Anxiously waiting

VisiblyHealthyGlow

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Not sure if this is the right place to post -
ong time lurker, first time poster.
Finished C&P exams today. Was referred to a contractor for 6 total appointments.
Nervous because I do not feel that the exam was complete. I know this is typical. Specifically, I noticed that one QTC DBQ form was missing so I printed two “knee” forms and used one for a “feet” issue. The examiner told me that if he doesn’t see a claimed item he won’t address it and that I can appeal if it is still a problem. :/

Most pressing concern:

My referred condition is GYN - a “uterine prolapse with incontinence”
Should actually be:
1. Cystocele with urinary incontinence necessitating wearing of a pad changed 5-7 times per day and a pessary appliance to support bladder.
2. Rectocele with fecal incontinence, constant leaking, necessitating wearing of a pad, involuntary bm 1-2x per week (probably closest to 30% rating)
3. Uterine prolapse causing chronic pelvic pain (noted on initial p3 profile but not on approved permanent profile)

My C&P examiner was a PA who kept reminding me that I could decline any portion of the exam and he would defer to my medical record. I insisted that he perform all of the requested exams - though I am sure that he will not note the conditions as I have outlined them above. I also provided him with a tabbed, highlighted binder showing three separate surgical opinions (2x army and 1x civilian specialists - both army in AHLTA and civilian in HAIMS.) and the 16 visit notes for follow ups for these three referred issues. He gave me a canned line about authenticating documents and that he had an electronic medical record so I said good because then he could ctrl+f keywords to check the authenticity if he was so inclined -

The nervousness is this: I am terrified that I will be found fit for duty because of this kind of dismissive attitude. Despite being incontinent, my command has me doing PT within the limits of my profile. Which means I walk in a circle. Can not stand for +10 min. Cannot lift +10lbs. Cannot wear body armor. Cannot live in an austere environment. No PT test, no alternate aerobic event.

My MOS is office-based. Cdr’s statement discusses missing work a lot due to pain and incontinence issues (26 days/7 months). Does not recommend retention or separation, just states The above impact.

Can anyone speak to the current trends in being found fit with similar referred conditions? I am ashamed of my condition and I cannot perform anymore - I’m feeling really down all of the time. Any insight would be appreciated as I hurry up and wait.

Other conditions that he examined that I claimed:
-Back - 20’ extension, 70’ flexion, not sure about rotation. Limited rotation. Pain.
-Knee - limited flexion, pain.
-Migraines (last treatment was before I became pregnant, not since because breastfeeding.)
-Carpal tunnel, bilateral. Pain and numbness.
-MST - PTSD (probably 30% symptoms)
-Hemorrhoids (guess is 10%)
-Plantar fasciitis
-TMD with pain (guess 10%)
-allergic rhinitis
-shoulder pain with movement, not sure about ROM. Somewhat limited.
 
Not sure if this is the right place to post -
ong time lurker, first time poster.
Finished C&P exams today. Was referred to a contractor for 6 total appointments.
Nervous because I do not feel that the exam was complete. I know this is typical. Specifically, I noticed that one QTC DBQ form was missing so I printed two “knee” forms and used one for a “feet” issue. The examiner told me that if he doesn’t see a claimed item he won’t address it and that I can appeal if it is still a problem. :/

Most pressing concern:

My referred condition is GYN - a “uterine prolapse with incontinence”
Should actually be:
1. Cystocele with urinary incontinence necessitating wearing of a pad changed 5-7 times per day and a pessary appliance to support bladder.
2. Rectocele with fecal incontinence, constant leaking, necessitating wearing of a pad, involuntary bm 1-2x per week (probably closest to 30% rating)
3. Uterine prolapse causing chronic pelvic pain (noted on initial p3 profile but not on approved permanent profile)

My C&P examiner was a PA who kept reminding me that I could decline any portion of the exam and he would defer to my medical record. I insisted that he perform all of the requested exams - though I am sure that he will not note the conditions as I have outlined them above. I also provided him with a tabbed, highlighted binder showing three separate surgical opinions (2x army and 1x civilian specialists - both army in AHLTA and civilian in HAIMS.) and the 16 visit notes for follow ups for these three referred issues. He gave me a canned line about authenticating documents and that he had an electronic medical record so I said good because then he could ctrl+f keywords to check the authenticity if he was so inclined -

The nervousness is this: I am terrified that I will be found fit for duty because of this kind of dismissive attitude. Despite being incontinent, my command has me doing PT within the limits of my profile. Which means I walk in a circle. Can not stand for +10 min. Cannot lift +10lbs. Cannot wear body armor. Cannot live in an austere environment. No PT test, no alternate aerobic event.

My MOS is office-based. Cdr’s statement discusses missing work a lot due to pain and incontinence issues (26 days/7 months). Does not recommend retention or separation, just states The above impact.

Can anyone speak to the current trends in being found fit with similar referred conditions? I am ashamed of my condition and I cannot perform anymore - I’m feeling really down all of the time. Any insight would be appreciated as I hurry up and wait.

Other conditions that he examined that I claimed:
-Back - 20’ extension, 70’ flexion, not sure about rotation. Limited rotation. Pain.
-Knee - limited flexion, pain.
-Migraines (last treatment was before I became pregnant, not since because breastfeeding.)
-Carpal tunnel, bilateral. Pain and numbness.
-MST - PTSD (probably 30% symptoms)
-Hemorrhoids (guess is 10%)
-Plantar fasciitis
-TMD with pain (guess 10%)
-allergic rhinitis
-shoulder pain with movement, not sure about ROM. Somewhat limited.

I can't speak to your condition, but what I would like to offer up, is advice to possibly seek out mental health support. I have lived with chronic pain for the last 9 years, which has impacted my ability to do my military duties, and that's something I have great pride in. Not only did my ego take a blow, but I've also dealt with feelings of embarrassment, inadequacy, anxiety, and stress. It wasn't until this last year that I started going to mental health, and met a counselor that I really connected with, and has helped me immensely. I don't take medication or anything, it's just to talk.

With your situation, and the way it sounds like your leadership is treating you, I would highly recommend this route.

Also, you'll be able to review your C&P DBQs and NARSUM before they are sent to the PEB. At that time, you can elect an Impartial Medical Review (IMR), and I think that might address some of the concerns you are having. I believe you can write a letter as well on your behalf to be submitted along with the package.

I am Air Force, and my PEBLO told me that once you get to the point of having C&P exams scheduled for you, it's very rare for you to be found fit, as it costs a lot of money to send people thru that process, so by that point, it's pretty final. I believe people who are found fit by the PEB are those whose Commander's really advocated for them via the CC's letter, or who are in an extremely critical career. It sounds like you wouldn't be eligible for deployment at all, even with a waiver, so to me, that's a pretty clear case of being unfit.

Best of luck to you.
 
Hey afangel,
Thank you for the supportive words! Sometimes it is tough to see the forest through the trees over here.
You are right, I can see the DBQs and NARSUM when they are ready and can ask for an IMR and add information. This should alleviate some of the anxiety. And I can challenge the PA’s credentials and maybe even get a different doc to see me and give another opinion.
I’m scheduled for a BH intake to start talk therapy early next month so I hope that helps. Again, thank you for your reply.
 
As a former case manager and company commander (Army), I'll tell you that whether fit or unfit depends on a large amount of things, but largely on attitude. It goes from "If you're not worldwide deployable, then we don't need you" to "We want to keep our experienced service members."

Realistically, I would lean towards separation based on the multiple conditions and restrictions. As a separated Soldier with a back injury and having to separate a good friend and great Soldier, I can relate to the feelings. Please definitely understand that your value is linked to your character, not your uniform. There are plenty of crappy SMs and good civilians....so this transition should not be allowed to take away from your value or service. You also can continue to serve the military and veteran community in several roles, between veteran service organizations, and advocacy roles.

I second the counseling, and hopefully it will help, but also wanted to remind regarding the value of you too.
Very respectfully,
Jon Butler
 
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