PEB and DBQ’s.

[18Blade]

Background: Current AD Navy with 20.5 years service, referred to PEB on May 3rd. For about a year, I’ve been a patient of a civilian Psychiatrist who has given me a diagnosis (Bi-Polar II) and prescribed me a small medication cocktail.

My PCM has already informed me to request my medical file from their office, which is being processed already.

Question - should I request the Doc to fill out a DBQ as well? I’d rather be proactive about it if the PEB is going to request it eventually.

Also, would said DBQ have any bearing whatsoever on the VA side? Obviously I would want him to fill one out if it will help with my rating.

Thanks in advance,

Shaun

 

[Provis]

Background: Current AD Navy with 20.5 years service, referred to PEB on May 3rd. For about a year, I’ve been a patient of a civilian Psychiatrist who has given me a diagnosis (Bi-Polar II) and prescribed me a small medication cocktail.

My PCM has already informed me to request my medical file from their office, which is being processed already.

Question - should I request the Doc to fill out a DBQ as well? I’d rather be proactive about it if the PEB is going to request it eventually.

Also, would said DBQ have any bearing whatsoever on the VA side? Obviously I would want him to fill one out if it will help with my rating.

Thanks in advance,

Shaun

It never hurts to get your private provider to fill out a DBQ as long as it helps your case! Also, you are in amazing shape since you don't have much to lose like most. Since you hit 20 years active duty you will get all of your earned longevity pension and all of your VA compensation (As long as your total VA rating is 50% or higher). Is there a reason to go the MEB route such as an active duty commitment? If I was able to hit 20 years I would choose to do a regular retirement if possible so that I can have a set date to get out. There aren't many extra perks to qualify for both a chapter 61 retirement and a 20 year regular retirement.

 

[18Blade]

It never hurts to get your private provider to fill out a DBQ as long as it helps your case! Also, you are in amazing shape since you don't have much to lose like most. Since you hit 20 years active duty you will get all of your earned longevity pension and all of your VA compensation (As long as your total VA rating is 50% or higher). Is there a reason to go the MEB route such as an active duty commitment? If I was able to hit 20 years I would choose to do a regular retirement if possible so that I can have a set date to get out. There aren't many extra perks to qualify for both a chapter 61 retirement and a 20 year regular retirement.

The primary reason for the PEB decision was initially all physical. Strangely enough, no one in the DoD medical system noticed my diagnosis or medication until recently, and I was told if they had noticed, they would have recommended the PEB sooner. I guess bi-polar is an automatic DQ these days, which I did not know.

In any case, I told my PCM I was okay going either route, but the BP diagnosis pretty much cemented their decision.

Shaun

 

[Provis]

The primary reason for the PEB decision was initially all physical. Strangely enough, no one in the DoD medical system noticed my diagnosis or medication until recently, and I was told if they had noticed, they would have recommended the PEB sooner. I guess bi-polar is an automatic DQ these days, which I did not know.

In any case, I told my PCM I was okay going either route, but the BP diagnosis pretty much cemented their decision.

Shaun

Yep that one always gets unfit. Its one of the very rare conditions that I can say always though I am sure there is an exception for everything. My advice is to work hard on making sure you claim everything and that your medical files reflect it. So if you claim something that you haven't been seen for then you should go to the doctor for it to have a paper trail. Your main goal is to have your total VA% as high a possible because that will affect your total compensation. Your DOD% for your 1 or more unfitting condition won't matter because you have earned a 20 year regular retirement.