Update to my situation:
(It may be a bit long, but I want to share with you guys as much info as I have gathered on how the Army currently deals with this condition)
Well, it turns out that the Army Reg automatically kicks in an MEB if you have a 2nd episode of Rhabdo (regardless). I have been here at the Madigan Army Medical Center since I got Medvac from down range in April this year. After going through all the extensive invasive testing from all the separate specialists, they found out that I am fully clinically recovered. But they are divided among themselves whether to proceed with the muscle biopsy or not. Neurology wants it, but General Surgery is fighting it because they do not see "any benefit" to me "the patient" to get that done. The surgeon says that rarely a muscle biopsy helps them find the "smoking gun" that will make a difference in treatment or origin of the condition. They sent extensive blood work outside to a university that does the studies (mentioned in one of the posts below), but they did not find anything. And the surgeon argues that it will be the same result with the muscle biopsy.
But nonetheless, I still have to go through the MEB process, and I can still be found "unfit for duty" or "return to duty" (re-classified with a new MOS and perhaps on a "non-deployable" status) per the MEB doctor and Army Regs. Now it is going to be up to my MEB doctor to decide whether I need the muscle biopsy or not, and it will be his consideration if I am going to be "retained" or not. Based on liability, Rhabdo re-occurance possibilities, your new level of activity limitations, and if you can continue to do your job (MOS). All of our cases are going to be different, but this is what you can expect (my experiences so far) with the system.
Here are some things you need to know:
- There are 4 key players in this process: Big Army Medical, MEB/PEB Doctors, the VA, and you.
1.
Big Army Medical System: They will try to give you the lowest disability rating possible, and you will find yourself fighting for the medical care you deserve sometimes. They will only treat you for the condition that got you MED boarded for. Meaning that if you got the MEB because of Rhabdo, but you also have PTSD, they will treat you for both, but only rate you on the Rhabdo. If you wan to get your disability rating on your PTSD, it will be another fight, another day. But do make sure they fix whatever is wrong with you when you go. This is your chance to get all your old injuries looked at. Specially if it is something you think you may need care for later in life.
2.
MEB Doctors: A little bit better. These guys at least will hear you out and you can "let it all out" as far as your medical condition and history. Your MEB Doctor will ultimately write your "NARSUM" which is your medical "narrative summary" which in turn is used in tandem with your VA claim. They mostly tend to lean towards discharging you and trying to help you as much as possible with your rating (Which really helps most guys that have suffered severe injuries and need to get out and need care immediately). So if you are trying to stay in, you need to tell them
emphatically. If there is a waiver that they can use to help you, they will try. Not a guarantee it will work though. Since their recommendation weights heavily on the ultimate decision, they may just go for your best interest and push you out (with everything you deserve though).
3.
Veteran Affairs (VA): These are the guys on your side. They may not be able to help you with retention in the military, but these guys are there to help you get what you need for your care for the rest of your life. Once you start your MEB process, you are also going to have a VA claim started at the same time. So will will also have a few appointments with the VA. The VA will give you their own disability rating based on your conditions (which is usually higher than the Army's), so make sure you tell them EVERYTHING that is wrong with you since you joined the service (injuries, illnesses, etc) You will not have a second chance! Be prepared as much as you can when you go see them. Get all the old medical records you can find on yourself whether is military or civilian care (that is military related of course). The more documentation you have, the better (Old LOD's, sick call slips, copy of your medical file from your unit, etc). DO NOT miss or be late to any of their appointments! You can literally set yourself back 5 years until the next appointment available. No joke.
You will get two disability ratings at the end (I don't know what we would get for Rhabdo), the Army's and the VA's rating. And you will get the highest of the two. Which is; you guessed it, the VA's. Note: You can always appeal the ratings if something goes wrong and you don't get what you think its fair. But keep in mind that appeals can last up to a decade at worst. So just try to do things right in the first place.
You: The only thing you can really do is "be your strongest advocate" (you are going to hear that a lot, but it's true) If you have a question, ask! If you have a doubt, ask! The system is not perfect by any means, and your case can be mismanaged or even fall through the cracks if you are not attentive. Manage your administrative side like your life depends on it! Save everything, save as much paperwork as possible, get copies of records, etc.
My two cents - so far in the process: There is nothing I would like more than to stay in circulation in the Army. I always wanted to be a soldier and I wanted to be a lifer. But when I talk to these doctors and I tell them what I want (even after all this happened), their eyes open up and they look at me like I am crazy.
Being stuck here for so long, and the likelihood of being stuck in the process for double that time is overwhelming to me. But most of all, living here in the WTB (Warrior Transition Battalion) side by side will all these other wounded warriors that have been through hell (far worst than me) gave a reality check, and thus the acceptance that I think we all need.
Rhabdo is a life-threatening condition than can severely maim us or kill us next time it happens. I could lie and minimize it all I want so I can stay in. But what if next time it happens I am deployed again at an outpost that is too far to get me help on time, or I just don't "feel it" on time and it is too late to save my kidneys or avoid compartment syndrome or something. How am I going to tell my kids about it? If I even make it next time...
The phrase "It is, what it is" has a whole new meaning to me now. I am just going to go along for the ride now and see what happens. I learned that we all have to learn how to pick n' choose our battles sooner or later.
I hope these info I got so far helps somebody, and I will post more updates as I move along further in the process.
carnelli53,
I am in a similar situation as tryingtolive. This is my second bout with Rhabdo, both of them happened while serving in the Army Reserves due to physical exertion (I do pass my APFTs). The first time on AT orders, and the second time now while I am deployed. Both required 4-5 days hospitalization since my CK levels went as high as 54000!.
But now they are telling me that because it happened twice (2010 and 2012) the hospital will be requesting that I get a Med Board, and That I will most likely be sent back to the states to go through the process.
I have been in the USAR for 3 years now. And since the Army is in "cutback mode" I am concerned that they are probably going to kick me out. I always wanted to be a soldier since I was a kid (I'm 38 now) But if it is not meant to be for me to be in the military that's fine, I can accept that. I am a single dad with two kids and my health is more important. But what bothers me is that what the outcome of this action can be. Specially since I was relying on the Army for income through this deployment.
I am afraid of the worst case scenario and that the Army may try to separate me without benefits or financial assistance to help me. I honestly don't know what to do, or what I will be facing, and judging by the limited internet research I am doing right now, it seems like the help, resources and assistance for Soldiers in my situation/condition is almost non-existent. I also have other injuries that are service related; a plantaar faccitis bilateral surgery, a broken finger, etc. But I don't know how that comes into play in my claim.
I really need some guidance on what could happen to me in this process. What should I do? How do I get the VA involved? I am so lost. Am I going to loose everything I worked so hard for? I feel that whatever happens its going to be unfair to me and my family.
What should I do?