Hello Everyone,
I would like to share my husbands story because his condition is pretty unique and we are going through a hard time trying to figure out what his outcome might be. I have been reading all threads and I think I have a good understanding of what’s to come.
So for his backstory:
He is a 2nd LT in the Air Force and was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called VKH. This particular disease caused him to have intense inflammation in his eyes. At first we thought it was pink eye or allergies but no matter what we did the inflammation continued to get worse. Fast forward a couple of days, his inflammation in his eyes got so bad that he became legally blind to the point where he couldn’t see people’s faces. The doctors then decided to put him on heavy steroids (Prednisone and a mini pharmacy of steroid eye drops) to kill the inflammation. His eyes dramatically improved and he was able to slowly start tapering off of the steroids. He was then sent to Rheumatology to start looking at other medications to treat his disease. He was put on Humira and Methotrexate to keep everything controlled.
Fast forward to now: He is off of all steroids, hasn’t missed a day of work in the last 12 months, nothing impacts his ability to do his job, all labs are clear, and there is 0 inflammation in his eyes. HOWEVER, he is still on Humira and Methotrexate I guess for precautions. One doctor looked at his records and decided to start an IRILO on him. His commanders letter stated that he can do all duties and he recommended to retain him but he can’t go to any bare bases.
Now I know realistically this will turn into a full MEB and based on my research on here being on Humira is a big indicator that he will be found unfit...But I do have multiple questions regarding our situation. I welcome all comments and would love a little more clarity to put our minds at ease.
My Concerns:
-By the grace of God is there an off chance that he could be returned to duty with a limitation code because this had 0 impact on how he performs his duties in the last 12 months?
-would this be service connected because it happened while he is active duty?
-how would they rate him at this moment because his records show previous blindness at first and use of immunosuppressants? BUT he currently has no symptoms. He is stressing because he feels like he shouldn’t have to walk in the VA lying about how he feels currently.
-I am so confused on how he would be rated. If the worst comes and he has to get out would this be a medical retirement? He will have this the rest of his life. I have read threads where people only get 10% for something serious and lifetime....
Please help! I will gladly clarify anything. Thank you and have a blessed day!
I would like to share my husbands story because his condition is pretty unique and we are going through a hard time trying to figure out what his outcome might be. I have been reading all threads and I think I have a good understanding of what’s to come.
So for his backstory:
He is a 2nd LT in the Air Force and was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called VKH. This particular disease caused him to have intense inflammation in his eyes. At first we thought it was pink eye or allergies but no matter what we did the inflammation continued to get worse. Fast forward a couple of days, his inflammation in his eyes got so bad that he became legally blind to the point where he couldn’t see people’s faces. The doctors then decided to put him on heavy steroids (Prednisone and a mini pharmacy of steroid eye drops) to kill the inflammation. His eyes dramatically improved and he was able to slowly start tapering off of the steroids. He was then sent to Rheumatology to start looking at other medications to treat his disease. He was put on Humira and Methotrexate to keep everything controlled.
Fast forward to now: He is off of all steroids, hasn’t missed a day of work in the last 12 months, nothing impacts his ability to do his job, all labs are clear, and there is 0 inflammation in his eyes. HOWEVER, he is still on Humira and Methotrexate I guess for precautions. One doctor looked at his records and decided to start an IRILO on him. His commanders letter stated that he can do all duties and he recommended to retain him but he can’t go to any bare bases.
Now I know realistically this will turn into a full MEB and based on my research on here being on Humira is a big indicator that he will be found unfit...But I do have multiple questions regarding our situation. I welcome all comments and would love a little more clarity to put our minds at ease.
My Concerns:
-By the grace of God is there an off chance that he could be returned to duty with a limitation code because this had 0 impact on how he performs his duties in the last 12 months?
-would this be service connected because it happened while he is active duty?
-how would they rate him at this moment because his records show previous blindness at first and use of immunosuppressants? BUT he currently has no symptoms. He is stressing because he feels like he shouldn’t have to walk in the VA lying about how he feels currently.
-I am so confused on how he would be rated. If the worst comes and he has to get out would this be a medical retirement? He will have this the rest of his life. I have read threads where people only get 10% for something serious and lifetime....
Please help! I will gladly clarify anything. Thank you and have a blessed day!