Greetings all, I've seen a bunch of helpful posts on this forum and any assistance will be greatly appreciated. I am currently an AGR with six years AD and 17 years one month total active service. I only had three months for a break in service before taking an AGR gig. I'm in kind of a unique situation being an AGR (medical AGR doesn't doesn't flow like normal AD) and am looking for help. My psoriasis and PsA were diagnosed in 2012 and 2015 with line of duty conditions. Steroid creams and injections weren't helping with psoriasis so I was originally put on Humira in 2013. It was working great, then I PCS'd and needed to get a new dermatologist (after PCSing went from Tri East to Tri West needing referrals) and lapsed on the Humira dosages. It took roughly four months to get everything squared away with new doctors and getting back on Humira. During this time I was having major joint issues so I went to the rheumatologist and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. When I turned in my paperwork for these visits I went to the DAWG for taking Humira that was found at my new base. All of my paperwork for everything has always been turned in promptly and I have well over 200 pages documenting psoriasis and PsA. After the DAWG it initiated my first MEB process. The guidance I received was attempt to get on a different medication because it was an immunosuppressant to possibly receive a C-code. I then was prescribed Otezla (yes I know it is also an immunosuppressant but AFRC said good to go and recieved C-2 code) until late 2016 where they decided I could not arm because there was a less than 5% chance of suicidal ideation. I then was prescribed Cosentyx in late 2016 and am still currently taking it.
So here comes the real brain buster! During this entire time (since 2015) is was prescribed prednisone for flareups as needed. Now, due to PRAP you can't arm while taking coritcosteroids. About six months ago (Aug 2020) AFRC decided long-term use of a corticosteroid is unfitting and I am now going to the AD MEB. So to catch you all up on AFRC process for AGR's is; AFRC has found me unfit now it goes to the active duty side of the house. I have discussed this issue with the PEBLO (which I haven't even been assigned yet) and lawyers and the AD side will most likely find me unfit due to the immunosuppressant. The AD side does not even know I am on the immunosuppressant because AFRC has had me on a C-code and they have dealt with it up to now. So I am currently awaiting the fit or unfit from the AD side.
I have not missed a PT test or any components of a PT test for Ps or PsA. I am experiencing major issues now from not taking prednisone. I have decided to hang the boots up and be done with the military due to the issues I'm experiencing with this situation. I am not willing to switch medications again due to unknown long-term effects of being on three immunosuppressants. I have spoken with my commander and we both agreed to put "do not retain" on the impact statement. I know I will not make it another three years going through the MEB process and am looking for any pointers for the MEB process and the C&P exam. Any help would be greatly appreciated
So here comes the real brain buster! During this entire time (since 2015) is was prescribed prednisone for flareups as needed. Now, due to PRAP you can't arm while taking coritcosteroids. About six months ago (Aug 2020) AFRC decided long-term use of a corticosteroid is unfitting and I am now going to the AD MEB. So to catch you all up on AFRC process for AGR's is; AFRC has found me unfit now it goes to the active duty side of the house. I have discussed this issue with the PEBLO (which I haven't even been assigned yet) and lawyers and the AD side will most likely find me unfit due to the immunosuppressant. The AD side does not even know I am on the immunosuppressant because AFRC has had me on a C-code and they have dealt with it up to now. So I am currently awaiting the fit or unfit from the AD side.
I have not missed a PT test or any components of a PT test for Ps or PsA. I am experiencing major issues now from not taking prednisone. I have decided to hang the boots up and be done with the military due to the issues I'm experiencing with this situation. I am not willing to switch medications again due to unknown long-term effects of being on three immunosuppressants. I have spoken with my commander and we both agreed to put "do not retain" on the impact statement. I know I will not make it another three years going through the MEB process and am looking for any pointers for the MEB process and the C&P exam. Any help would be greatly appreciated
