AFI 36-3212 7.4.5 TDRL examination by Records

[jandk]

Greetings-I posted this in the general forum and received no replies. I am hoping someone could share their experience. I am up for a first TDRL evaluation. I was placed on TDRL 18 months ago for leukemia 100%, depression 10%, back 10%. I was advised I was being placed on TDRL because my "condition" had not stabilized but there was no mention as to what condition they considered unstable. I have been 100% Permanent and Total through the VA and on Social Security Disability for 3 years before even being placed on TDRL-this was a LOD situation that took forever to resolve. Obviously it did not matter to the PEB that I was 100% P&T and on SSD because they put me on TDRL. When I was notified I would be scheduled for my TDRL exam in October 2011, I asked how to follow the process spelled out in AFI 36-3217 7.4.5 ,
"If the member is being treated by a civilian physician or the VA and member provides them directly to HQ AFPC/DPPDS, HQ AFPC/DPPDS will provide the information to the PEB for review. If the PEB determines that the report is sufficient to evaluate the member, the scheduled appointment at the MTF will be canceled." and I am mailing my records today. Has anyone ever gone this route and what was the outcome? Can you share your experience? Any insight Jason?I am praying for PDRL and praying to avoid going who knows where for exams. I have very good documentation and all medical records. Thank you for any guidance on this matter.

 

[afdoc]

jandk

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and not getting good enough information to make you feel at ease with the system. First of all, when placed on the TDRL, what are the VA diagnostic codes they assigned to you for each condition on the AF Form 356? Did you have any other conditions that they failed to rate? From there, I can help you determine what medical records are critical. When sending records, send them with a return receipt so you can confirm they got there. Include a cover letter that clearly states what records you are sending (doctor notes, treatment notes, lab results, xrays/mris, and the dates covered) As well, if you have developed any conditions since being placed on the TDRL or as a result of treatment, include those records and address these in your cover letter. Obviously you will keep copies of all that you sent in the event they don't consider all the records or claim they received them. Finally, the Formal Board has been conducting internet searches on everyone appearing before them, so ensure that yours and your family's FAcebook, MySpace, etc are all private -- they seem to think that if you are smiling or active on these sites, that you are healthy. I don't know if the informal Board is doing it (the ones who will look at your med records to determine if they have enough information to retire you), but just to be safe, be sure there is nothing on the internet that will make them upset with you.
afdoc

 

[jandk]

AFDOC-Thank you so very much for responding. My diagnostic codes are 7703 (leukemia) 9434 Major Depression and 5242-Degenerative arthritis (which I question.) I did send in a cover letter listing what I was sending including my VA P&T award letter which states my leukemia is incurable and treatment will be lifelong; my SSD award letter, all physician records, letters from my physicians and a fact sheet and side effect profile for my daily oral chemotherapy. My leukemia is fairly rare and there have not been many cases, although there are more now after the gulf war. My oncologist has been very supportive throughout this process and stated that my condition is considered to be permanent and stable. My depression was under-rated at 10 %. The letter from my civilian psychologist and VA treatment notes from psychiatrist and psychologist support at least a 30% rating. I have been taking anti-depressants and in treatment for 4 years. My back is gradually worsening and the records support that. I just can't imagine they would keep me on TDRL but we will see. I just would like to plan my financial future, like everyone else on TDRL. It stinks.