Curious when the process wil all start

D

dc79

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
Quick background. I have DDD with shooting pain down both arms, also causing horrible headaches. I suffer from migraines anyways but these just plain hurt. I also have OSA, RLS, I guess a form of PTSD(enough to have to have counceling), anxiety, Low T, sports induced asthma,had RT shoulder surgery x2 and it still doesnt seem right, rt knee is degenerative aparently, to top it all off ED.

I have seen one surgeon for my neck issues and he didnt fit the bill. So, I am seeing a new surgeon next week(finally). I saw my PCM and explained that I am just a hurting unit and cannot see myself continuing militray service. I am on He was very reluctant to want to start an MEB or even talk to me about it. I understand to see the surgeon first, but because of the wait I have now failed another PT test. This is two in a 24 month period, but I have a history of fails. I think I only have had a couple of my tests not exempt from any component.
Why has a MEB been at least started? Are they waiting for the surgeons recomendation? Is it benificial to get the surgery (if required)? I guess it is my fault for my last MEB that I didnt ensure that all conditions was on my MEB form. But, I didnt know I could have a medical review done then either. I guess I am at a loss that I have had DDD diagnosed since 09 and the mlitary has done nothing about it.
The commander is wanting access to my medical records, which I am reluctant to do. I guess I am at a unknown point and I do not want to be punished for failures, I do not want to lose a stripe for PT failures since I will test again in three months waist only. I have a 38-39 waist, always have. I just want to be done since I am not going to get any better. This sounds more like a rant, but I just am looking for advise on what avenue to take or if anything can play in my favor. I am just so confused?????
 
First of all, you should be on a profile which prohibits you taking a PT test. Ask you surgeon or PCM to write you one.

There's no reason for you commander to have your medical records. No way in hell would I ever provide a commander with my medical records...no way!!! I would talk to legal about that. Just the idea of that rubs me the wrong way. :mad:

Some other options would be to talk with Patient Affairs about your conditions, PT failures b/c of medical conditions, and possible MEB. Moreover, you mention some behavioral health issues you have...seek out your BH providers...they may be more of an advocate for you than your PCM or command.

Have you already been through an MEB? If so, for what and what was the outcome?
 
I am seeing BH, they are as surprised as I am that the process has not started yet. I have been through multiple MEB's once when I first was diagnosed with OSA. then when I got diagnosed with Asthma and apparenly they have to do full MEB's every year for OSA that has a Bipap. But on the last MEB for asthma and OSA not even a year ago. I just noticed that DDD was not on there, anxiety was not on there. RLS was not on there. Migraines were. So, thats my fault for not being more informed. I am not giving my commander access to my records. It irritaes me he even asked. I am on a profile, which is why I failed my test. I always tape bigger. sucks to be me. :(
 
Again, you need a profile which prohibits specific events of PT test, so you don't even have to take one. In other words, you won't be failing any PT tests because you aren't medically allowed to take one. Got it? :)

Behavioral Health head or commander has the authority to initiate MEB...

What is your MOS and branch?
 
Commanders generally do not have authority to initiate MEB (the Navy has some slightly different rules, but it is not ever the direct commander who determines an MEB is needed). Commanders can order a fitness for duty evaluation, though.
 
Jason Perry said:
Commanders generally do not have authority to initiate MEB (the Navy has some slightly different rules, but it is not ever the direct commander who determines an MEB is needed). Commanders can order a fitness for duty evaluation, though.
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Are you talking about unit commanders or medical commanders...or both?
 
I am ADAF 2A373 aircraft mechanic. I am now in a special duty. I tried to get a profile for all components. They would not do a waist measurement exemption. I am talking to my Det chief who is talking to the commander. I was told that the unit commander can request the fitness for duty eval, which would possibly start the MEB process. I guess I am newer to th BH side. I thought all medical was under same command.

I was just told the LOR will be administered early next week, I have one hell of a rebuttal prepared for that :) I guess I am more confused about why I have had DDD this long and has done nothing but hamper my time in the military but the medical side has never initiated anything.
 
m.loewe052013 said:
I am coming back home from CON leave for Lower Back Surgery about 5 Weeks ago, and I was told MED Board is going to happen and will happen, I have DDD on the same disc they operated on, Does anyone have advise or info on the MEB/MED Board process? I really am not sure what to do or what will happen. I have Leg pains/Sharp pains still after the surgery, Migraines, lower back pains STILL. SO I fell I will be unfit since I am a Vehicle Mechanic. I can walk but I get bad pains and spasms in my back, also the sharp pains down my leg. So please any advice?? I go back to Ft. Lee on Sunday.
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See my comment in the other threads you replied in. Please don't hijack on everybody else's threads.
 
How is it that things have disappered from my military records? Odd, is there anyway to fight that? Also, they have in my records obesity. I am 225 at 71 inches. So I am military obese LOL does that benifit me in any way or does it do more to hurt me?
 
dc79 said:
How is it that things have disappered from my military records? Odd, is there anyway to fight that? Also, they have in my records obesity. I am 225 at 71 inches. So I am military obese LOL does that benifit me in any way or does it do more to hurt me?
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Wow! If only the military branches would exert the same amount of energy to medically assist their service members, we actually may see a slight decrease in anxiety, depression, etc. :eek:

No worries...:)

From my experiences, there are always options to pursue if you contend that something is wrong. Exactly, how do you know that "things have disappered from my military records?" What evidence in your current possession validates your assumption?

Moreover, having the verbiage "obesity" in your records has its pros and cons. Where is it written within your military records (e.g., administrative records and/or health records)? Based upon the symptoms of some medical diagnosis, obesity may have a direct systematic correlation.

Thus, other members within this forum have provided excellent suggestions. I would encourage you to explore their advice, too.

Best Wishes!
 
When I was at my last base they had me diagnosed with degenerative knee. Now it is just gone. I have looked myself and it was confirmed by my PCM. Kinda weird since I have had two mri's and multiple injections. Lol I guess obesity is in my medical records. I've never had administrative action for "obesity" I use that term rather loosely
 
dc79 said:
When I was at my last base they had me diagnosed with degenerative knee. Now it is just gone. I have looked myself and it was confirmed by my PCM. Kinda weird since I have had two mri's and multiple injections. Lol I guess obesity is in my medical records. I've never had administrative action for "obesity" I use that term rather loosely
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Wow! I am totally speechless! Thus, remain strong and stay the course until achievement of your specific goals.

Best Wishes!
 
It can't be emphasized enough how crucial it is to make copies of everything that you get done. Every appointment, every exam, every test, MRI, x-ray analysis, bloodwork, shot records etc.

It takes a short time to get used to asking for copies every time you go to the doc, but it is much easier to collect as you go than it is to try to locate and compile documents years later - when your need them- that may be lost or destroyed. Just ask a Viet Nam vet how things can and do disappear from medical records (especially in re to Agent Orange) when the benefit is in favor of the government.
 
usafaviator said:
It can't be emphasized enough how crucial it is to make copies of everything that you get done. Every appointment, every exam, every test, MRI, x-ray analysis, bloodwork, shot records etc.

It takes a short time to get used to asking for copies every time you go to the doc, but it is much easier to collect as you go than it is to try to locate and compile documents years later - when your need them- that may be lost or destroyed. Just ask a Viet Nam vet how things can and do disappear from medical records (especially in re to Agent Orange) when the benefit is in favor of the government.
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I agree; it's so true. Case in point...

In retrospect, as a prior service Army veteran, my intent was to include any service-connected conditions into the DoVA claimed conditions during DoD IDES MEB/PEB process. That never occurred since it's amazing that the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) were/are unable to locate my prior service medical records.

Moreover, the NPRC stated "The original medical record needed to answer your inquiry is not in our files." Ok, so where are my medical records? NPRC replied "someone signed the medical records out, but we do not know who." That's just :mad: great...my prior service medical records are lost, lost, and forever lost!

Thus, the painful lesson-learned is to establish historical archives of all medical documentation/records (military and civilian providers) since my re-entry onto Active Duty.

Best Wishes!
 
dc79 concerning your anxiety if they try to PT test you on the walk test touch base with them about your anxiety. My husband failed 5 PT test before we all (doctors, mental health, and ourselves) realized that his anxiety was to blame for 3 of them as his heart rate would race 1/4 the way through the last lap of walking. Although your a taller person and "obese" by records :) the minimum they can test you on is your waist only.
 
m.loewe052013 said:
I am coming back home from CON leave for Lower Back Surgery about 5 Weeks ago, and I was told MED Board is going to happen and will happen, I have DDD on the same disc they operated on, Does anyone have advise or info on the MEB/MED Board process? I really am not sure what to do or what will happen. I have Leg pains/Sharp pains still after the surgery, Migraines, lower back pains STILL. SO I fell I will be unfit since I am a Vehicle Mechanic. I can walk but I get bad pains and spasms in my back, also the sharp pains down my leg. So please any advice?? I go back to Ft. Lee on Sunday.
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ranger2992 said:
See my comment in the other threads you replied in. Please don't hijack on everybody else's threads.
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m.loewe052013,

Don't take offense- please read these threads:
Hijacking Threads- Don't Do it

http://www.pebforum.com/site/threads/posting-a-new-thread.9213/

It is not fair to posters who start a thread to inject your own questions/issues. This is not meant to rude- it just robs those who post their own questions of answers and it will make your questions missed. Please post your own threads. You will get better responses by doing so.

After some time, the off topic posts will be deleted.
 
I have 13 years in at the end of march. Since my last post I saw my second opinion for neck surgery on the 12th. The first gave me a bad vibe. This surgeon agrees with the doctor that said I needed ACDF C5/C6 back in 2009!! I have had my 108 appt today and I feel that was less than productive. I asked why I never had all my conditions in my prior MEB's or why I have never been MEB'd for having cervical DDD. He told me it was not a boardable condition. I DO NOT get that if it is considered unfit and I had numbness and such to go with it? Plus, it is all documented. He also said he would not even start an MEB until at least 6 months after surgery. Assuming I am still crappy. My whole neck is degenerative so I dont anticipate a miracle. I am looking at april sometime for surgery. He did not give me any warm fuzzy that I would be exempt waist measurement. I really am hoping for a miracle in May when I tape test again. If I fail, that is three so there goes my stripe and Ill end up getting a referal EPR. This sucks, I dont get why they want to punish me for things that I do not feel are my fault.
I also saw BH again today. She is diagnosing me with PTSD on top of anxiety.(I really do not want to get into why) But, on a plus note I had them go through my records and they "found" my diagnosis for anterior knee pain. this new computer program they use pisses me off, they change things all the time.
 
dc79 said:
I have 13 years in at the end of march. Since my last post I saw my second opinion for neck surgery on the 12th. The first gave me a bad vibe. This surgeon agrees with the doctor that said I needed ACDF C5/C6 back in 2009!! I have had my 108 appt today and I feel that was less than productive. I asked why I never had all my conditions in my prior MEB's or why I have never been MEB'd for having cervical DDD. He told me it was not a boardable condition. I DO NOT get that if it is considered unfit and I had numbness and such to go with it? Plus, it is all documented. He also said he would not even start an MEB until at least 6 months after surgery. Assuming I am still crappy. My whole neck is degenerative so I dont anticipate a miracle. I am looking at april sometime for surgery. He did not give me any warm fuzzy that I would be exempt waist measurement. I really am hoping for a miracle in May when I tape test again. If I fail, that is three so there goes my stripe and Ill end up getting a referal EPR. This sucks, I dont get why they want to punish me for things that I do not feel are my fault.
I also saw BH again today. She is diagnosing me with PTSD on top of anxiety.(I really do not want to get into why) But, on a plus note I had them go through my records and they "found" my diagnosis for anterior knee pain. this new computer program they use pisses me off, they change things all the time.
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That's right...there's more than one way to skin a cat. ;) And if they aren't willing help you on the physical side of things, maybe the behavioral side will be much better to ya. :)
 
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