Denied MEB?

[18c_Gunslinger]

Yea and like I said I agree there are a lot of people like that now, but when you say “kids these days don’t want to do their time and get out, they want 100% and to be able to carry around the badge of being “retired” and a “disabled vet” in their 20s and 30’s.” you’re making a very large assumption about a large group when in reality 95%+ of said group don’t fit the “title” you’re trying to give them.

Just speaking from my own personal experiences after being assigned to Warrior Transition Unit for a year and a half. I’ve seen some pretty disheartening and shady stuff
People do to get benefits.

 

[TundraX_SA]

So you can check my post history for some background on my situation.

Since last post, I was able to get a diagnosis of recurrent major depressive disorder (albeit under moderate), along with an adjustment disorder with anxiety. However, they are still saying I’m not a good candidate for an MEB because while I have a diagnosis, they think my duty is not affected, even though I’ve failed 3 PT tests so far and will probably get the boot after that. Additionally, I have been taking one to two days of leave almost every week for the past several months because I just can’t handle the fatigue, stress, and other symptoms I’ve been experiencing. Wouldn’t the PT failures and having to make my weeks shorter constitute an affect on my work?

I managed to secure an outside referral, but I honestly don’t know how it would help since I’ve already been diagnosed, and the referral provider’s comments will just go back to my original provider at MH.

I’m pretty depressed about this whole thing... I don’t know what to do next...

Thanks for your time.

I don't know what service you are in, but they all seem to go about it a little bit different. In the Air Force you will not be a candidate for a MEB until you have a condition that keeps you from your PT test for 365 days. If so that will spark the MEB, which they will decide to retire, separate, or give you a longer profile (AF 469). Is your depression making it impossible for you to run, push-ups, sit-ups? I would highly doubt it. If you are failing your PFT it is more likely due to not having the motivation to stay in shape, which isn't an excuse. Exercise is one of the better treatments for depression.

If you are physically incapable of performing your PFT then you need to see your PCM, who will put you on a profile and exempt you from the proper components of the PFT.

Other ways are being diagnosed with certain disorders that are automatic MEBs, which depression is not one of them. I would wager that the MEB is the last thing on your mind and getting you better is their first concern. Don't worry about an MEB, worry about getting better and separating, if that's what you want. That will not effect your VA rating.


Just for reference my JERRV was struck by LBIED in sep 2007 and my Humvee by a CWIED in Mar 2008. I suffered brain damage, short term memory loss, and executive memory dysfunction. I also have Rheumatoid Athritis and PTSD, but I wasn't put in for an MEB until I was randomly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Its a weird system that is hit and miss.

Good luck to you

 

[RyderMix]

I don't know what service you are in, but they all seem to go about it a little bit different. In the Air Force you will not be a candidate for a MEB until you have a condition that keeps you from your PT test for 365 days. If so that will spark the MEB, which they will decide to retire, separate, or give you a longer profile (AF 469). Is your depression making it impossible for you to run, push-ups, sit-ups? I would highly doubt it. If you are failing your PFT it is more likely due to not having the motivation to stay in shape, which isn't an excuse. Exercise is one of the better treatments for depression.

If you are physically incapable of performing your PFT then you need to see your PCM, who will put you on a profile and exempt you from the proper components of the PFT.

Other ways are being diagnosed with certain disorders that are automatic MEBs, which depression is not one of them. I would wager that the MEB is the last thing on your mind and getting you better is their first concern. Don't worry about an MEB, worry about getting better and separating, if that's what you want. That will not effect your VA rating.


Just for reference my JERRV was struck by LBIED in sep 2007 and my Humvee by a CWIED in Mar 2008. I suffered brain damage, short term memory loss, and executive memory dysfunction. I also have Rheumatoid Athritis and PTSD, but I wasn't put in for an MEB until I was randomly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Its a weird system that is hit and miss.

Good luck to you

I’m not quite sure that the MEB is automatically started after being on profile for 365 days or longer. I’ve been on a no run/walk profile for well over 2 years for the same condition. I’ve never even heard mention of an MEB from any medical provider. Maybe my PCM is being a bro, but it just reinforces that it’s situationally dependent

 

[Lawyers Serving Warriors™]

Did you ever end up with a MEB? Not sure if you check this forum.