Background: My PEB has not started, but after reading DoDI 13321 and SECNAV 1850.4F, I'm really not optimistic about receiving medical retirement. Here's why (bullet points):
Question: Can someone please help me understand how the EPTS principle is applied to MH cases? Your help sought and greatly appreciated.
Note: EPTS (in title) = Existed Prior To Service. I know what the DoD and SECNAV instructions say, but the language about EPTS is hard to understand.
-Began military svc with Army NG and have done 2 combat tours (the first one as infantry). IEDs, indirect fire, and death of a soldier from my platoon of which I was the platoon leader.
-AD Navy now.
-I was tortured (by DoJ's definition of the word) as a child. Diagnosed: multiple traumatic disorder(s) and ADHD.
-My MH Provider's medical argument for Combat service has aggravated my MH issues that have existed prior to service.
-20 years 6 months of service BUT roughly 11 years AD points per government math (since a lot of my 20 is reserve component).
-PEB was *not* my idea. It was promoted repeatedly by my provider, who is also a convening authority.
-2x LODs on record that ankle and back injuries were a result of combat service.
Why I'm not optimistic about my chances of being helped by a 'PEB:'
-Not enough AD points (?)
-Navy can easily argue combat duty was not during my current period of active duty (that it was during Army service) -OR-
-Navy can argue that there's no clear evidence that military service has aggravated my mental health condition. Mental health cases, in general, are an open chance for the PEB to argue that it's a 'gray area' and therefore no definite link between my EPTS condition and specific events of military service that have aggravated my condition.
Question: Can someone please help me understand how the EPTS principle is applied to MH cases? Your help sought and greatly appreciated.