraines. I have been RX many more medications, but only take those I listed because they are what I need to stay alive - not a fan of popping pills. I am currently still under treatment from all my phycisians and now seeing a neuro-ophthamologist for possible pseudo tumor cerebri and other neuro-vision problems resulting from conditions listed above.

My MEB was initiated in Jun 11, but later cancelled as flight medicine clinic pushed to return me to fly status. After months of fighting...I was able to get my MEB reinitiated in Jan 12. Here's the timeline:

30 Jan 2012 - MEB initiated
9 Feb 2012 - Initial VA meeting claim started
24 Feb 2012 - QTC
28 Feb 2012 - QTC/Hearing Test
12 Mar 2012 - NARSUM complete
16 Mar 2012 - Local MEB - "Forward to IPEB"
30 Mar 2012 - MEB Case forwarded to IPEB
27 Apr 2012 - Case entered into IPEB queue (called an MEB office in San Antonio myself to confirm)
7 May 2012 - STILL waiting!

Like many of you, my PEBLO is of NO help whatsoever and claims there is no way to track my case. I'm sick of waiting and growing increasingly frustrated with sitting in limbo for 13 mos now. My husband is also AD USAF, is PCS'ing Aug/Sep and looks like I will be forced into single parenthood until this concludes. I would just like a resolution so I can move on with my life and not split up my family.

Additionally, my Code 37 expires 1 Oct 2012, and I am currently on the VML for an assignment as I've been at this base for 7yrs now. I've tried to pre-empt this situation and possibly PCS'ing myself but getting ZERO help through my chain. Anyone got any ideas?

Finally, does anyone have any inputs at the likely outcome of my case? I'm drawing at straws here for some hope and to see any light at the end of the tunnel. August 2012 will mark my 9yrs of service to AF...bitter sweet as I was just promoted. Either way, I'm ready to move on.
I'll take any inputs /advice/information!!!

 

[michigan0782]

afpc is slow. meb started 1 sep 11. i signed package to get sent down end of november 2011. im still waiting! over 8 months into this bullshit system.

 

[Clew2012]

afpc is slow. meb started 1 sep 11. i signed package to get sent down end of november 2011. im still waiting! over 8 months into this bullshit system.

That is absolutely ridiculous! I knew this system was broken, but anything longer than 4 mos is ridiculous. It's not good for the member (especially the stress of just waiting in limbo and dealing with the AF process) or the service. Have you considered opening a congressional inquiry? I would say have your PEBLO track your case, but we all know that'll never happen. I don't know if this will be of any help, but I called this DSN 665-3580 (found it on someone else's post) - it's to an MEB office at Randolph, where they handle the "Fit" decisions. I pre-empted my phone call with, "I know I'm not supposed to call this line, but I need help..." and was abe to find out that my case was entered into the system 27 Apr...not entirely sure what that really means, but it's worth a shot. I'm sorry for all the frustration...I can only imagine how you feel and it is BS. Hopefully you hear something soon.

 

[teakie]

The system is not perfect. However, you all should be thankful the system is in place. Most people in most positions don't have access to a system like this that compensates them for disabilities NOT cause by their job.

 

[jjski78]

The system is not perfect. However, you all should be thankful the system is in place. Most people in most positions don't have access to a system like this that compensates them for disabilities NOT cause by their job.

Ok mr know it all. How on earth do YOU know that the disabilities aren't caused by the job? Do you realize how much crap we've been exposed to between our regular jobs (for some), and the fact that we've been sent halfway around the world to fight in places that aren't even fit for human habitation? The system is broken. Period, dot, end of story. The MEB process is a perfect example of why the government should not be allowed to run a damn thing. How hard is it to get a rating? By the time the package is sent to AFPC everything has been evaluated. All they have to decide is Fit/Unfit. Then get off their lazy @$$es, open the VASRD, assign the proper percentage to each disability based on the VASRD, compute their fuzzy math, and send it back. But since the services weren't doing that, they came up with IDES to get the VA involved, so now you have a total clusterf**k because the whole process relies on two branches of government communicating with each other. Hell, we can't even get two squadrons on the same damn base to communicate with each other. See the problem? Once that stupid NARSUM is sent off to AFPC there is NO EXCUSE for the results to take more than a month, TOPS. Two weeks is actually more reasonable. Unfortunately the military is staffed with a bunch of lazy, pass the buck procrastinators so everything takes months, and the people being boarded get treated like we are less than dog dung the whole time.

 

[michigan0782]

not sure where the compensates for disability not doing their job??? what are you talking about..Ptsd, tbi, herniated disks in c and l spine- but your right none of that was military related in anyway. being in limbo has caused an insurmountable amount of stress and suffering. i cant do my job but yet cant go where my support network is. i live with people that trained my service dog, they had to take me in after a nasty divorce, 8 months is bullcrap. It took 2 months just to send the packet to VA. Its a broke system that is taken me on the edge of despair. everyday i get worse and worse...Air force was quick to send me out with the army but when im suffering its on "their time" its crap.

 

[Jesse H]

I'm army and I feel ya...
This "new" system is garbage.
And with over a thousand peb packets sitting and waiting at the
VA, we are all just twiddling our thumbs.... Blahhh

 

[Tony_D]

Mine was started in June of 2011. NARSUM completed in November, sent to IPEB in December, and I'm still waiting on it to come back. I already know I was found unfit, but I have to wait for the VA to finish with their part and send it back. Every single day is EXTREMELY stressful :/ Stay strong Clew, you're not alone.

 

[Clew2012]

The system is not perfect. However, you all should be thankful the system is in place. Most people in most positions don't have access to a system like this that compensates them for disabilities NOT cause by their job.

To an extent you are correct about having this system in place...but to say for injuries NOT caused by work is not entirely true. While most of my conditions are subsequent of one another brought on by eclampsia, work/military was a HUGE contributor/cause to my BP & Seizure. I was on bed rest the week leading up to it and was forced to work 10-12 hr shifts for a 24/7 mission planning cell for operations dealing with Libya and on my hands and knees packing pelican cases for our crews heading out the door. Stress was definitely the last thing I needed but it's my job and I did it anyways.

I agree with jjski78 - there are so many things we are exposed to while in the military, especially if your service time began post 9-11...this generation of military does not know what peace time operations are and know nothing but war. While I have not been on the ground in physical combat, I've served my time on multiple deployments, away from family, doing my part/job in OIF, OEF, OUP while airborne or in a planning cell. Like all of my brothers/sisters in arms, I've been injected with all kinds of deployment related vaccinations (which I've had severe reactions with anthrax) and since I belong to an aircrew community, all the go-no-go pills we test on the ground and use in theater for flying ops. Additionally, I've been through 9 in flight emergencies in my flying career and most of them had some type of toxic fumes. Not to mention the constant exposure to JP-8. So add all this up - all of it has a toll on an individual's health and could lead to other health issues later on down the line. So you can't discount these factors or others like this.

I've dedicated 9yrs of my life to the service and believe you me, it's been nothing but SERVICE. I'm sure there are many others out there who would agree. I applaud those who have been/are on the ground, on the frontlines, and believe they are deserving of all the benefits offered by the service/VA if injured (God Forbid). But that does not mean that I along with many others, don't deserve our keep. I'm not out to milk the govt by any means but I've done my time, service, sacrifice for this country and I never had any intent to get out of the service. To say that we should all be grateful that this system is in place - yes, you are right to an extent, but that doesn't mean we have to accept it's disfunction. The process is BROKEN and it shouldn't take more than 4-6 mos tops. Sitting in limbo is not good for the member (especially the stress) nor is it good for the military. Unfortunately, the reality of the military is once you are not usuable to them, you fall off the radar and the next guy/gal is moved right in as a replacement. Not always an easy thing to accept. Nor is it easy to sit and wait for months on end, being kept out of the loop, facing an uncertain future.

 

[Jeep Freak]

I agree with all of what you are saying. I've been in since 1980 and just got out Dec 2011 and I'm here to tell you we were exposed to hazardous chemicals before these wars. I think the worse part of this MEB ordeal is the unknown and being treated poorly by leadership. I contacted the VA today, I'm Legacy, and was told they have done nothing to my claim for 5 1/2 months. I was told my claim could well go over a year and when I start making late home payments and utility payments, I could file for a hardship claim. I have something like 24 items in my claim and that is why it will take so long. I was told to contact my congressman which I did and will talk to them tomorrow. I told them this was unexceptable and it wasn't just me, I want it addressed for everyone. I need to write it out tonight for them.

I don't think it will do any good.

 

[Clew2012]

I agree with all of what you are saying. I've been in since 1980 and just got out Dec 2011 and I'm here to tell you we were exposed to hazardous chemicals before these wars. I think the worse part of this MEB ordeal is the unknown and being treated poorly by leadership. I contacted the VA today, I'm Legacy, and was told they have done nothing to my claim for 5 1/2 months. I was told my claim could well go over a year and when I start making late home payments and utility payments, I could file for a hardship claim. I have something like 24 items in my claim and that is why it will take so long. I was told to contact my congressman which I did and will talk to them tomorrow. I told them this was unexceptable and it wasn't just me, I want it addressed for everyone. I need to write it out tonight for them.

I don't think it will do any good.

I apologize, you are correct. Exposure to vaccinations, chemicals, and other items has been around in the military for decades...not just the last 10 yrs. Your situation sounds awful - not to point out the obvious. I just don't understand why it's like this and why leadership is so quick to turn against us going through an MEB. I intend to file a congressional complaint myself but it one in a few does not bring results...everyone who has dealt with this arduous process and been treated poorly by their leadership should file one...then it may catch someone's attention. I get emails for AF surveys - all of this gets annotated. UGH! Hang in there and keep fighting.

 

[Jeep Freak]

I don't think my situation is any different than anyone else in the Legacy system. I was shocked that the VA felt I should start a congressional inquire. I typed up a letter today and gave it to the congressional rep. I mentioned the crap that we all seem to face while going through the MEB and asked them to investigate/address it. I told them I was available for anything. I kept all the e-mails and photo-copied records if I needed it before I left the AF. I'm willing to spill my guts to anybody who will listen. My VA claim will probably also go nowhere. If they are running 11 months and I'm only at 5 1/2 or 4 1/2 months, should they have even looked at it? I told my wife that we might start thinking of a plan C.

 

[cjlongin]

My packet was sent to the VA from the PEB on the 7th of March 2012. My PEBLO is absolutely no help at all. Most of the time he ignores my emails, I know this because I ask for a read receipt. Is there anybody at all that I can contact at the VA to find out why it is taking so long?

 

[Clew2012]

My packet was sent to the VA from the PEB on the 7th of March 2012. My PEBLO is absolutely no help at all. Most of the time he ignores my emails, I know this because I ask for a read receipt. Is there anybody at all that I can contact at the VA to find out why it is taking so long?

Sorry to hear you're out of the loop too! That's probably my biggest complaint about the meb process-the PEBLOs are useless! It's a shot in the dark but here's what I've been doing. Call the main VA number 1-800-827-1000 option 1-1-0. If you can get a hold of someone knowledgeable (you may have to call several times) ask them where your case is in the process. You can and should get an ebenefits.va.gov account to electronically track your case-BUT ebenefits is slow to update. You can also try and call that DSN I posted earlier in this thread-it's to the MEB office at AFPC. But they don't like us to call so be aware. Hope this helps! Keep me posted!

 

[77617761pdh]

Jesse,
During my process, I actually didn't put a uniform on for 4 straight months.....my unit totally forgot about me and I didn't even bother to call to let them know I was alive. This system is totally a wreck.....I hope when I get out of the Army I'm able to assist the VA in fixing the problem.

 

[Clew2012]

Jesse,
During my process, I actually didn't put a uniform on for 4 straight months.....my unit totally forgot about me and I didn't even bother to call to let them know I was alive. This system is totally a wreck.....I hope when I get out of the Army I'm able to assist the VA in fixing the problem.

That's AWFUL! I never received a call or visitor from anyone in leadership until the 3rd time I was in hospital. Well I take that back...I did receive texts from my supervisors and co workers about 4 times a day to write my OPR for about a month that I never responded to because I was semi-conscious. And since I didn't write my own OPR it was the worst one I've ever had in 9 yrs. It's all BS. Well I'm happy you're alive and hope you will be able to help fix this system or least provide some relief to all our military brethren. =)

 

[anchorage70]

I can definately relate. I have been told to stay home due to my conditions and totally forgotten about UNTIL I needed to work an EPR and then everyone gives a shit about what happened to me. I am not allowed to drive but if they need something it turns into "my problem" and "to just get it done". I am retiring later this summer and it can'r happen soon enough.

 

[Jesse H]

Lmao it's the "new army" don't ya know.

 

[LillyF]

Hello all. I finally decided to register for an account after a few months of observing the infomation on this site (very helpful by the way). So here's my story/timeline to date.

Last April I delivered my 1st baby early due to having severe eclampsia as a result of my pre-eclampsia being left untreated by my OB. I ended up having an eclamptic seizure (BP was 198/116 at time of seizure) and was forced to deliver my baby (2mos premature) - she's 100% healthy too thank goodness. Anyhow long story short, I had to have an emergency c-section, 2x blood transfusions, 18 days post delivery discovered my brain was bleeding in four different places due to subarrachnoid hemorrhage (reason unknown), four blood pools (cerebral hematomas ?) around my brain, had a cerebral angiograph, debilitating migraines as a result of bleeding, then developed RL femoral DVT (from ankle to waist in femoral, popliteal, tibial, & fibial), post phlebetic syndrome, later developed 2x Pulmonary embolus, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial enlargement. All of these diagnoses have occurred w/in the last 11mos.

I am on 40-50mmHg compression therapy (for life), 8mg of Coumadin daily (10 mos now), verapamil 120 mg ER (for BP and migraines - for life), Magnesium oxide 400mg daily, and fioricet as rescue therapy for migraines. I have been RX many more medications, but only take those I listed because they are what I need to stay alive - not a fan of popping pills. I am currently still under treatment from all my phycisians and now seeing a neuro-ophthamologist for possible pseudo tumor cerebri and other neuro-vision problems resulting from conditions listed above.

My MEB was initiated in Jun 11, but later cancelled as flight medicine clinic pushed to return me to fly status. After months of fighting...I was able to get my MEB reinitiated in Jan 12. Here's the timeline:

30 Jan 2012 - MEB initiated
9 Feb 2012 - Initial VA meeting claim started
24 Feb 2012 - QTC
28 Feb 2012 - QTC/Hearing Test
12 Mar 2012 - NARSUM complete
16 Mar 2012 - Local MEB - "Forward to IPEB"
30 Mar 2012 - MEB Case forwarded to IPEB
27 Apr 2012 - Case entered into IPEB queue (called an MEB office in San Antonio myself to confirm)
7 May 2012 - STILL waiting!

Like many of you, my PEBLO is of NO help whatsoever and claims there is no way to track my case. I'm sick of waiting and growing increasingly frustrated with sitting in limbo for 13 mos now. My husband is also AD USAF, is PCS'ing Aug/Sep and looks like I will be forced into single parenthood until this concludes. I would just like a resolution so I can move on with my life and not split up my family.

Additionally, my Code 37 expires 1 Oct 2012, and I am currently on the VML for an assignment as I've been at this base for 7yrs now. I've tried to pre-empt this situation and possibly PCS'ing myself but getting ZERO help through my chain. Anyone got any ideas?

Finally, does anyone have any inputs at the likely outcome of my case? I'm drawing at straws here for some hope and to see any light at the end of the tunnel. August 2012 will mark my 9yrs of service to AF...bitter sweet as I was just promoted. Either way, I'm ready to move on.
I'll take any inputs /advice/information!!!

I understand your frustration, as my PEBLO doesn't know what she's doing either. Keep your head up and remember that your MEB/PEB is going faster than the vast majority do. My MEB/PEB process reaches it's one year anniversary next month.

 

[hawkdrivermtp]

I think that most PEBLOS are doing their jobs. The problem is that at some point, things really are out of their hands. Once they send our files off to the PEB, they have to wait for the results to come back for the fit/unfit findings. True, there are probably some duds out there just like everywhere else, but after the PEB findings have been found unfit, it goes to the VA for ratings. I am sure if the PEBLO were to request a status on a packet with the VA, they are likely to receive the same generic response I got from my IRIS inquiry, stating each case is different and is based on how many conditions claimed. Therefore they are unable to tell you how long you will have to wait.

The system is definitely not running as smooth as most of us had hoped. I too would love to know when I will be out and what my ratings will be, but there comes a time in the process that you have to accept that your case is not the same as everyone elses and it may take longer or shorter than the guy or gal next to you to complete. But I would be careful stating comments that PEBLOS don't know what they are doing. The best advice would just be to call every few days for an update at minimum. If they dont, have the info, they are likely telling you the truth.

Again, I know that there always going to be the few that slip through cracks and are forgotten and I feel for you. It's not an easy situation to be in. It took over a year before my MEB was initiated after my injury so I feel the same way at times, but understand that I am not a PEBLO and neither are most of you. I was a helicopter test pilot and I don't expect most of you to know what is involved in my MOS just as I don't know what is involved in yours. I think the same can be applied to PEBLOS and everyone else who takes part in this process.