In Nov 2014, I was med-boarded from the Navy for MDD with Anxiety and pinched nerves in my back, and placed on TDRL with 40% and a VA rating of 40%. Since then, I've been seen at the VA at least once a month (excluding a year where I was being seen in town through the veteran's choice program) and have had two separate re-examinations for my VA rating for the same exact disabilities. My most recent one was late Dec 2019, and my VA rating is now 90%. I received an email saying I need to make an appointment with my nearest MTF, which is 4 hours away, for a final PPE. I asked the TDRL coordinator who sent the email if I could use the VA rating exam in lieu of driving 4 hours for an exam for the same exact disabilities, and his response was:
"TDRL is different from VA, you were placed on TDRL by a Navy PEB. If you opt for not going to the PPE them you will have to send those VA notes yourself to the PEB in order to qualify for benefits."
Here is where I'm a little confused; is opting out of the final PPE actually an option? In the notification of final PPE paperwork, it gives instructions for the MTF PEBLO to send a completed form, summary, and relevant medical records to the PEB in DC. If I have the option to opt-out of the exam and send my VA notes to the PEB myself, what forms would need to be included and which VA notes? I dont believe he meant for me just to fax or mail my VA decision letter, so what notes exactly are they asking for?
As long as I have been out of the Navy, I have only ever received VA disability pay, and not once have I ever received retirement pay. I never stepped foot on a base again, nor received a service ID card and have only received care through the VA. So, as far as I know, I haven't received benefits from the Navy through TDRL and, to be completely honest, feel more than a little overwhelmed and flustered getting this email after hearing nothing for five years. I apologize if this has been asked a million times; I tried to search through the forum boards and wasn't able to find something related to my question.
"TDRL is different from VA, you were placed on TDRL by a Navy PEB. If you opt for not going to the PPE them you will have to send those VA notes yourself to the PEB in order to qualify for benefits."
Here is where I'm a little confused; is opting out of the final PPE actually an option? In the notification of final PPE paperwork, it gives instructions for the MTF PEBLO to send a completed form, summary, and relevant medical records to the PEB in DC. If I have the option to opt-out of the exam and send my VA notes to the PEB myself, what forms would need to be included and which VA notes? I dont believe he meant for me just to fax or mail my VA decision letter, so what notes exactly are they asking for?
As long as I have been out of the Navy, I have only ever received VA disability pay, and not once have I ever received retirement pay. I never stepped foot on a base again, nor received a service ID card and have only received care through the VA. So, as far as I know, I haven't received benefits from the Navy through TDRL and, to be completely honest, feel more than a little overwhelmed and flustered getting this email after hearing nothing for five years. I apologize if this has been asked a million times; I tried to search through the forum boards and wasn't able to find something related to my question.
