My MEB has progressed to the "gathering evidence" phase and I am awaiting the MSC and C&P appointments. I was told to begin preparation for separation immediately, so I found civilian employment. Now it appears that the MEB will take much longer than anticipated, and will hold me beyond my commitment which ends 15 June 2016.
If I am delayed by the MEB, my security clearance will expire, and I will lose the new job that requires the clearance. As you can imagine, finding a job that fits my physical limitations is not easy. I cannot afford to lose this job. I completely understand the value of a medical retirement, but I also am facing the situation of having no job, no clearance, and the possibility of a separation check to boot... or the worst case of being found fit for duty, but not fit for flight duty. Unfortunately, the latter is a possibility and has happened recently in my squadron.
I have inquired with the PEBLO and the Arizona National Guard Personnel Center as to my options for resigning my AGR position and being placed on Drill Status Guardsman status so the MEB can continue and I can go to work. No one seems to know the answer.
So here are the questions:
1) Is it possible to change from AGR to DSG during an MEB? (PEBLO and AFPC can't/won't answer)
2) Will the MEB continue after I move to DSG status? (Advocates for Airman lawyer thinks it would)
3) If medically retired as a DSG, would retirement payments be delayed until 60?
Thank you in advance for your answers and advice. I know this is not an optimal move, but I'm in a corner. If you have any suggestions or warnings about preceding down this course, I would appreciate the advice.
MEB Side Note: This isn't a main issue, and I'm dealing with the parties involved.... I was selected to serve on a discharge board in the coming months. The MSC decided (in writing) that he would delay filing my claim with the VA until after the board so that it did not interfere with their 45 day window. I asked, "Is the VA was willing to delay a veteran's claim initiation to improve their completion time metrics?" I was then told by the PEBLO that I am not a "Veteran" yet, and they use that tactic routinely. I doubt that any of that exchange would look good in the headlines or sitting on the desk of Sen. McCain.
Thank You,
Bandit 681
Duty History:
Currently AGR Major, UAV Senior Pilot, Active Flight Status
Commissioned 1999
Active Duty 1999-2015
Years of Service: 16+
AGR 2015-Present (no breaks in service)
Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38, AT-38, F-16, F-117, RQ-170, MQ-1
Currently DNIF / Flight Disqualified with no prospects of returning to flight status.
Medical History:
2009 - Neck injury flying F-16 (flight medicine documented)
2013 - C6/C7 Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion w/ Hardware
2015 - C6/C7 Posterior Laminectomy, Foraminotomy
2015 - L4/L5 Posterior Laminectomy, Foraminotomy
2015 - Diagnosed with Cystic Kidneys and Stage III Renal Failure
2015 - Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis
2016 - L5/S1 Posterior Foraminotomy
2016 - Scheduled for L5/S1 Anterior Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion w/Hardware
Cumulative time on convalescent leave: 9 months this year (3-6 more expected after next surgeries)
Medical Profile for PT test: Waist measurement only
Waivers: 2009 - Limited to Non-Ejection Seat Aircraft Only. (expired, no more waivers will be requested)
If I am delayed by the MEB, my security clearance will expire, and I will lose the new job that requires the clearance. As you can imagine, finding a job that fits my physical limitations is not easy. I cannot afford to lose this job. I completely understand the value of a medical retirement, but I also am facing the situation of having no job, no clearance, and the possibility of a separation check to boot... or the worst case of being found fit for duty, but not fit for flight duty. Unfortunately, the latter is a possibility and has happened recently in my squadron.
I have inquired with the PEBLO and the Arizona National Guard Personnel Center as to my options for resigning my AGR position and being placed on Drill Status Guardsman status so the MEB can continue and I can go to work. No one seems to know the answer.
So here are the questions:
1) Is it possible to change from AGR to DSG during an MEB? (PEBLO and AFPC can't/won't answer)
2) Will the MEB continue after I move to DSG status? (Advocates for Airman lawyer thinks it would)
3) If medically retired as a DSG, would retirement payments be delayed until 60?
Thank you in advance for your answers and advice. I know this is not an optimal move, but I'm in a corner. If you have any suggestions or warnings about preceding down this course, I would appreciate the advice.
MEB Side Note: This isn't a main issue, and I'm dealing with the parties involved.... I was selected to serve on a discharge board in the coming months. The MSC decided (in writing) that he would delay filing my claim with the VA until after the board so that it did not interfere with their 45 day window. I asked, "Is the VA was willing to delay a veteran's claim initiation to improve their completion time metrics?" I was then told by the PEBLO that I am not a "Veteran" yet, and they use that tactic routinely. I doubt that any of that exchange would look good in the headlines or sitting on the desk of Sen. McCain.
Thank You,
Bandit 681
Duty History:
Currently AGR Major, UAV Senior Pilot, Active Flight Status
Commissioned 1999
Active Duty 1999-2015
Years of Service: 16+
AGR 2015-Present (no breaks in service)
Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38, AT-38, F-16, F-117, RQ-170, MQ-1
Currently DNIF / Flight Disqualified with no prospects of returning to flight status.
Medical History:
2009 - Neck injury flying F-16 (flight medicine documented)
2013 - C6/C7 Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion w/ Hardware
2015 - C6/C7 Posterior Laminectomy, Foraminotomy
2015 - L4/L5 Posterior Laminectomy, Foraminotomy
2015 - Diagnosed with Cystic Kidneys and Stage III Renal Failure
2015 - Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis
2016 - L5/S1 Posterior Foraminotomy
2016 - Scheduled for L5/S1 Anterior Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion w/Hardware
Cumulative time on convalescent leave: 9 months this year (3-6 more expected after next surgeries)
Medical Profile for PT test: Waist measurement only
Waivers: 2009 - Limited to Non-Ejection Seat Aircraft Only. (expired, no more waivers will be requested)