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!!!

 

[hawkdrivermtp]

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.

Same position as you. I'm on rear detachment but have no duties or obligations. once a month my name comes up on Div SDO and that is my only requirement. Any information is sent to me via email or text and I actually prefer that. I have been able to focus on my future, even though I do not know when I will be released. The only time I put my uniform on is when I have to attend a military medical appointment. Being left alone has greatly reduced my stress, but then again not knowing what the future holds kind of trumps that and makes for increased anxiety which I would love to do without.

 

[Jeep Freak]

I found a big part of my PEBLO problem were from the SM constantly calling and demanding answers. Don't forget that they are humans too. I'm not saying to check on your progress but also take note of how often and how long the process is taking. I also found that being nice got them to open up and provide better ensight into the process and my case.

 

[michigan0782]

You might as well get ready to wait. My meb started 1 september 2011. 28 november 2011 i signed my packet adn it was sent off to the IPEB. fEB 8 ipeb sends to VA for ratings. April 25th claim finished (Notification phase) It was sent back tO IPEB 26 April. Here it is 21 May 2012 and i still havent heard anything..at all..whatsoever.

 

[Pat]

I was coded and the process started in July 11, My package just went to IPEB in April. Hopefully i will know something in six months. i have read all the instructions and congressional reports on it and i dont see it getting better any time soon. Once the IPEB makes a decision(3 to 4 months) then it goes to the VA for a rating(how long?). They will not do your rating untill the IPEB sends the unfit report to them. I had my 25 appt at the VA hospital and they all told me i am toast. I have 28 yrs and not allowed to retire during the process. the only bright side is you should start getting a disability check a month after you seperate. The old system you waited at least 2 years after you got out and hopefully it would be accurate. At least i am still getting paid. gonna be hard to find a job in my condition when this is over.
Good luck to all of you,
They don't tell the PEBLO's anything, i do visit every week to say hello and the packages sent out in February still have not come back.....

 

[hawkdrivermtp]

Often times we find out prior to the PEBLO only because we are constantly looking for answers with the VA. PEBLOs don't have that luxury. They have to wait until they are officially notified of results before giving that information to service members. I think a lot of people forget that and blame their PEBLOs for not having answers. I try to give my PEBLO the benefit of the doubt when she doesn't have answers. I am waiting on the VA patiently, but even the VA has been unable to tell me much, other than a generic response stating each case is different and once your rating has been determined, that information will be passed on to the PEB, etc, etc.... I check in with my PEBLO if I happen to be in the area, but there is never anything for her to update me on, so I have held back contacting or visiting since my unfit findings were determined at the PEB. I know its out of her hands until my ratings come down the chain. I was found unfit at the PEB on April 10th and went to the VA same day in Seattle. All I know at this point is someone is working my ratings as of 4 May but based on the amount of claims, I will probably be waiting awhile. I have already see a few who were found unfit at the PEB after me and Seattle already came back with their ratings. Thats probably the hardest part I am having with this process. Seeing others come in after you and finish ahead. I guess it's all based on the number and severity of claims, but it still stings a little. Hopefully you don't have to wait 5 months Pat. That just doesn't seem right at all. Good luck!

 

[Pat]

Thanks,
Emailed PEBLO 3 times for a status, he said nothing showed in the military system and he had to call the IPEB people. Nothing back from him yet he wont answer my emails. so either he didn't ask or they dont have my package. They are starting to upset me a but. a 30 second email stating he is still trying to get a good answer is better than being ignored( told him that in my last email).