Hi,
I'm relatively new to the forum, though not to the Army.
Two years ago I had a synthetic disc replacement at C6-7. I was good to go until about a year ago, at which time I began experiencing pain and limited movement. I have undergone significant physical therapy and was referred to a different neuro surgeon (6 weeks ago) who informed me that I had significant bone spurs due to arthritis at C5-6, and that I was 4 years or less away from a spinal fusion.
I have been prescribed narcotic analgesics for at least nine months. I have also been diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet syndrome which is causing regular numbness in both hands (particularly in fingers 1-3 of both hands) which has also not responded to physical therapy. I have also been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease.
I have been diagnosed with OSA and am successfully using a CPAP.
Here's my question:
According to AR 40-501, Chapter 3-39, I can be referred to MEB "Nonradicular pain involving the cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral, or coccygeal spine, whether idiopathic or secondary to degenerative disc or joint disease, that fails to respond to adequate conservative treatment and necessitates significant limitation of physical activity. "
Addittionally, Chapter 3-41, states, "
e. Miscellaneous conditions and defects. Conditions and defects not mentioned elsewhere in this chapter are causes
for referral to an MEB, if—
(1) The conditions (individually or in combination) result in interference with satisfactory performance of duty as
substantiated by the individual’s commander or supervisor." This appears to be a "catch all" for everything else not covered in 40-501, Chapter 3.
Does my PCM make the recommendation to MEB? My Commander and Supervisor both understand that my condition make it difficult to continue military service (have been temp profiled for APFT for more than 9 months, 90 days at a time). Is it within reason for me to ask my PCM to refer me? I have 26 years in service, but only 8 years cumulative Active Duty.
Thanks,
I'm relatively new to the forum, though not to the Army.
Two years ago I had a synthetic disc replacement at C6-7. I was good to go until about a year ago, at which time I began experiencing pain and limited movement. I have undergone significant physical therapy and was referred to a different neuro surgeon (6 weeks ago) who informed me that I had significant bone spurs due to arthritis at C5-6, and that I was 4 years or less away from a spinal fusion.
I have been prescribed narcotic analgesics for at least nine months. I have also been diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet syndrome which is causing regular numbness in both hands (particularly in fingers 1-3 of both hands) which has also not responded to physical therapy. I have also been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease.
I have been diagnosed with OSA and am successfully using a CPAP.
Here's my question:
According to AR 40-501, Chapter 3-39, I can be referred to MEB "Nonradicular pain involving the cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral, or coccygeal spine, whether idiopathic or secondary to degenerative disc or joint disease, that fails to respond to adequate conservative treatment and necessitates significant limitation of physical activity. "
Addittionally, Chapter 3-41, states, "
e. Miscellaneous conditions and defects. Conditions and defects not mentioned elsewhere in this chapter are causes
for referral to an MEB, if—
(1) The conditions (individually or in combination) result in interference with satisfactory performance of duty as
substantiated by the individual’s commander or supervisor." This appears to be a "catch all" for everything else not covered in 40-501, Chapter 3.
Does my PCM make the recommendation to MEB? My Commander and Supervisor both understand that my condition make it difficult to continue military service (have been temp profiled for APFT for more than 9 months, 90 days at a time). Is it within reason for me to ask my PCM to refer me? I have 26 years in service, but only 8 years cumulative Active Duty.
Thanks,
). My boss, COL, certainly supports my position in requesting MMRB/MEB and I believe that the GCCM will also support.