TDRL Eval / Doc unprepared?

joshgo

joshgo

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
I just had my first TDRL evaluation and its gotten me a little nervous. While the doctor was very friendly and helpful, he was completely unaware of the process. He walked in and asked what the appointment was for. No one briefed him on what he was supposed to evaluate me for or anything. He had no chance to review my records from my time on active duty as they were not given to him. I had to explain to him was TDRL was!

After a long talk about my condition going back from its onset (while on AD) he said that he did not expect my condition to change and would definitely be recommending a change to PDRL. I'm just very concerned that the proper paperwork wont get to the right people. This isn't common right? What kind of measures should I take to ensure I'm covered and everything gets taken care of the way it's supposed to? I wasn't given a PEBLO like when I had my MEB so I don't really know who to contact.
 
joshgo said:
I just had my first TDRL evaluation and its gotten me a little nervous. While the doctor was very friendly and helpful, he was completely unaware of the process. He walked in and asked what the appointment was for. No one briefed him on what he was supposed to evaluate me for or anything. He had no chance to review my records from my time on active duty as they were not given to him. I had to explain to him was TDRL was!

After a long talk about my condition going back from its onset (while on AD) he said that he did not expect my condition to change and would definitely be recommending a change to PDRL. I'm just very concerned that the proper paperwork wont get to the right people. This isn't common right? What kind of measures should I take to ensure I'm covered and everything gets taken care of the way it's supposed to? I wasn't given a PEBLO like when I had my MEB so I don't really know who to contact.
Click to expand...

I have heard this is a common occurance :confused:
 
Step one - Read DoDI 1332.38, the section dealing with TDRL review requirements. Step two - Insist these standards be followed.

Mike
 
Contact the MTF who has your case. Find out who is in charge of TDRL members. Call him/her and get a copy of your evaluation. Make sure the TDRL coordinator has all your medical documents and call an attorney.
 
Thanks for the info everyone!
 
The TDRL coordinator and MTF doc didn't want my previous 18 months worth of appointments. They also told me to "take my time," writing my rebuttal. They didn't adhere to policy and standards, but I decided to do what DoDi states and had my package handed in within 30 days and provided all documentation. If you are having problems with the process contact your service department and also the PEB. The PEB liaison has been very helpful for me so far and even told me that many, including my own TDRL coordinator, tend to fall behind. You have to be pro-active with your case.
 
maparker said:
Step one - Read DoDI 1332.38, the section dealing with TDRL review requirements. Step two - Insist these standards be followed.

Mike
Click to expand...

Mike, thanks for the heads up. While I am still on AD awaiting my results, AKO shows me having a TDRL reeval in FEB. Making that assumption, the DoDI 1332.38 clarified a few things.
 
Just a follow up.

I talked to the coordinator and was told my package was received about 10 days after my exam. I didn't get a chance to review or sign off on anything. So I asked for a copy of the report and she said she'd mail it to me. A few days ago I got an envelope from AFPC with a new AF 365, the PEB was already done! No one really followed the book but it worked out for me in the end, I'm being kept at 100% and being moved to PDRL, so I can't complain. I checked the box saying I concur, sent it back and should have new orders before too long. I'm just so happy to no longer have this hanging over my head.

The VA is another story...being Legacy sucks! I'm about to hit 19 months since I filed and had no movement in months. Should I send them this new exam showing my condition is "stable" or will the extra paperwork just confuse them and slow it down further?
 
Congrats man. Personally, I would send it in if you think it would help. Otherwise you will have to wait in line for an appeal after the fact. Even it slows things up now, it could benefit you with the timeline by not having to appeal.
 
Thanks!

That was my thinking too. I hate to give them more paperwork to sift through and more excuses to take their time. But I may regret not doing it if an appeal is needed.
 
Hate to say it, but additional submissions can slow down VA cases. It really depends on where it is within their process...If the case is still in "development" phase, then it probably won't slow things down. But, if it is sent up for adjudication and review processes, additional submissions can cause the case to be pulled and moved back. Can't say for sure that it will impact the case (because it can't be known where it is now).
 
Thanks for the insight Jason! My claim has gone back and forth between development and decision phase so many time that I don't think they even know what phase it's truly in. I think the only real impact submitting this exam to the VA would be a permanent vs temporary rating. That difference is the only reason I'm considering sending it in.
 
Hey Boss man, If your being put on PDRL and at 100%, take all supporting documents to DAV and they will get it fixed for you with the VA. They helped me when my TDRL Rating was 100% and the VA overlooked it on purpose. I put the Military Decision on top of my VA records and they did me dirty. I would get yourself a SSDI Lawyer and file for you SSDi, you will be glad you did. Since VA is more than Military, you will bring in over $3200 a month if your married. If you get SSDI, your wife and kids get Compensated. I make over $60,000 a year with my VA and SSDI
 
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