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:
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
