Diabetes

Hello all,
What a great website!! It's beeen very helpful, I've been using it for about a month.

Some info on me. 12.5 year prior enlisted, now Lt active Air Force. Last August I finished pilot training with a follow on to Seymour Johnson to fly F-15E's. Completed the centrifuge, water and Sere training.
I knew something was wrong since that last March, but wanted to press until I had my wings. After the training and before I went to IFF I decided(meaning the wife told me) to go to the flight doc. Of course, not expecting anything severe I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. BAM! Instantly grounded and put on insulin therapy. That happened Last October. The local MEB was held at the end of January and I'm waiting for the IPEB results (automatically goes to IPEB for diabetes). Of course, I am hoping for return to duty, but we will see. From what I read on here it seems it could go either way.

If there are any other diabetics out there with more insight on their IPEB findings let me know. I also dont know what's going to happen if I am returned to duty, I can't fly anymore so I'll be reclassed, but how does that work. Thanks!
 
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My decision from the IPEB came back last week. The ruling was seperation w/severance and 20% diabaility in accordance w/VASRD.

I'm going to appeal for a return to duty status. Anyone have advice on what to do to prepare for the Formal Board?
 
I was diagnosed with Type 1 and they told me my career was over. No way to stay in since having insulin was crucial in order to live. Since I was not deployable, I was put on TDRL for 3-4 years and then fought for my FPEB in DC for almost 6 months. In the end I was retired at 40%. What happened was they gave me a 40% rating and TDRL right off the back. Then around the 4 year mark on TDRL they sent me a letter saying they downgraded my rating to 20% and gave me severance pay. I fought back and requested a FPEB and eventually won my case and put on PDRL.
So, I think if you want to stay active your duty will be affected and maybe even making rank. However, I don't know if that is even a possibility because they told me no way. Either way, I do believe you could get the 40% and be retired for Type 1 Diabetes if you choose that route. Either way, it will be a battle. Let me know what I can do.
 
rreed454 said:
I was diagnosed with Type 1 and they told me my career was over. No way to stay in since having insulin was crucial in order to live. Since I was not deployable, I was put on TDRL for 3-4 years and then fought for my FPEB in DC for almost 6 months. In the end I was retired at 40%. What happened was they gave me a 40% rating and TDRL right off the back. Then around the 4 year mark on TDRL they sent me a letter saying they downgraded my rating to 20% and gave me severance pay. I fought back and requested a FPEB and eventually won my case and put on PDRL.
So, I think if you want to stay active your duty will be affected and maybe even making rank. However, I don't know if that is even a possibility because they told me no way. Either way, I do believe you could get the 40% and be retired for Type 1 Diabetes if you choose that route. Either way, it will be a battle. Let me know what I can do.
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Hello rreed,
I was just rated for my Type 1 diabetes and found to be 20% disabled. I will be appealing and requesting the formal board. I am curious as to how you swayed your FPEB to rate you at 40%. I thought my package was a shoe in for 40% but I guess they saw it differently.

Thanks a lot,

Mike
 
the whole key is to fight. weather you want to be found FIT vs UNFIT, if you want a higher rating or you want PDRL.

you guys are off to the right start, by educating yourselves to the DES. unfortunately you have to be your own advocate, in a sense. gather all the documentation you can to bolster your case. ensure everything get documented properly in your med. records.

i've been accumulating letters that can be used on you own behalf, from family members, friends, co-workers and supervisors. if you need them let me know.

another thing you can do is initiate your stuff w/the VA and social security now. that way w/the VA your stuff is done and if you are found FIT now, there is no saying that your condition could worsen. both the VA and SS ratings are also retroactive to the initial date of application.

if you guys need any help along the way, i'm always here. good luck!
 
What reasoning do they have to downgrade from 40 to 20 percent after a few years. That seems like BS.

Hooray, I would really like to know how it turned out after your 20% return.

Having diabetes is expensive as far as med care. I can't believe they would try to sell you up the river.

I am nervous about my case now.
 
I was found fit for duty, however I'm going to be reclassified into another career field. If you look at the ratings, you will only get 40% if your diet and excercise are restricted, mine isn't. If your shooting to get out, talk to your Doc and convince him you have to restrict your daily activities to maintain control. HOWEVER, if your wanting a return to duty you'll need to convince the Doc that its NON restrictive. Double edged sword I know.
 
I would love to be able to cross train. As of now, I am non-WWQ, and I have no idea if that will stay that way.

I am Security Forces, so being non-deployable is definitely a no-go.

Are you taking insulin injections? I am as of now, but they said it could change.
 
Saw the Endo today, he started me back on the novolog cause my peaks during meals.

He suggested that when I am under control, he recommends an insulin pump.

Did they recommend that for you Horray?
 
Let me get everyones take on this. The "Regulation of activities" portion of the ratings that I am trying to fully grasp. I know I meet the other requirements (Diet and daily inhections).

I found that for PT I am unable to keep up and cannot exert myself like before. I've been hounded by my PT nazi unit about profile and my PT test.

I told my doc about my sugar going low after exercise and that I just can't meet the demands. So she put me on profile (Exercise at own pace) also it stated that I'm unable to maintain or advance physical standards.

So, does this help my case for showing my activities are regulated. I know they have been, but is this permanent. I can't imagine they would let me stay on a PT limiting profile for too long if they find me fit for duty.
 
I would say almost definately that being on a profile is a regulation of activities. They recommended me for a pump only after I could control my sugars w/insulin injections. Be procative and read as much as you can to control your sugars. When I work out I have to eat 40-60 grams of carbs to prevent hypoglycemia. Everyone is different, but thats what works for me. It took a few months to figure it out.
 
The Endo suggested a pump for me as well. I am having a real hard time preventing hypo when I exercise. I can't get a meaningful workout.

We'll see what they say.
 
If you are getting hypo while exercising, I would either lower your basal insulin or eat more carbs before you start the workout. It took me awhile to get it right, and even now my sugars are different day to day.
 
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