Like I said in my last email to you right now I would definitely go with the stupid and ignorant...we'll see about the malicious as this thing pans out...
-mac
-mac
SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!
- Thread starter LoufromFWB
- Start date
Mac,
Please feel free to inform Jason of all I have given you with respect to my case. I know he is a busy man but Major Spencer from IG has not given me any hope at all and I feel I must now move forward. I just need to know what he thinks my chances are for success and maybe if available for case.
Jason,
If you see this and want to discuss further I can forward you details by email. Mac has my home email address too. He is also familiar with particulars of my case.
Anyone: IF ANYONE HAS BEEN ON ACTIVE DUTY ORDERS OVER 31 DAYS, BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN ILLNESS WHILE ACTIVE, AND IS BEING REMOVED FROM THOSE ORDERS WHILE AWAITING MEB,ETC PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I AM SURE MAC WILL ALSO LIKE YOUR INFO.---
Please feel free to inform Jason of all I have given you with respect to my case. I know he is a busy man but Major Spencer from IG has not given me any hope at all and I feel I must now move forward. I just need to know what he thinks my chances are for success and maybe if available for case.
Jason,
If you see this and want to discuss further I can forward you details by email. Mac has my home email address too. He is also familiar with particulars of my case.
Anyone: IF ANYONE HAS BEEN ON ACTIVE DUTY ORDERS OVER 31 DAYS, BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN ILLNESS WHILE ACTIVE, AND IS BEING REMOVED FROM THOSE ORDERS WHILE AWAITING MEB,ETC PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I AM SURE MAC WILL ALSO LIKE YOUR INFO.---
VAJUMPER,
Major Spencer was not able to help. Mac knows details of my case and still believes they are trying to screw me from active orders I've been on last 4 years. (Diagnosed 6 months ago;switched from MPA orders to medical continuation orders while awaiting process; then cancelled abruptly telling me some doctor up the chain---not my PCM--gave opinion I was stable and that I should not be on orders; they quoted me some regulation;Mac says this refers to those wanting to go on active duty and NOT those already on active duty)---The Major thinks no one is breaking any regulation and if I want to challenge I should base it on being "unfair"---Note: I AM HARDLY STABLE---but that is all I will say for now. Please write my home email if you want to discuss details about each others' cases: [email protected]
Major Spencer was not able to help. Mac knows details of my case and still believes they are trying to screw me from active orders I've been on last 4 years. (Diagnosed 6 months ago;switched from MPA orders to medical continuation orders while awaiting process; then cancelled abruptly telling me some doctor up the chain---not my PCM--gave opinion I was stable and that I should not be on orders; they quoted me some regulation;Mac says this refers to those wanting to go on active duty and NOT those already on active duty)---The Major thinks no one is breaking any regulation and if I want to challenge I should base it on being "unfair"---Note: I AM HARDLY STABLE---but that is all I will say for now. Please write my home email if you want to discuss details about each others' cases: [email protected]
Lou, informed Jason of your situation, shoot me an email.
mac
mac
VAJUMPER, just sent you an email.
mac
mac
Here's latest. Basically Wing Commander says I should go back on orders immediately, BUT, apparently it will be "regular" orders(MPA), not medical continuation orders, while I wait MEB, etc. I believe this means I have to WAIT (and pray) for orders to go through since HQ makes final decision on this. They seem confident I will be back on orders----hmmm----we'll see. This may not be immediate unless I get "vocal" orders, and could be weeks. I guess it's better than no return at all but we will see next week if this is real or not.---I'm still not happy with situation BUT-------anyway, let me know what you all think.
There's nothing special about medical continuation orders. Medical continuation orders are either RPA or MPA. You will get a 938 and that's what matters. The comment in block 12 that says medical hold doesn't matter. If the Wing Commander says you should get them, you probably will. You're on the right path---time to take a deep breath and relax.
Jump,
I not so sure about that. Here's what I said to him about it:
It sound like they at least know that somebody screwed up and that's good. However, the simple fact is that you are entitled to remain on medical continuation orders (MPA) and not regular (MPA) orders. Be careful, there is a difference. Do not accept anything less. It has to do with the coding. If you are on regular MPA then they can terminate them at any time for any reason. If you are on medical orders due to awaiting the DES (Disability Evaluation System) then only a MEB/PEB can return you to duty or separate or retire you.
I'm glad that after only a week you have somebody's attention.
keep me posted.
I may be wrong but after reading some regs he sent me that they were using to justify terminating him from AD orders (once again an incorrect interpretation of an AFI on their part), I feel he needs to be on MED hold continuation orders because that reflects the correct status he is in. Regular MPA title 10 is just that. You serve at the mercy of the AF. In my mind that's a huge difference. Being on regular MPA does not entitle him to a MED board. The goal here is to make them issue the correct orders (MED hold) in order for him to be evaluated in the DES. What I think they are telling him is that they are sympathetic to his problems and want him to remain on AD. However, from what I can glean, his commanders don't actually understand what he is entitle to under the Law. It may seem minor now but after reading what he sent me I think it can become problematic to him a short time down the road.
-mac
I not so sure about that. Here's what I said to him about it:
It sound like they at least know that somebody screwed up and that's good. However, the simple fact is that you are entitled to remain on medical continuation orders (MPA) and not regular (MPA) orders. Be careful, there is a difference. Do not accept anything less. It has to do with the coding. If you are on regular MPA then they can terminate them at any time for any reason. If you are on medical orders due to awaiting the DES (Disability Evaluation System) then only a MEB/PEB can return you to duty or separate or retire you.
I'm glad that after only a week you have somebody's attention.
keep me posted.
I may be wrong but after reading some regs he sent me that they were using to justify terminating him from AD orders (once again an incorrect interpretation of an AFI on their part), I feel he needs to be on MED hold continuation orders because that reflects the correct status he is in. Regular MPA title 10 is just that. You serve at the mercy of the AF. In my mind that's a huge difference. Being on regular MPA does not entitle him to a MED board. The goal here is to make them issue the correct orders (MED hold) in order for him to be evaluated in the DES. What I think they are telling him is that they are sympathetic to his problems and want him to remain on AD. However, from what I can glean, his commanders don't actually understand what he is entitle to under the Law. It may seem minor now but after reading what he sent me I think it can become problematic to him a short time down the road.
-mac
It is a good sign the wing commander wants him back on orders. However, all of this BS he's going through originated at a higher level.
-mac
-mac
Jumper,
I need to ask the same thing as Mac---Are you sure?--"They" (Officers in charge---and ART) seem to think there is a difference, but I will doublecheck Monday and get the medical ART to do his own doublechecking. Can you explain more on 938 and block 12 you mention?
I was just thinking about something with respect to all this: can I be on regular MPA orders and still be in MEB-DES process?---hmm--seems medical continuation is more logical and appropriate. I'm starting to get a headache here!!--Time to take that deep breath, chill a little, and begin more regulation reading and research.---Thanks for help from everyone!--I owe so much to all of you.
I need to ask the same thing as Mac---Are you sure?--"They" (Officers in charge---and ART) seem to think there is a difference, but I will doublecheck Monday and get the medical ART to do his own doublechecking. Can you explain more on 938 and block 12 you mention?
I was just thinking about something with respect to all this: can I be on regular MPA orders and still be in MEB-DES process?---hmm--seems medical continuation is more logical and appropriate. I'm starting to get a headache here!!--Time to take that deep breath, chill a little, and begin more regulation reading and research.---Thanks for help from everyone!--I owe so much to all of you.
Don't know why I missed this. Sorry for the late response. I was on MPA medical hold orders, and then removed from active duty. Then I was put on MPA orders again, and removed seven more times. Having the medical hold designation didn't help me a bit. I'm in the DES process on MPA orders. So in my case, it doesn't seem to make any difference whether its MPA medical hold or not. The problem is we have little control over the process and have little voice in correcting mistakes on orders even when they're flagrant. I know the coding is incorrect on my orders, because my pay statement says Active Duty For Training. Since 2000, I've been almost continuously on active duty and deployed to four different war zones on active duty orders using the 938. Block 12. is the area where is would say medical hold. Upon my return from Iraq, I was told I was not eligible for an Iraq Campaign medal because my orders weren't coded for contingency operations. It was as if I never went. I was also denied payment for stop loss because they said I wasn't on active duty or in Iraq. Sooo...no matter how you look at it, the reserve orders system is hard broke too. Today I filed a new 27 page Congressional Complaint about the problems with the reserve orders system--not for myself, but for all guard and reserve members currently being mismanaged. Mac and I are are teaming up to tackle these problems head-on--right Senior? After 33 years, I've learned a thing or two.
Heres' the response:
Sir,
Attached is your new congressional inquiry. I believe this will ask the Air Force the correct questions. Please allow 4-6 weeks for an official response from the Air Force.
Please let us know what else we can do for you.
Very Respectfully,
_________________________
Damon Loveless
Defense Fellow
Office of Congressman Robert J. Wittman (VA-01)
The big question is, did you get the orders? Also, I just uploaded new files about the whole participation waiver process which is also part of the complaint.
Heres' the response:
Sir,
Attached is your new congressional inquiry. I believe this will ask the Air Force the correct questions. Please allow 4-6 weeks for an official response from the Air Force.
Please let us know what else we can do for you.
Very Respectfully,
_________________________
Damon Loveless
Defense Fellow
Office of Congressman Robert J. Wittman (VA-01)
The big question is, did you get the orders? Also, I just uploaded new files about the whole participation waiver process which is also part of the complaint.
Here is the latest: (buckle up, it's a wild ride!)
REVIEW: I'm a traditional reservist who was on the ARCV program for orders at Eglin AFB the last 4 years. Diagnosed with illness 6 months ago, placed on MEDCON orders for 2 months awaiting MEB,etc.---The MEDCON orders were re-issued at end of 2 months till April 30. On Feb. 19 I was notified my orders would terminate Feb. 22!!---After complaining to medical squadron, commanders, IG, etc. I was told that the USAFR SG office was sticking with their decision to remove me from orders, though still awaiting MEB.
NOW: The Wing Commander has said he is behind me in this and through a "glitch" (someone forgot to issue termination sent from SG locally) I have been returned to "old" Apr. 30 orders (Wing Commander approved), though at home squadron, until, according to Wing Commander, this is resolved (or someone eventually finds I should be off orders). As you can see he is playing with orders to help me out as much as possible, hoping this will be resolved with SG office. Though being "helpful" they are simply not aware of how system works with respect to medical issues. As an example, they want me to re-apply for ARCV MPA orders!--These type of orders cannot be given to those not World-wide qualified (which I am not) or with Duty Restrictions (which I have). Basically everyone is trying to avoid issues with SG office, and circumvent the main issue---continuation of MEDCON orders. It will be up to me to push the issue. Major Spencer was not able to help (though I am re-initiating a complaint). All he did was quote a regulation they were using, though he did agree with me there were conflicts between regulations. But as Mac has informed me when there are conflicts in regs. the "superior" one takes precedence. And in my case it definitely seems they are being overlooked.
As for your complaint to Congress I hope it all pans out. Add me to your list of "warriors" in this battle VA. If you need to know more specifics of my case please ask Mac since he is fully aware and has my permission to divulge what is necessary. As for me it looks like I'll be good till April 30 (unless 'they' find out), and after that the local brass plan to "work something out" to continue me on some kind of orders. But the true issue is with the SG's office and MEDCON orders which is a battle I will continue to wage, through my 2nd complaint with IG, my senator, and/or the courts if necessary. It is an injustice that must end.
By the way, I found another reservist who was pulled off orders "illegally" and have directed her to this forum, as well as providing her with any assistance I can offer.
REVIEW: I'm a traditional reservist who was on the ARCV program for orders at Eglin AFB the last 4 years. Diagnosed with illness 6 months ago, placed on MEDCON orders for 2 months awaiting MEB,etc.---The MEDCON orders were re-issued at end of 2 months till April 30. On Feb. 19 I was notified my orders would terminate Feb. 22!!---After complaining to medical squadron, commanders, IG, etc. I was told that the USAFR SG office was sticking with their decision to remove me from orders, though still awaiting MEB.
NOW: The Wing Commander has said he is behind me in this and through a "glitch" (someone forgot to issue termination sent from SG locally) I have been returned to "old" Apr. 30 orders (Wing Commander approved), though at home squadron, until, according to Wing Commander, this is resolved (or someone eventually finds I should be off orders). As you can see he is playing with orders to help me out as much as possible, hoping this will be resolved with SG office. Though being "helpful" they are simply not aware of how system works with respect to medical issues. As an example, they want me to re-apply for ARCV MPA orders!--These type of orders cannot be given to those not World-wide qualified (which I am not) or with Duty Restrictions (which I have). Basically everyone is trying to avoid issues with SG office, and circumvent the main issue---continuation of MEDCON orders. It will be up to me to push the issue. Major Spencer was not able to help (though I am re-initiating a complaint). All he did was quote a regulation they were using, though he did agree with me there were conflicts between regulations. But as Mac has informed me when there are conflicts in regs. the "superior" one takes precedence. And in my case it definitely seems they are being overlooked.
As for your complaint to Congress I hope it all pans out. Add me to your list of "warriors" in this battle VA. If you need to know more specifics of my case please ask Mac since he is fully aware and has my permission to divulge what is necessary. As for me it looks like I'll be good till April 30 (unless 'they' find out), and after that the local brass plan to "work something out" to continue me on some kind of orders. But the true issue is with the SG's office and MEDCON orders which is a battle I will continue to wage, through my 2nd complaint with IG, my senator, and/or the courts if necessary. It is an injustice that must end.
By the way, I found another reservist who was pulled off orders "illegally" and have directed her to this forum, as well as providing her with any assistance I can offer.
Oh yes--one more thing of curiosity: I was looking over my copies of medical record and noticed something I believe is significant. On the bottom left portion where my name, DOB, and social are recorded there is something else called a "Pcat"--some type of category I assume. Anyway, it has me as "F12.B USAF RES-30 DAYS OR LESS, NOT IN LOD"----This is totally incorrect and I am wondering if it had anything to do with their decision to remove from active duty orders. First, as you know, I was on active duty orders the last 4 years, and an LOD was performed stating "IN" LINE OF DUTY.--hmmmm-I have asked my medical ART to look into this.
FRIDAY MARCH 5 2010: THE LATEST--NOT A GOOD DAY
Mac--I'll send you the details.----It's looking more and more like I'll need a lawyer soon.
Mac--I'll send you the details.----It's looking more and more like I'll need a lawyer soon.
VAJUMPER...I'm ready...
Lou...It's time for Jason.
-mac
Lou...It's time for Jason.
-mac
VA,
I have just been told by Wing Commander that I should go ahead and file a Congressional Inquiry into my case, which is basically mismanagement of the whole process by SG office. I am wondering if the complaint is case-specific and whether I should file one, or refer the one you filed. Can you give me some help here please? maybe copies of anything you feel I would need or could use. Thanks.
I have just been told by Wing Commander that I should go ahead and file a Congressional Inquiry into my case, which is basically mismanagement of the whole process by SG office. I am wondering if the complaint is case-specific and whether I should file one, or refer the one you filed. Can you give me some help here please? maybe copies of anything you feel I would need or could use. Thanks.
Lou, the complaints I filed are about 27 pages long and specific to my case. A friend gave me some good advice though that I'm happy to pass on. The Congressmen are really busy with their own agendas, and your package will probably not be worked by your Congressman, but by one of his/her staff in your local district. Be very specific and brief about what it is you want your Congressman to do for you. Do not write a long letter describing all your ailments, your problems at work. etc. You can reference those in your letter and include them as attachments. Also, when calling the Congressman, you can "ask" to speak to the Chief of Staff and send the package directly to him or her. This will give your case additional attention and tracking.
You also have a right to an Article 138 complaint if your were wronged (see my signature line).
My wife's letter to Senator Webb:
We need him to fix my husband’s order problems so he can get time to heal without stress from interruptions and loss of continued healthcare/pay. If the reserves say my husband’s problems are fixed, they’re wrong. Of eight orders extensions, all were either too late or for too short a period including the last one. We need help making sure all the reserve people who made all the terrible mistakes with my husband’s orders, do their jobs correctly. If they did this to my husband, I’m really sure many others have suffered through their mistakes as well. Senator Webb knows only the Service Secretary can remove someone from orders once they are in the disability evaluation system. My husband’s orders should be extended at least a year until the Secretary of the Air Force medically retires him.
We need help with special transportation to all my husband’s medical and non-medical appointments. I called everyone to help me and everyone rejected us. I even sent a letter to the Air Force Reserve Command general and he never even called me back. I hurt my back and am only 100 pounds and he is 230. I can’t push my husband in the wheelchair by myself anymore. My husband needs to travel in his special wheelchair that has a leg raised to help prevent excruciating RSD/CRPS pain and pulmonary embolisms. He was just discharged from intensive care with pulmonary embolisms and now he also has a lung infection. The DoD, reserves, and Tricare provide no transportation for seriously ill or injured military at home. They told me I have to pay $500 roundtrip to take him to his appointments. This makes no sense to me that we have to pay for his transportation.
We need help with the Traumatic Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (TSGLI). We have waited for 15 months for an answer from them. He qualifies according to their rules and letter from a doctor says he still needs help with 4 out of 6 activities of daily living. You only need 2 to qualify.
We need help with Tricare. The people at Langley have us going around in circles and provide no help. Whenever we ask them for help, they say Tricare doesn’t cover it including—transportation, medical assistance, and medical equipment. I don’t think my husband is the only disabled serviceman needing help with these items. My husband needs a case manager who can help him get what he needs.
We need your help to make sure RSD/CRPS is rated as a disability. When my husband was rated by the military, he received 0% rating for this disability because it is not in the VA’s rating tables. If migraines can be rated as a 50% disability, RSD/CRPS deserves to be rated too. How many other soldiers, sailors, airman, and marines are returning now with RSD/CRPS from their injuries and a 0% rating from the DoD and VA? My husband almost died from the blood clots caused by RSD/CRPS, how many others are out there that have it, and don’t even know it?
NOTE: After 2 months, we still have NOT received a reply from Senator Webb.
You also have a right to an Article 138 complaint if your were wronged (see my signature line).
My wife's letter to Senator Webb:
We need him to fix my husband’s order problems so he can get time to heal without stress from interruptions and loss of continued healthcare/pay. If the reserves say my husband’s problems are fixed, they’re wrong. Of eight orders extensions, all were either too late or for too short a period including the last one. We need help making sure all the reserve people who made all the terrible mistakes with my husband’s orders, do their jobs correctly. If they did this to my husband, I’m really sure many others have suffered through their mistakes as well. Senator Webb knows only the Service Secretary can remove someone from orders once they are in the disability evaluation system. My husband’s orders should be extended at least a year until the Secretary of the Air Force medically retires him.
We need help with special transportation to all my husband’s medical and non-medical appointments. I called everyone to help me and everyone rejected us. I even sent a letter to the Air Force Reserve Command general and he never even called me back. I hurt my back and am only 100 pounds and he is 230. I can’t push my husband in the wheelchair by myself anymore. My husband needs to travel in his special wheelchair that has a leg raised to help prevent excruciating RSD/CRPS pain and pulmonary embolisms. He was just discharged from intensive care with pulmonary embolisms and now he also has a lung infection. The DoD, reserves, and Tricare provide no transportation for seriously ill or injured military at home. They told me I have to pay $500 roundtrip to take him to his appointments. This makes no sense to me that we have to pay for his transportation.
We need help with the Traumatic Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (TSGLI). We have waited for 15 months for an answer from them. He qualifies according to their rules and letter from a doctor says he still needs help with 4 out of 6 activities of daily living. You only need 2 to qualify.
We need help with Tricare. The people at Langley have us going around in circles and provide no help. Whenever we ask them for help, they say Tricare doesn’t cover it including—transportation, medical assistance, and medical equipment. I don’t think my husband is the only disabled serviceman needing help with these items. My husband needs a case manager who can help him get what he needs.
We need your help to make sure RSD/CRPS is rated as a disability. When my husband was rated by the military, he received 0% rating for this disability because it is not in the VA’s rating tables. If migraines can be rated as a 50% disability, RSD/CRPS deserves to be rated too. How many other soldiers, sailors, airman, and marines are returning now with RSD/CRPS from their injuries and a 0% rating from the DoD and VA? My husband almost died from the blood clots caused by RSD/CRPS, how many others are out there that have it, and don’t even know it?
NOTE: After 2 months, we still have NOT received a reply from Senator Webb.
jumper, i feel your pain on this one. i have been dealing w/a local senator's ofice here and it' slow going. did you apply for social security yet? just cause i'm still in the DES and i was awarded SS. it took years but it's not like i didn't have the time 
same thing w/the VA, just got my award letter for my claim (10% tinnitus and 0% hearing loss). this was the least of my claims and they are still working the major issues. it's a long pain in the a$$ fight but this stuff can be done and any assistance you can get is better then nothing.
a friend of mine has RSD/CRPS and she gave me this link. don't know if this is helpfull or not. i do know she is getting better treatment now w/this doc in FL. hope it helps:
http://www.rsdrx.com/
same thing w/the VA, just got my award letter for my claim (10% tinnitus and 0% hearing loss). this was the least of my claims and they are still working the major issues. it's a long pain in the a$$ fight but this stuff can be done and any assistance you can get is better then nothing.a friend of mine has RSD/CRPS and she gave me this link. don't know if this is helpfull or not. i do know she is getting better treatment now w/this doc in FL. hope it helps:
http://www.rsdrx.com/
Yes Tucci, I got SSDI already. I was won of the lucky ones...I guess. I applied online with little detail or facts and left out much information including hospitals and doctors I visited. I never expected to get it without an appeal and the aid of an attorney. The SSDI office pulled my medical records from the military and made a prompt decision in my favor with no interview or medical exam.
I belong to about 10 RSD support groups and am working with several other military members who have been diagnosed with this disease and being processed through the DES. RSD/CRPS is the one highest forms of physical pain known--greater than CANCER or Childbirth. One such member I'm working with was active duty Army and received a 10% severance. His RSD is one of the worst cases I've have ever seen (full body). He also received 0% disability for it and I'm encouraging him (with help from Jason) to appeal that decision if nothing else, through the BCMR. He's completely disabled and hasn't even been rated by the VA yet (two years have elapsed) and didn't know about SSDI until I told him. He has three young babies ages 6 months-3 years old and his wife takes care of him around the clock. They've given me permission to tell this story to any and all who will listen.
I belong to about 10 RSD support groups and am working with several other military members who have been diagnosed with this disease and being processed through the DES. RSD/CRPS is the one highest forms of physical pain known--greater than CANCER or Childbirth. One such member I'm working with was active duty Army and received a 10% severance. His RSD is one of the worst cases I've have ever seen (full body). He also received 0% disability for it and I'm encouraging him (with help from Jason) to appeal that decision if nothing else, through the BCMR. He's completely disabled and hasn't even been rated by the VA yet (two years have elapsed) and didn't know about SSDI until I told him. He has three young babies ages 6 months-3 years old and his wife takes care of him around the clock. They've given me permission to tell this story to any and all who will listen.
jumper and lou,
if you guys need help w/anything as far as the congressional let me know or count me in. like i said before i have one on-going and has remained continuosly open. if you guys have trouble on your end w/whoever your using, we can try and get you guys to "piggy-back" off of mine. if we can get work togeather and get this type of wrong doing out there, maybe we can @ least help the next guy that comes along. i'm @ the point where all this stuff that is happening to us is making me take this personal. winning my SS claim, my federal civ. disability retirement and finally getting some type of VA rating (a wopping 10% + 0%). i mean it guys, whatever i can do to help. i have alot of free time on my hands now, being a retired stay @ home dad, plus my shrink thinks i need to focus on "other things" rather then the MEB, too hell w/that
if you guys need help w/anything as far as the congressional let me know or count me in. like i said before i have one on-going and has remained continuosly open. if you guys have trouble on your end w/whoever your using, we can try and get you guys to "piggy-back" off of mine. if we can get work togeather and get this type of wrong doing out there, maybe we can @ least help the next guy that comes along. i'm @ the point where all this stuff that is happening to us is making me take this personal. winning my SS claim, my federal civ. disability retirement and finally getting some type of VA rating (a wopping 10% + 0%). i mean it guys, whatever i can do to help. i have alot of free time on my hands now, being a retired stay @ home dad, plus my shrink thinks i need to focus on "other things" rather then the MEB, too hell w/that