TRDL V. MEB <20 years

I am probably going to be forced into an MEB soon.


Question: How long do you have to have in active duty to be considered for the TRDL or Permanent retirement versus an MEB?

Background:
Enlisted 86-91 received a 0% VA rating for odds and end issues. No relation to new question.

Re-entered active duty May 2005. I had an injury prior to re-entry from an auto accident. Issue was resolved medically and I was cleared to enter AD.

During AIT I received a hernia that went unfound for 6 months. Surgery discovered and repaired in Jan 2006. 3 weeks later it blew out, second surgery, 3 weeks later hospitalized for 3 weeks with major infection heamotoma and seroma. Nerve damage resulted that necessitated another surgery to resect (cut) the nerve to the groin. Months of pain later I was evaced from Germany to Walter Reed. Procedure done resulted in great reduction in pain. Not complete but tolerable within limits of perm profile.

While in active duty the vehicle injury issues came back. Many medications and various other treatments failed. Symptoms drasticly increased in Iraq from all the gear and vehicles and general duties. I was medevaced out of Iraq for the beginning of several neck surgeries and over the last 1.5 years I have had 5-6 different surgeries to attempt to resolve the issue. The most recent was last month to permanently implant a nerve stimulation device in my neck and chest. The chest part is located right in the "pocket" where a rifle sits. Which leads to the issue that may get me noticed for an MEB...

Obviously I would rather retain my medical benefits of retirement to cover my family especially my wife who is going blind and needs constant medical care.

Anyone know?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I know it is long.
 
ibizian,

Welcome!

Question: How long do you have to have in active duty to be considered for the TRDL or Permanent retirement versus an MEB?

The MEB is a medical evaluation to determine whether you have conditions that fail retention standards per AR 40-501 Chapter 3. If you do, then you go to the PEB which determines fitness and eligibility for benefits (including TDRL/PDRL). As long as you are on orders for 30 days or more when injured, or you have an in the line of duty condition (for reservists injured on drill or AT), you can receive retirements. From what you have said, it sounds clear you are eligible for MEB/PEB and will likely be found unfit.

Best of luck!
 
ibizian,

From what you have said, it sounds clear you are eligible for MEB/PEB and will likely be found unfit.

Best of luck!
I figured 13 surgeries including 2 downrange, in 4 years would make me eligible for and MEB following more reading here I see that the TRDL is a part of the process.

I do not plan on asking for an MEB but I fully expect one to come find me!
 
I figured 13 surgeries including 2 downrange, in 4 years would make me eligible for and MEB following more reading here I see that the TRDL is a part of the process.

I do not plan on asking for an MEB but I fully expect one to come find me!

It's great to know that you found this site so early then! :D
 
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