Hello,
8-year Active Duty Air Force. I have been going through an IRILO due to an ulcerative colitis diagnosis in Sept 2018. I have never held a fitness/duty limiting profile or missed a day of work due to this issue. Presently, I have a mobility restriction profile which states "No TDY/PCS/Deployment member is undergoing a MEB." My PCM told me this was automatically generated due to the GI doctor's diagnosis of UC. My commander was actually the first person to tell me I was up for MEB when he was prompted to fill out his narrative. He wrote strongly in favor of retaining me. My PCM also wrote in favor to retain. When I contacted the PEBLO this morning to check the status they informed me the DAWG met and recommends full MEB.
A couple of notable pieces of information
-I had a flare-up back in Dec 2015 the referral process took so long (3 months) that the symptoms went away by themself
-2015 GI office prescribed Lialda once I saw their office. I never took this medication and the PCM's narrative reflects this
-Currently prescribed Lialda for the Sept 2018 flare up and I am taking the medication. PCM attributes my remission to this practice.
-Although PCM writes in favor of retaining me there was a line that concerns me it reads something to the effect of "With reference to the Medical Standards Directory (Name) does not meet retention standards for active duty service he has however demonstrated prompt resolution of symptoms with well-tolerated medication."
- I just received an assignment notification to Turkey despite my mobility restriction
My questions are as follows
-Does AFPC typically go with the DAWGs recommendation? The DAWGs recommendation doesn't seem to line up with what the other parties are stating but I imagine the DAWG's recommendation holds more weight, is that correct?
-Are these decisions by the DAWG and AFPC driven by a DODI, AFI, or form of instruction. If so can you share which ones or how to access them?
-Is Ulcerative Colitis Typically an automatic out?
-What can I be doing to increase my odds of returning to duty?
-Is there any hope to still accept my assignment?
I have been asking questions to my CC, PEBLO, PCM, and really anyone who has knowledge in the matter. People continually tell me I "should" be fine but always mention it's not guaranteed to return to duty. I know they are trying to put my mind at ease but I would rather someone just be honest with me and give me a direct answer. I've also tried hunting around MyPers and digging in regs but I'm not entirely sure I know what I'm looking for. PEBLO is telling me to sit tight and we'll address this if they push for separation. I seem to only receive information when I reach out to the PEBLO which is why I would rather be proactive on this to increase my chances of staying in. I want more than anything to stay in. I would be extremely grateful for any information that may assist me in doing so.
8-year Active Duty Air Force. I have been going through an IRILO due to an ulcerative colitis diagnosis in Sept 2018. I have never held a fitness/duty limiting profile or missed a day of work due to this issue. Presently, I have a mobility restriction profile which states "No TDY/PCS/Deployment member is undergoing a MEB." My PCM told me this was automatically generated due to the GI doctor's diagnosis of UC. My commander was actually the first person to tell me I was up for MEB when he was prompted to fill out his narrative. He wrote strongly in favor of retaining me. My PCM also wrote in favor to retain. When I contacted the PEBLO this morning to check the status they informed me the DAWG met and recommends full MEB.
A couple of notable pieces of information
-I had a flare-up back in Dec 2015 the referral process took so long (3 months) that the symptoms went away by themself
-2015 GI office prescribed Lialda once I saw their office. I never took this medication and the PCM's narrative reflects this
-Currently prescribed Lialda for the Sept 2018 flare up and I am taking the medication. PCM attributes my remission to this practice.
-Although PCM writes in favor of retaining me there was a line that concerns me it reads something to the effect of "With reference to the Medical Standards Directory (Name) does not meet retention standards for active duty service he has however demonstrated prompt resolution of symptoms with well-tolerated medication."
- I just received an assignment notification to Turkey despite my mobility restriction
My questions are as follows
-Does AFPC typically go with the DAWGs recommendation? The DAWGs recommendation doesn't seem to line up with what the other parties are stating but I imagine the DAWG's recommendation holds more weight, is that correct?
-Are these decisions by the DAWG and AFPC driven by a DODI, AFI, or form of instruction. If so can you share which ones or how to access them?
-Is Ulcerative Colitis Typically an automatic out?
-What can I be doing to increase my odds of returning to duty?
-Is there any hope to still accept my assignment?
I have been asking questions to my CC, PEBLO, PCM, and really anyone who has knowledge in the matter. People continually tell me I "should" be fine but always mention it's not guaranteed to return to duty. I know they are trying to put my mind at ease but I would rather someone just be honest with me and give me a direct answer. I've also tried hunting around MyPers and digging in regs but I'm not entirely sure I know what I'm looking for. PEBLO is telling me to sit tight and we'll address this if they push for separation. I seem to only receive information when I reach out to the PEBLO which is why I would rather be proactive on this to increase my chances of staying in. I want more than anything to stay in. I would be extremely grateful for any information that may assist me in doing so.