Initially put on LIMDU June 10, 2016 for “Paresthesia”. IDES initiated December 2016 when my Neurologistdetermined a second LIMDU period would not benefit me. Referred conditions by myNeurologist include Small Fiber Neuropathy, Postural Orthostatic TachycardiaSyndrome (POTS) and Migraines W/Aura. Completed VA C&P exams in January2017. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after C&P exams were completed and was told by my PEBLO that I could notadd conditions that were not claimed when I filled out my VA forms, even though Iclaimed bilateral leg and arm pain/weakness and joint pain in every joint. Along with the Fibromyalgia diagnoses I wasrequired to have a mental health evaluation. I was diagnosed with Anxiety/Depression by the MH provider and she submitted anaddendum. On 23 May 2017, I was found “FIT” by the IPEB. The IDES attorney at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth didn’t have an appointmentuntil two weeks later (only had ten days to submit) so I personally drafted an appeal and received a new NMA from my command that was senton 02 June 2017.
The appeal basically statesthat I haven’t been working in my rate for over two years, I will never be able to work in my rate in the future and that the board stated they sent correspondence requesting diagnoses clarification on the POTS and Small Fiber Neuropathy but didn’t receive anything back. I asked myPEBLO and both Neurologists that diagnosed me with these conditions about the request and none of them ever received any suchcorrespondence from the board. Also the board said there wasn’t enoughtreatment by a MH providerfor the A/D claim so Iaddressed it in my appeal by using the addendum from the Rheumatologist with the date of the Fibromyalgia diagnoses. My PEBLO had a meltdown. Oh well.
Still haven’t gotten any official word about the FPEB. My eBenefits claim status has said “Pending Decision Approval/Development Letter Sent” since May and I spoke with one of the PEBLOs last week about the status of my case in which she informedme it (unofficially) said “Formal Board Ready” in their system.
At this point in time I only have one answer to a plethora of questions…
Q: How the hell did they findme “FIT”?
A: Glowing NMA from my command that literally said I am an “outstanding Sailor”.My periodic evaluations say I walk on water. Board didn’teven look at anything else.
Other questions…
Does this mean FPEB granted?
What do I need to do right now to prepare for the FPEB?
Do I need more witness/impact statements? I already included seven in my appeal.
Should I have my spouseand/or people in my COC come with me to the FPEB?
I think it is best if I prepare a written statement that I can read to the board (I have speech problems from TBI). What should this statement include?
Can Fibromyalgia be added at the FPEB?
Since I haven’t spoken with a lawyer about my case, should I? Who can I talk to without coming out of pocket? Iunderstand I will be assigned a JAG if I go to the FPEB
Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer some ofthese questions.
The appeal basically statesthat I haven’t been working in my rate for over two years, I will never be able to work in my rate in the future and that the board stated they sent correspondence requesting diagnoses clarification on the POTS and Small Fiber Neuropathy but didn’t receive anything back. I asked myPEBLO and both Neurologists that diagnosed me with these conditions about the request and none of them ever received any suchcorrespondence from the board. Also the board said there wasn’t enoughtreatment by a MH providerfor the A/D claim so Iaddressed it in my appeal by using the addendum from the Rheumatologist with the date of the Fibromyalgia diagnoses. My PEBLO had a meltdown. Oh well.
Still haven’t gotten any official word about the FPEB. My eBenefits claim status has said “Pending Decision Approval/Development Letter Sent” since May and I spoke with one of the PEBLOs last week about the status of my case in which she informedme it (unofficially) said “Formal Board Ready” in their system.
At this point in time I only have one answer to a plethora of questions…
Q: How the hell did they findme “FIT”?
A: Glowing NMA from my command that literally said I am an “outstanding Sailor”.My periodic evaluations say I walk on water. Board didn’teven look at anything else.
Other questions…
Does this mean FPEB granted?
What do I need to do right now to prepare for the FPEB?
Do I need more witness/impact statements? I already included seven in my appeal.
Should I have my spouseand/or people in my COC come with me to the FPEB?
I think it is best if I prepare a written statement that I can read to the board (I have speech problems from TBI). What should this statement include?
Can Fibromyalgia be added at the FPEB?
Since I haven’t spoken with a lawyer about my case, should I? Who can I talk to without coming out of pocket? Iunderstand I will be assigned a JAG if I go to the FPEB
Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer some ofthese questions.