Pacemaker on Active Duty - Chance for Retention?

A

akd07

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
I've tried searching this thread and haven't seen this answered yet.

I'm a 37 yo Navy O-4 with about 15 years in. After COVID in December started having some fatigue/exercise issues and bradycardia episodes. Three months later I'm the new owner of a pacemaker/defibrillator due to what they believe is cardiac sarcoidosis (auto-immune inflammation issue that can affect other organs as well).

I feel way better after the pacemaker, and with treatment think the sarcoidosis will hopefully go away/remission. I want to stay on active duty and finish out my 20 years.

Is it possible to stay on active duty with a pacemaker? I know the standards for medical retention say it is not compatible, but I wasn't sure if the PEB can evaluate that or not. I am not on due course to deploying command anymore (basically permanent shore duty), so really my only "fitness" need is the ability to pass the PRT.
 
akd07 said:
I've tried searching this thread and haven't seen this answered yet.

I'm a 37 yo Navy O-4 with about 15 years in. After COVID in December started having some fatigue/exercise issues and bradycardia episodes. Three months later I'm the new owner of a pacemaker/defibrillator due to what they believe is cardiac sarcoidosis (auto-immune inflammation issue that can affect other organs as well).

I feel way better after the pacemaker, and with treatment think the sarcoidosis will hopefully go away/remission. I want to stay on active duty and finish out my 20 years.

Is it possible to stay on active duty with a pacemaker? I know the standards for medical retention say it is not compatible, but I wasn't sure if the PEB can evaluate that or not. I am not on due course to deploying command anymore (basically permanent shore duty), so really my only "fitness" need is the ability to pass the PRT.
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You should check to see if TERA would be available to you. There is a decent chance they try to MEB you but Navy leans towards fit finding. If they do push you into full MEB you need to prepare and get all of your ducks in a row. See how the VA rates that condition and what is needed to be rated 30% or higher and get working on documentation to help assert that claim. I would never try to fight to stay fit for duty if put in MEB in your situation because you have to minimize your symptoms. If then found unfit you may be rated less than 30% and get a one time check in the form of severance for all of your troubles. Worse yet is that big check would be used to offset any future VA compensation. So see if TERA option if found unfit so that you can get pension + VA compensation via CRDP. TERA isn't guaranteed to be approved so I would work on gathering medical documentation that pointed them towards a rating at 30% or higher percentage. Also, work on getting evidence that condition is permanent and wont' change so your rating when you get out doesn't have a chance to go down.
 
Hello @akd07

I have nothing to offer about the MEB, but I am now on my 4th cardiac pacemaker. I received the first in early 1997.

I have had zero problems EXCEPT now one of the original leads needs replacement and an attempt to implant a new one without removing the old was unsuccessful two years ago. Now I will have an extraction and subsequent new lead. The extraction is a more complicated operation. I will be 77 in a few months.

Anyway, my bradycardia has been controlled for more than two decades via a pacemaker . My bradycardia was service connected as my pulse was in the 40ies while active duty. I was told then that it was a sign of a strong heart since I was a marathon runner.

Six years after I retired, my heartbeat dropped to 22 Bpm.

Ron
 
RonG said:
Hello @akd07

I have nothing to offer about the MEB, but I am now on my 4th cardiac pacemaker. I received the first in early 1997.

I have had zero problems EXCEPT now one of the original leads needs replacement and an attempt to implant a new one without removing the old was unsuccessful two years ago. Now I will have an extraction and subsequent new lead. The extraction is a more complicated operation. I will be 77 in a few months.

Anyway, my bradycardia has been controlled for more than two decades via a pacemaker . My bradycardia was service connected as my pulse was in the 40ies while active duty. I was told then that it was a sign of a strong heart since I was a marathon runner.

Six years after I retired, my heartbeat dropped to 22 Bpm.

Ron
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Good luck with the extraction! Glad to hear the pacemaker has been relatively trouble free up till now!
 
Provis said:
You should check to see if TERA would be available to you. There is a decent chance they try to MEB you but Navy leans towards fit finding. If they do push you into full MEB you need to prepare and get all of your ducks in a row. See how the VA rates that condition and what is needed to be rated 30% or higher and get working on documentation to help assert that claim. I would never try to fight to stay fit for duty if put in MEB in your situation because you have to minimize your symptoms. If then found unfit you may be rated less than 30% and get a one time check in the form of severance for all of your troubles. Worse yet is that big check would be used to offset any future VA compensation. So see if TERA option if found unfit so that you can get pension + VA compensation via CRDP. TERA isn't guaranteed to be approved so I would work on gathering medical documentation that pointed them towards a rating at 30% or higher percentage. Also, work on getting evidence that condition is permanent and wont' change so your rating when you get out doesn't have a chance to go down.
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I can't find anything online about any current TERA options. That would definitely make a lot of sense to do so as my TERA retirement plus VA (if 50%+) would be much more than just DoD disability if rated at 30%.

I'm conflicted as I strongly want to stay in and want to fight to show that this physical condition shouldn't keep me from doing my job and completing my career. But this could really backfire if there's no potential for retention.
 
akd07 said:
I can't find anything online about any current TERA options. That would definitely make a lot of sense to do so as my TERA retirement plus VA (if 50%+) would be much more than just DoD disability if rated at 30%.

I'm conflicted as I strongly want to stay in and want to fight to show that this physical condition shouldn't keep me from doing my job and completing my career. But this could really backfire if there's no potential for retention.
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I don’t which service applies to your situation, but TERA for the Army has ended.

USMC: FY22 TEMPORARY EARLY RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (TERA) PROGRAM IN SUPPORT OF FORCE DESIGN PHASE <~~link. I imagine it applies to Navy too. I did not research USAF TERA.

These are easy to find. Example : TERA Army using Google.

Ron
 
Computation.

CSB REDUX Retired Pay Calculation

​
Retirement Calculator

Your monthly pay may differ from the calculator’s estimate. The formulas used to calculate retired pay are complex and differ depending on individual circumstances.

Non-Disability retirees will have their percent multiplier reduced by:

  • 1 percent for each full year of creditable service less than 30, and
  • 1/12th of 1 percent for each full month of creditable service less than a full year.
This will also affect your retired pay by reducing the cost of living adjustments (COLA) by one percent.

This reduction remains in effect up to the age of 62. Once you reach age 62, your retired pay will be restored to the same amount paid under the High-3 System. Full COLA rates will be applied to your new computation, but the COLA will continue to be applied at the reduced rate each year following.

Disability Retirees and Reserve/Guard members retiring at age 60 (or younger in some cases) are exempt from all provisions of the CSB/REDUX provisions except the 1 percent COLA reduction.



Ron
 
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RonG said:
Computation.

CSB REDUX Retired Pay Calculation

​
Retirement Calculator

Your monthly pay may differ from the calculator’s estimate. The formulas used to calculate retired pay are complex and differ depending on individual circumstances.

Non-Disability retirees will have their percent multiplier reduced by:

  • 1 percent for each full year of creditable service less than 30, and
  • 1/12th of 1 percent for each full month of creditable service less than a full year.
This will also affect your retired pay by reducing the cost of living adjustments (COLA) by one percent.

This reduction remains in effect up to the age of 62. Once you reach age 62, your retired pay will be restored to the same amount paid under the High-3 System. Full COLA rates will be applied to your new computation, but the COLA will continue to be applied at the reduced rate each year following.

Disability Retirees and Reserve/Guard members retiring at age 60 (or younger in some cases) are exempt from all provisions of the CSB/REDUX provisions except the 1 percent COLA reduction.


Ron
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Its the other way around. In the Navy and Marines TERA is an option ONLY after being found unfit. So if the program is still available its an option but there is no guarantee that it will be approved so plan accordingly.
 
@ Provis,

Thanks...Good info. I will correct my error.

Ron
 
You can look in the resource tab of this website and find the retention standards of the USN. Even though the USN leans toward fit, I believe an ICD will give them pause. The danger of seeking a fit finding is you can end up medically retired with low ball ratings. The Va give 100% rating initially for an ICD. But the rating is temporary and your long term rating would be based on METS.
 
RonG said:
@ Provis,

Thanks...Good info. I will correct my error.

Ron
Click to expand...
@Provis

Edited to add for USMC:

Eligibility for TERA, FY22 Instructions LINK <----

5.E. Must not be pending legal action, legal proceedings, administrative separation, or disability evaluation.
5.F. Must meet all other regular retirement eligibility criteria under Ref (c).
5.G. Complete all other service obligations (e.g., time on station, time in grade, continuation pay, education pay-back). Waivers of existing service obligations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, factoring in force shaping requirements and the needs of the Marine Corps.


DoD 7000.14-R Financial Management Regulation Volume 7B, Chapter 1

1-7 010205. Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA)
A. TERA provides the Secretary of Defense a temporary force management tool with which to affect the drawdown of military forces and yet maintain an adequate and effective well-trained military force. TERA provides the authority for voluntary retirement of members on active duty with at least 15 years, but less than 20 years of creditable service. An eligible member of the Armed Forces may apply for early retirement under the program and receive an annuity equivalent to 2.5 percent of the retired pay base for each year of service completed and a deduction of 1 percent for each year short of 20 years of service. The request is subject to the approval of the Secretary concerned. Drawdown periods are referenced in subparagraph 010301.B. See Chapter 3 for computation of TERA payment.
B. A member of the Armed Forces approved for early retirement must:
1. Be currently serving on active duty;
2. Complete 15 or more years of active service upon the effective date of retirement;
3. Not be under evaluation for disability retirement under 10 U.S.C., Chapter 61; and
4. Meet grade, skill, years of service, and other eligibility criteria as established by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned.

Ron
 
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