What should I do?

J

John219

PEB Forum Regular Member
Hey all. It's been a long time since I posted on this site. Last December (2010) I was given a P3 (112113). My profile says "fails retention standards per AR 40-501 ch 3-33. Separation recommended." the MEDCMD on Camp Murraysaid they wanted me to get a Title 10 LOD for my PTSD/TBI/back strain. The LOD from theater was hand written and apparently outdated. So, they filed for a Title 10 LOD and it was received in March 2011. I was asked to bring to the MEDCMD my medical files, VA file and other forms they had me fil out, including a functional capacity form (x2) and other DA forms. I'm rated 80% SC for PTSD (70%) and TBI (10%). I have letters from the chief of mental health @ the Seattle VA stating my membership is hindering my healing. Here's the problem, I have not heard anything at all regarding my MEB since I turned in the files. I met with a provider on Camp Murray and he told me it's unlikely I have PTSD and it's more likely i have a readjustment disorder, AND that there is no way I will be found unfit for adjustment. He said twice "PTSD does not last 5 years". I asked why then do I have memos and letters from medical/mental health professionals that say otherwise. He said the va and army rate va differently and it's impossible i have PTSD after all this time. (OIF 2004-2005) this was in May 2011. I asked where my medical files were and he said he had no idea. He said they may be at Madigan but there is a chance they may be in Florida!!?? Since May, I have heard nothing. No updates, no appointments, no calls, nothing. Oh, and the MAJ who provided me with that insightful info also urged me to "just get out". He said he could have me discharged in less than a week. When he saw my ets was 10/2011 , he said that I should be happy with the VA compensation I'm getting and to just walk away. I told him I'm eligible for medical retirement; his response was " it's your gamble".
So, I need to know if this lack of commo from the MEDCMD is normal and to continue to be patient. I just signed a 6 year extension because I refuse to walk away. I volunteered when the Washington Army National Guard needed Soldiers for a deployment. Now i need their help and they're telling me it'll be two years until they get to me. It is no wonder suicide numbers continue to climb within the Army. I understand why. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Hey John!

Great to see you back on this site.

We are in the same NG unit, though I guess my Detachment got folded into your unit sometime ago.

I've been in this IDES process for a few months now, and I should be getting my MEB finding back pretty soon.

I sure hope Jason or maparker responds to your posting here. I know you need help and it sounds like the WAARNG isn't being very cooperative.

There's a new system out now for NG/Reserves. Or maybe it's just another additional step in the IDES process for the part-times and M-dayers.

Hopefully, someone will come along and point you to that new information.

Stay the course Buddy, and do not walk away from your retirement.

You've earned it!

v/r,
nwlivewire
 
I would love to know the name of the provider who told you this. You know who would probably also like to know? Senator Patty Murray of Washington. She is the current Chairperson of the Senate's VA Committee. She is death on this kind of crap. See the hearing from last week found here: Committee on Veterans Affairs: Press Releases

If she was that helpful to a wounded warrior not from the state of Washington, I bet she would be helpful to a resident of the state she represents. You need to contact her for your sake and for the sake of other wounded warriors.

Yes, you are absulutely due a MEB/PEB.

Mike
 
MAJ Williams, WANG, is the individual who has told me multiple times i do not suffer from PTSD and that what i have adjustment disorder. he said that he works on the MEB board (or something like that) over at Madigan and sees SM like me all the time, with similar VA ratings. I don't know what to do other that continue to drill. It's hell on me, my family and my civilian career. I've never thought about "s", but I'm so tired of feeling like I do. And I feel let down and dismissed by the WANG. There is absolutely no, zero, zip commo between the MEDCMD and myself. I wrote Sen Murray, Senator Roache (state Senator) and others making them aware of this situation. I received what looked like a form letter from Senator Murray and a call from one of Sen Roache's minions telling me Roache takes this very serious. I've heard nothing more. The WANG is failing me; I feel terrible for younger, less experienced Soldiers who reach out for help. I'm now looking for alternative ways to drill (IRR/ING) but also want to maintain a good year. Who knows at this point.
 
John219,

From reading a few of your posts, it seems almost certain that you should receive a MEB/PEB. I am happy to see that you re-upped for 6 years, as this may essentially guarantee the prospect of disability evaluation. For now, it seems all you can do is stay the course and hammer away on all fronts - something will give eventually.

As for the comments of this Major: the MEB has neither the authority nor the discretion to make determinations regarding your fitness/unfitness for duty. For a physician who is allegedly "on" a MEB, he seems to be exceptionally unfamiliar with basic MEB/PEB procedures - and for that matter, he displays an ignorance of generally and commonly accepted medical principles regarding PTSD. Good job standing up for yourself and asserting the right to a MEB/PEB. These nuanced threats of your physician are baseless. If this individual continues to be involved in your MEB evaluations, remember that you have a right to impartial review under the 2008 NDAA. You have a legal right to have your MEB findings reviewed by a medical professional outside the MEB/PEB process and rebut such findings as you deem necessary. Despite what anyone may tell you, your right to impartial review is mandatory and cannot be denied.

Good luck with the rest of the process. If you have an agreeable chain-of-command, perhaps you can arrange assignments more conducive to your disabilities (something your profile should have triggered anyway).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top