BLUF: Being evaluated for MEB with AF Mental Health due to combat-related PTSD, major depression, & anxiety. Seeking advice for nuanced aspects.
ALCON-
Thanks for having this site- I am a 28 year old E-5 with 10 years TIS (8 and change TAFMS) on career-status AGR in the Air National Guard. The AF has always been my life's dream, and it may soon be coming to an abrupt & heartbreaking end...I have a wife and 2 7 month old twins, plus 1 on the way, so I am focused on transitioning with dignity (if I do indeed get booted by MEB). I'm looking for honestly what I'm due, not a free ride of 100%, but seems like I probably might get close.... So, seeking advice...
I just got back from deployment for Operation Inherent Resolve. I was at a forward base and we took IDF. I had to deal with some pretty grizzly ISR products, etc, as I worked in the BADC where we'd pick up incoming and sound the alarm. I've had a pretty rough go since coming home, actually started an intensive outpatient too (voluntarily)- frankly, I'm desperate to get better, but looks like I'll prob have to leave the AF...I've never had a plan B, so any help is greatly appreciated. Here's my questions.
- I am diagnosed with PTSD due to combat, connected in my record to specific events (specific barrages, individual traumas, etc.) , with major depression & anxiety stemming from that. What's useful going into the MEB & PEBLO process?
- I had a "probable TBI due to overhead concussive blast" according to my medrec from my AD PCM. At the time, I was disoriented but didn't report that night due to everyone being a bit rattled. I went to Medical for the subsequent sleep issues and fuzziness, but didn't specifically document TBI (surefire way to get sent home, this was 4 days in...). Now, 8 months later, far worse headaches, concentration, memory, etc. I also had a properly documented on-duty TBI in 2019 from a car accident I went to WRNAMC for. How do these play into the process? What can I do now to ensure the in-combat one is documented well for VA/MEB?
- How to other physical ailments play in? I've had chronic back issues, tinnitus, insomnia, sleep apnea, etc. I'm a prior Crew Chief, now turned Emer Action Controller.
- What's most useful for the MEB process, medical record wise and "watch out for XYZ" wise?
- If I get rated for retirement (over 30%?) but also higher VA, do I get to pick? If under 20% for the condition but 100-ish for everything, do I have to take a VA lump sum or can choose the monthly checks?
Thanks,
Joseph
ALCON-
Thanks for having this site- I am a 28 year old E-5 with 10 years TIS (8 and change TAFMS) on career-status AGR in the Air National Guard. The AF has always been my life's dream, and it may soon be coming to an abrupt & heartbreaking end...I have a wife and 2 7 month old twins, plus 1 on the way, so I am focused on transitioning with dignity (if I do indeed get booted by MEB). I'm looking for honestly what I'm due, not a free ride of 100%, but seems like I probably might get close.... So, seeking advice...
I just got back from deployment for Operation Inherent Resolve. I was at a forward base and we took IDF. I had to deal with some pretty grizzly ISR products, etc, as I worked in the BADC where we'd pick up incoming and sound the alarm. I've had a pretty rough go since coming home, actually started an intensive outpatient too (voluntarily)- frankly, I'm desperate to get better, but looks like I'll prob have to leave the AF...I've never had a plan B, so any help is greatly appreciated. Here's my questions.
- I am diagnosed with PTSD due to combat, connected in my record to specific events (specific barrages, individual traumas, etc.) , with major depression & anxiety stemming from that. What's useful going into the MEB & PEBLO process?
- I had a "probable TBI due to overhead concussive blast" according to my medrec from my AD PCM. At the time, I was disoriented but didn't report that night due to everyone being a bit rattled. I went to Medical for the subsequent sleep issues and fuzziness, but didn't specifically document TBI (surefire way to get sent home, this was 4 days in...). Now, 8 months later, far worse headaches, concentration, memory, etc. I also had a properly documented on-duty TBI in 2019 from a car accident I went to WRNAMC for. How do these play into the process? What can I do now to ensure the in-combat one is documented well for VA/MEB?
- How to other physical ailments play in? I've had chronic back issues, tinnitus, insomnia, sleep apnea, etc. I'm a prior Crew Chief, now turned Emer Action Controller.
- What's most useful for the MEB process, medical record wise and "watch out for XYZ" wise?
- If I get rated for retirement (over 30%?) but also higher VA, do I get to pick? If under 20% for the condition but 100-ish for everything, do I have to take a VA lump sum or can choose the monthly checks?
Thanks,
Joseph