I received my CIS today and the recommendation is to retain me, and I don’t agree with this recommendation. My referred condition is ulcerative colitis, and associated inflammatory arthritis. The UC is pretty well controlled and doesn’t affect me too much most of the time. But the arthritis has made most days nearly unbearable and has not been helped with medication- ongoing pain for over a year. My hands are literally locked closed every morning that I wake up and also have severe knee and elbow pain. I am an acquisitions officer (63A) so primarily administrative duties/desk work, and my unit currently teleworks full time (though that is changing soon to go back into office). I can agree that my conditions don’t currently affect my job duties, but I believe they will soon as I get out of the teleworking world and back into the military lifestyle. I guess my questions are- does the CIS carry a ton of weight? I have never met my commander so I don’t think she understands the severity of my arthritis. Should I just write how the condition affects me in the member’s comments section and sign? Should I include that regardless of the outcome of the MEB I will still separate when I am able because of my condition? I am always in so much pain and can’t imagine keeping up with the military lifestyle and progressing through the ranks well when I can’t even participate in unit PT or deploy (I am on biologic medications also). Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated. I am an O-3 with about 5.5 years in service- Air Force
Commander Impact Statement- help
- Thread starter jettnsadie
- Start date
I didn’t know that… I probably should have looked into it but still good to know- thanks. My commanders exec did ask me a few questions about it to relay to her but I don’t think that was sufficient given her write up. I ended up writing a paragraph to respectfully disagree with some of the info in the CIS. Not sure if it made a difference but AFPC still directed a full MEB and I’m in the IDES phase now.
I wrote my own and asked that my CC, and many that followed, use that one since my VA provider looked over it. I looked at the medical standards, and how each of my injuries impacted that particular duty requirement. My CIS held quite a bit of weight. Since my case has been grossly and involuntarily prolonged, I maintain updates until my case concludes, someday before I die, sometime this century. For me, I knew it was time to throw in the towel. For others, the CIS may be written to compel the CC such injuries/conditions do not greatly limit the service member.
For example, I began with "Service member fails to meet retention standards detailed in xxxxx Classification Directory for retention of current AFSC (or MOS). Chronic (named injury/painful condition) spinal injury creates unpredictable incapacitating episodes from (specific symptoms, flare ups) vertigo, nausea, and vomiting which precludes member from performing required in-garrison "Medical Career Field functions involved in operating both fixed and tactical medical facilities". IAW AFI 48-123, para 5.3.I.1. and 5.3.1.2., service member is dependent on medication to cope with incapacitating episodes. (Find your specific job regulations). Medical provider has documented condition as extensive and degenerative." That is a short summary. I specified the impact of my particular job requirements per regulation, both in garrison and abroad, to include mobility restrictions (i.e. sit, stand, push, pull, bend, reach, lift, throw, repetitive motions). I concluded with my acknowledgement "The physical limitations described above accurately reflect the conditions which render me unfit to perform any meaningful military duties in either deployed or garrison settings.
For example, I began with "Service member fails to meet retention standards detailed in xxxxx Classification Directory for retention of current AFSC (or MOS). Chronic (named injury/painful condition) spinal injury creates unpredictable incapacitating episodes from (specific symptoms, flare ups) vertigo, nausea, and vomiting which precludes member from performing required in-garrison "Medical Career Field functions involved in operating both fixed and tactical medical facilities". IAW AFI 48-123, para 5.3.I.1. and 5.3.1.2., service member is dependent on medication to cope with incapacitating episodes. (Find your specific job regulations). Medical provider has documented condition as extensive and degenerative." That is a short summary. I specified the impact of my particular job requirements per regulation, both in garrison and abroad, to include mobility restrictions (i.e. sit, stand, push, pull, bend, reach, lift, throw, repetitive motions). I concluded with my acknowledgement "The physical limitations described above accurately reflect the conditions which render me unfit to perform any meaningful military duties in either deployed or garrison settings.
The PEB will not necessarily go by your command's recommendation. I went through the PEB process twice. Both times with a strong retain recommendation. One carried the day, the other did not.
I wrote a statement on behalf of a Colonel who wanted to be retained. His CC had recommended retain. I knew the PEB would not listen to any of it, but wrote it anyway. Sometimes the medical conditions alone result in severance/medical retirement.
I wrote a statement on behalf of a Colonel who wanted to be retained. His CC had recommended retain. I knew the PEB would not listen to any of it, but wrote it anyway. Sometimes the medical conditions alone result in severance/medical retirement.
Sir,
Is there any examples for chronic migraines or any chronic pain that can be posted?
I don’t have one.
I hope you found what you were looking for. I can tell you prostrating migraines, well documented treatment, and symptoms matter, but this is generalized help. In my case, migraines can be documented in your military record, but without a LOD, it did not matter to be considered unfitting, despite years of treatment with Neurology. I do have my VA ratings, highest rating for migraines, permanent and total.
For my complex case, I hired an attorney early on. Best investment I ever made. Only what you can afford. Military attorneys are more affordable than family law and various others that nickle and dime you. It depends on your goals as well.
I just started my terminal leave for medical retirement due to a chronic migraine condition. I had gone through 1.5 years of treatments prior to being referred to MEB. Arguably the biggest thing that helped me with a lot of the process was that I kept a headache log that specified intensity of pain, duration, frequency, and cataloged missed days of work/duty.
When I was asked to fill out a form for my non-medical assessment from my CO I attached the prior 6 months of my log with a note saying I had another year's worth I could also attach if they desired. Needless to say both my neurologist and my CO STRONGLY suggested I be separated.
Be neurotic with your logging of chronic pain and how it affects you. When people can see a tangible long term affect, they tend to not argue against it anymore.
Hope that helps
Hey Jett, I'm sorry to hear your CC didn't consult with you before writing the 1185. It's your CC's responsibility to consult with you, your supervisors, and your PCM to determine the best course of action. You can contact your PEBLO and inform them that you were not consulted if you feel like it.
I will say though that even if you meet with your CC you may not get the outcome you desire. I have a great CC that listened to myself and everyone else involved and determined to not retain. On the flip side however, my last CC listened to my troop about his situation and after stating multiple times that he didn't want to be retained, the 1185 still stated to retain. His case was cut and dry as well. A rare inoperable brain tumor and near daily debilitating migraines, and yet he still said retain.
So you can file a rebuttal as well if you haven't already passed the timeframe, but it may be a good idea to contact your PEBLO to find out your options.
I have attached the MEB timeline that states clear roles and responsibilities of all parties involved if it helps. Good luck to you!
Thanks so much for the response. In hindsight, I should have pushed for a direct conversation with her so she could better understand how my condition affects me. Instead I wrote my perspective, very respectfully, in the airmen’s comments section which disagreed with her recommendation. AFPC directed a full MEB despite her recommendation to retain and I am being permanently medically retired- I just got the end of the process and received my orders last week. Thankfully it all still went in my favor and as I believe it should have, but this is great info for anyone else to see in the future. Thanks again for your input!
What is LOD?