TDRL Reevaluation Dropped from 70% DoD to 10% — VA 100% P&T Not Considered

[natelove02]

Background:

I was medically retired from the Army in March 2025 at 70% DoD / 100% VA and placed on TDRL.

In October 2025, the VA reevaluated me and increased me to 100% P&T for the same unfitting condition.

Shortly after, I was scheduled for my TDRL re-evaluation. During that process:

1. My reexamination was conducted by a licensed clinical social worker, even though my condition is managed by a sleep physician/neurologist. I was told the case would be referred to an appropriate physician, but that never occurred.
2. When I received my NARSUM, it failed to mention one of the core symptoms of my condition — hallucinations — and did not document chronic sleep impairment in a meaningful way.

I raised these concerns with my PEBLO. I was told to submit my recent VA decision letter showing 100% P&T and that it would replace or be used in lieu of the NARSUM because the PEB would have to accept the VA findings. I submitted the VA documentation as instructed.

After that, there was a delay due to leave/holidays, and I did not receive further updates.

Today, I received my DA-199 findings. The board found me Unfit but reduced my rating to 10% and recommended separation. The DA-199 does not reference my recent VA findings, does not mention hallucinations, and does not appear to account for the severity documented in my VA evaluation.

I am planning to consult with the Office of Soldiers’ Counsel and request a Formal PEB. I am also considering civilian counsel.

Has anyone experienced a significant reduction on TDRL despite a higher VA rating for the same condition? Any insight into how often Formal PEBs successfully challenge situations like this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PolloxTroy08]

Following. Any input to this would be appreciated.

 

[thizzle29]

Background:

I was medically retired from the Army in March 2025 at 70% DoD / 100% VA and placed on TDRL.

In October 2025, the VA reevaluated me and increased me to 100% P&T for the same unfitting condition.

Shortly after, I was scheduled for my TDRL re-evaluation. During that process:

1. My reexamination was conducted by a licensed clinical social worker, even though my condition is managed by a sleep physician/neurologist. I was told the case would be referred to an appropriate physician, but that never occurred.
2. When I received my NARSUM, it failed to mention one of the core symptoms of my condition — hallucinations — and did not document chronic sleep impairment in a meaningful way.

I raised these concerns with my PEBLO. I was told to submit my recent VA decision letter showing 100% P&T and that it would replace or be used in lieu of the NARSUM because the PEB would have to accept the VA findings. I submitted the VA documentation as instructed.

After that, there was a delay due to leave/holidays, and I did not receive further updates.

Today, I received my DA-199 findings. The board found me Unfit but reduced my rating to 10% and recommended separation. The DA-199 does not reference my recent VA findings, does not mention hallucinations, and does not appear to account for the severity documented in my VA evaluation.

I am planning to consult with the Office of Soldiers’ Counsel and request a Formal PEB. I am also considering civilian counsel.

Has anyone experienced a significant reduction on TDRL despite a higher VA rating for the same condition? Any insight into how often Formal PEBs successfully challenge situations like this would be greatly appreciated.

Just saw this, bro. I am Air Guard with over 31 years of service and a dual-status technician. Bottom line, I was in the NDDES, but appealed using Office of Disability Counsel lawyer (like the Office of Soldier's Counsel) and he has been nothing short of awesome for me.

It took me 3 years to get here, but I was just offered 50% on my second IPEB. Through my lawyer, I'm appealing using the templates he sent me.

He told me that although he can't guarantee anything (I know that), of the 9 years he's been doing this, he's gotten all mental health DoD rating from 50% to 70% with less documentation then what I have. That gave me the good warm and fuzzy.

My advice to you is get the OSC lawyer and get that appeal in ASAP.

 

[natelove02]

Just saw this, bro. I am Air Guard with over 31 years of service and a dual-status technician. Bottom line, I was in the NDDES, but appealed using Office of Disability Counsel lawyer (like the Office of Soldier's Counsel) and he has been nothing short of awesome for me.

It took me 3 years to get here, but I was just offered 50% on my second IPEB. Through my lawyer, I'm appealing using the templates he sent me.

He told me that although he can't guarantee anything (I know that), of the 9 years he's been doing this, he's gotten all mental health DoD rating from 50% to 70% with less documentation then what I have. That gave me the good warm and fuzzy.

My advice to you is get the OSC lawyer and get that appeal in ASAP.

Hey thanks for the response! I ended up doing exactly this and I am locked in for the formal board fight in January now. I am still going to my appointments and taking/experimenting with medication so my lawyer and I will use those notes in the appeal.

I’m not trying to milk the system or anything, I just want my medical history accurate and to be rated fairly and that’s how I am approaching it. As long as it does not touch my 100% P&T I’m happy with my lawyer and our plan.

 

[Astrida]

Background:

I was medically retired from the Army in March 2025 at 70% DoD / 100% VA and placed on TDRL.

In October 2025, the VA reevaluated me and increased me to 100% P&T for the same unfitting condition.

Shortly after, I was scheduled for my TDRL re-evaluation. During that process:

1. My reexamination was conducted by a licensed clinical social worker, even though my condition is managed by a sleep physician/neurologist. I was told the case would be referred to an appropriate physician, but that never occurred.
2. When I received my NARSUM, it failed to mention one of the core symptoms of my condition — hallucinations — and did not document chronic sleep impairment in a meaningful way.

I raised these concerns with my PEBLO. I was told to submit my recent VA decision letter showing 100% P&T and that it would replace or be used in lieu of the NARSUM because the PEB would have to accept the VA findings. I submitted the VA documentation as instructed.

After that, there was a delay due to leave/holidays, and I did not receive further updates.

Today, I received my DA-199 findings. The board found me Unfit but reduced my rating to 10% and recommended separation. The DA-199 does not reference my recent VA findings, does not mention hallucinations, and does not appear to account for the severity documented in my VA evaluation. slope

I am planning to consult with the Office of Soldiers’ Counsel and request a Formal PEB. I am also considering civilian counsel.

Has anyone experienced a significant reduction on TDRL despite a higher VA rating for the same condition? Any insight into how often Formal PEBs successfully challenge situations like this would be greatly appreciated.

Have you documented all communications with your PEBLO and any discrepancies in your NARSUM?