Options to initiate a MEB

Flash7654

Flash7654

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
BLUF:

I want to start a MEB, but I don't want to be "that guy" that shows up to his unit and immediately goes on a deadman profile and has appointments constantly. I want to start a MEB when I get to my new unit next month right away to avoid this. I have both physical and BH issues to cover, so should I just push the BH route for the sake of time and address the physical stuff later?

It's my understanding that it I try to MEB for physical issues, I'll need to attend months and months of physical therapy and pain management, which will perpetuate an image of me being "that guy" with constant appointments and profiles. I'm an officer, if that helps.
 
I would make your intentions known now rather than when you get there to a new unit. If you get to your new unit and immediately start asking about an MEB, it could be misconstrued as malingering and make your superiors weary of your true intentions, which will affect your OERs and such. You do not have the authority to initiate your own MEB, but rather your PCM does. I suggest getting appointments in now while you're in your current unit. The wait can be long and it will be better to let your superiors know what is going on. If you are seeking the medboard, I would look at what specifically precludes you from doing your job and getting those appointments in. For example, DoD will look less favorably at a back condition for an infantry officer compared to an HR or someone who can receive accommodations.
 
New Member said:
I would make your intentions known now rather than when you get there to a new unit. If you get to your new unit and immediately start asking about an MEB, it could be misconstrued as malingering and make your superiors weary of your true intentions, which will affect your OERs and such. You do not have the authority to initiate your own MEB, but rather your PCM does. I suggest getting appointments in now while you're in your current unit. The wait can be long and it will be better to let your superiors know what is going on. If you are seeking the medboard, I would look at what specifically precludes you from doing your job and getting those appointments in. For example, DoD will look less favorably at a back condition for an infantry officer compared to an HR or someone who can receive accommodations.
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I agree with starting appointments now before I PCS next month.

But you think I should tell people I want a MEB? I was under the impression that it should be more of a "well I tried everything" kind of action that you don't necessarily want. To be honest, I legitimately have many issues I will be seen for, but I also want to get out of the military.
 
Honestly they might intentionally/unintentionally look at you different. That's why I think starting now would help. I wouldn't tell people you want an MEB, but just seek out care for yourself and the right process will follow. If you end up getting a P3, then they will initiate the MEB. If you make that known that it is your goal, they could just separate because you will refuse re-branching or any of the other options they might throw at you. Seek out a mentor that you trust and ask them what they've seen and how to best approach the situation. Every command is different. FORSCOM is a lot more "drive on and rub dirt on it" than some of the other areas. All situations are dynamic, so I can't tell you how I would handle it. I'm in aviation and I did not ever say I wanted to be medboarded, but now after 2 years in the non-duty related PEB process, I am finally in the MEB.
 
My 2 cents, a MEB is initiated by a P3 profile, or a T3 that lasts longer than 12 month (which SHOULD convert to a P3 if your Doc is following the regs). You need to focus on your health, and not your "that guy" concerns. Getting put on MEB 30 days before or 30 days after arriving to a unit won't change anyone's opinion of you, which again should be your lowest priority. With that being said, usually your diagnosis determines your MEB way, way more than your desire. The only time you should be concerned with the MEB timeline is if you are close to 20 years, otherwise your good intentions might look like your trying to game the system and backfire on your "that guy" view point. Wishing you well.
 
The member doesn’t n’t start a MEB, the provider makes that decision.
 
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