VA disability and PEB

I am a current Air Force reserve member and Marine Corps veteran. At the end of my last deployment, I filed for disability.

Two months later, I was deemed 100% P&T disabled from the Corps service related. Now, I am coming towards the end of my contract (12 years total).

My questions is, since I already have been deemed 100% P&T disabled from the Corps, can I apply for PEB with the Air Force? If so, will they look at my letters from the VA and move forward or will I need to attend more physical appointments?

 

[doff87]

So in full disclosure I am not a lawyer, medical professional, enlisted, Air Force/Marines, or a member of the reserves.

With that said my understanding is that you're conflating two different things. Being 100% P&T does not necessarily indicate that the SM is set for a collision course with a PEB. While it is likely that a 100% rated condition is incompatible with continued service, a rated condition does not necessarily mean that the Servicemember has reached a MDRP. In the Army we have specific regulations designating when a Servicemember should be referred to a MEB and there are many SMs who make it to 20 and are later rated 100%, though definitely less P&T, when they retire. Those retention points will determine whether or not you can be referred to a MEB, not your VA disability ratings and I can't say offhand if there is something that the VA rates at 100% that doesn't trigger a retention decision. You also don't 'apply' for a PEB, but its a determination made by a medical professional and some may be reluctant to agree to the 'permanent' part of your disability without evidence of escalating treatment depending on the condition.

Whether or not you can be referred to a PEB will depend on your condition and if you're retired will depend on a number of factors. I have no knowledge whatsoever if you'd need to be reevaluated or not so I won't opine on that specifically. I'd say the fact that you have a 100% P&T is probably indicative that you should be referred to a MEB, but I doubt anyone can say upfront with the information you've provided what direction your situation will go. There's a lot of factors even an expert would have to assume in this scenario.

 

[RonG]

Hello,

You mentioned, “My questions is, since I already have been deemed 100% P&T disabled from the Corps, can I apply for PEB with the Air Force?”

This is out of my lane so to speak, but one does not apply for a PEB. They might be referred to a MEB/PEB.

Good luck,
Ron

 

[PERS-95]

So in full disclosure I am not a lawyer, medical professional, enlisted, Air Force/Marines, or a member of the reserves.

With that said my understanding is that you're conflating two different things. Being 100% P&T does not necessarily indicate that the SM is set for a collision course with a PEB.

100% truth. Just because the VA rated you for a condition does not necessarily mean that condition is something that DOD would consider disabling from further service and grant you potential retirement benefits for.

Also, as @RonG stated, you don't "apply." Your provider has to refer you. And as a Reserve member, you need an LOD determination first.