Disappointment in the process

mhaynes15 · Apr 19, 2012

To All...

I understand that we all have different problems and scenarios in this life but it remains to be a constant drum beat of Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines, whatever, that constantly complain about how fast, or slow rather, this process is.

Of course the process isn't perfect. Could it be better? More than likely. But you cannot tell me that it aren't tired of service members constantly complaining about timeliness.

EVERYBODY has to go through the same process, there are no exceptions. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERSONAL ISSUES.

michigan0782 · Apr 19, 2012

the dod wonders why vets are blowing their brains out its because of crap like this. people that dont give a damn about wounded vets. its because of people and thier idiotic mondframe of suck it up.

Jeep Freak · Apr 19, 2012

I think I wrote it somewhere out here but the legacy system will leave families hanging wondering what they may get from the VA an additional 10 months according to the VA. I'm luckey and think we will make it but others are not. Yes one would like accuracy but also timeliness as well. I was recently told that the VA are doing the easy ones first so their numbers look good and of course the IDES as well because they are being watched. That means the legacy people are being shoved farther down the road, sounds like government to me.

I think the best thing to do is try to think how good you might have it compared to someone else. Yes you will still worry and yes some still needs to put up with a**holes but most seems to as well, I know I did. At least with the IDES system, you get out knowing what you are getting from the VA. I've got another 10 months before I hear what I get from the VA but I will bet it will be longer.

808svt · Apr 19, 2012

I'm not sure if this fits here or if you want to hear it but I'm in the new piolt program and it took 45 days from when my paperwork got sent off untill I had my findings. I hope this is an example of things getting better.

michigan0782 · Apr 19, 2012

not really cuz im over 150 days from send off. my meb started 1 sep and havent heard a word officially about anything

mhaynes15 · Apr 19, 2012

Michigan,

brother, Im sorry if I offended you but I want you to know that I started this all in Dec of 2010, and officially MEB in June 2011 and ended just a few days ago. I was irritated with the system just as you. I thought they just forgot about my packet.

During that span of anger I took the liberty to find out what else in the world takes 5 months to complete. 1) the foundation of a megamall 2) Framing of a skyscraper 3)an Airforce Deployment

and 4) My MEB packet. LOL

Point in case: I trusted in the IDES system and I came out with a happier ending than I thought. I was expecting only 30% from the Army and 40% from the VA but, to my surprise, it came back with 70% from the Army, and 80% from the VA. There are happy endings that no one cares to share.

Just have a little faith. Im more confident that you will have similar success.

Jeep Freak · Apr 19, 2012

Not trying to one up you, just showing contrast and I'm sure there are others that have gone longer.

I was notified of the MEB July of 2010 and it actually started in Sept of 2010. FPEB in Sept of 2011. Medically Retired Dec 2011. Still waiting for VA which started 4 months ago.

I would have loved to have had the IDES.

mhaynes15 · Apr 19, 2012

Jeep, you had the "other" program?

Im guessing it did not allow you to claim your other disabilities and get ratings for all them at once?

That blows..

Jeep Freak · Apr 19, 2012

Yes, I was under the Legacy (DES) program. I filed under the Quick Start for the VA which I was told would take 6 to 8 months. The VA recently told me 10 months and Lowandslowneon stated it took 11 months. I got 80% from the AF and since I couldn't get a job I filed for SSDI which I got for quickly. We were in the process of filing bankruptcy but stopped it after the SSDI came in. I really do think I will get 100% from the VA because I still have OSA (CPAP) but 90% will pay the bills. We are still losing about $1000 a month but I think we can hold off until March of 2013. I first fractured my back on Sept 2009. My PCM wanted to start a MEB in Nov of 2009 but I got him to hold off. Life really sucks going through this stuff but this is the process and the VA does not care if you can't pay your bills or support your family, they will get to you in time. Again not trying to one up anybody and I hope they (VA) get your packages done quickly.

Yes, I wish I were in the IDES.

NDBravehart84 · Apr 19, 2012

Ditto on being IDES........ I started this process JAN 09 after 18 month in Sadr City........ My PEBLO has my results back from PAD..... but I haven't been told what they said... I have to go to FT Knox to find out next month. I'm 90% TDRL and can't get in the "VA Line" until I come off terminal leave, which since I don't have any dates... I don't know when it that will be. :confused:

Oh I complain mostly to myself "especially here" because there's always someone whose is worse off then myself and they certanly don't need to add my challenges to theirs. When I'm feeling really frustrated and depressed I go to Wallmart on Sundays after church around 1300, I don't buy anything, I just walk around and watch people for an hour. It resets my head space and timing gear and as I leave, I again thank God for his Blessing. I know his Blessing are real after seeing how DISADVANTAGED I AM NOT. After that hour at Walmart, I remember what I still have and slowly put away the HOTLINE FOR HELP card that I carry in my pocket. :cool:

SGT Bob · Apr 23, 2012

Twiztid said:
And the accurateness of e-benefits is anything but accurate. I just got off the phone with the VA and they once again told me that E-ben's is, in no way, a dependable guage of where your claim is at in the process. I agree with michigan that there needs to be a centralized tracking system used by all services to access and track your completeness. A password/CAC controlled "sharepoint" would be one fine example that could be used for all of the IDES information to flow and be accessed. Anyone else need this soap-box bofore I put it away??

What I was trying to say is that we already have such a system in place...EBenefits. If they would just work to make it accurate and maintain it properly, we would all be kept up to date at all times.

sean6860 · Apr 23, 2012

NDBravehart84 said:
Ditto on being IDES........ I started this process JAN 09 after 18 month in Sadr City........ My PEBLO has my results back from PAD..... but I haven't been told what they said... I have to go to FT Knox to find out next month. I'm 90% TDRL and can't get in the "VA Line" until I come off terminal leave, which since I don't have any dates... I don't know when it that will be.

Oh I complain mostly to myself "especially here" because there's always someone whose is worse off then myself and they certanly don't need to add my challenges to theirs. When I'm feeling really frustrated and depressed I go to Wallmart on Sundays after church around 1300, I don't buy anything, I just walk around and watch people for an hour. It resets my head space and timing gear and as I leave, I again thank God for his Blessing. I know his Blessing are real after seeing how DISADVANTAGED I AM NOT. After that hour at Walmart, I remember what I still have and slowly put away the HOTLINE FOR HELP card that I carry in my pocket.

I do love the 'people of Walmart'

Jeep Freak · Apr 23, 2012

Yes, E-Benefit would be great if it worked.
Darn rednecks!
Oops, I forgot that my family are rednecks and we love Walmart.
Darn government workers!

birchtx · Apr 23, 2012

mhaynes15 said:
To All...

I understand that we all have different problems and scenarios in this life but it remains to be a constant drum beat of Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines, whatever, that constantly complain about how fast, or slow rather, this process is.

Of course the process isn't perfect. Could it be better? More than likely. But you cannot tell me that it aren't tired of service members constantly complaining about timeliness.

EVERYBODY has to go through the same process, there are no exceptions. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERSONAL ISSUES.

I disagree with your assessment...

First of all, this website provides great information to service members who are going through the MEB/PEB process. And yes, you are correct we are all going through the same process, but you have to understand that venting and talking about the process/disappointments/frustrations allows us to relieve some of the stress that comes with a major change occurring in our life. I don't have PTSD or any other mental conditions, but there are hundreds of people on here who do and they want and need to talk about their frustrations in order to get some sort of relief.

No one here is crying, and it's that attitude and belief that frustrates people. Who cares if someone is crying and in a rant on here, you don't have to read it nor post to it... These are difficult times for most people going through the system, and others outside the process do not understand. I'm not asking an insensitive person to be sensitive to others problems, but be a little more respectful for their concerns and/or personal issues.

mhaynes15 · Apr 23, 2012

birchtx said:
I disagree with your assessment...

First of all, this website provides great information to service members who are going through the MEB/PEB process. And yes, you are correct we are all going through the same process, but you have to understand that venting and talking about the process/disappointments/frustrations allows us to relieve some of the stress that comes with a major change occurring in our life. I don't have PTSD or any other mental conditions, but there are hundreds of people on here who do and they want and need to talk about their frustrations in order to get some sort of relief.

No one here is crying, and it's that attitude and belief that frustrates people. Who cares if someone is crying and in a rant on here, you don't have to read it nor post to it... These are difficult times for most people going through the system, and others outside the process do not understand. I'm not asking an insensitive person to be sensitive to others problems, but be a little more respectful for their concerns and/or personal issues.

Im just stating the fact that no one here was told that the MEB/PEB moves fast. I believe even the hand out that is given out concerning the IDES program states about 290-310 days to complete?

Its annoying and I don't understand why it takes THAT long but everyone was informed that it is a long long long process. I don't get why many service members act so surprised that its taking so long. We all know that these types of personnel actions take forever for the DoD to complete. I dislike how some service members going through this process don't appreciate the hard work of those who are doing their best to help us wounded warriors.

My point, I haven't ever read a post of how much good this program does for service members who were hurt in the Line of Duty. All I read is 'disappointed', 'Horrible', 'Outrage', 'BS'. Those words are mentioned when you have something bad happen to you. I don't think the MEB is designed to hurt you.

We volunteered to serve our country.

nwlivewire · Apr 23, 2012

pulling my hair out....

rolling on the floor....

getting out my Kool-Aid.....

Blessed are those with eyes which which to see and ears with which to hear.......

(and a heart to go with it).....

Go Army!

v/r,
nwlivewire

Loethar78 · Apr 24, 2012

maparker said:
Worry more about the correctness of the MEB/PEB rather than how long it takes. A bad MEB/PEB will affect you and yours for a lifetime.

Mike

i concur with this statement. my incorrect decision has affected me in the last almost 11 years and continues to do so more as time goes by.

Jeep Freak · Apr 24, 2012

Not to cause more issues but complaining accomplishes nothing. I have yet to find or hear from someone that enjoyed going through this process or felt it worked perfectly. I've spent enough time in the military (over 30 yrs) and working for/with Gov employees (watch the news, these are not isolated occurance) to know how things work so again no surprise. It was in the news about the MEB process last week and their answer was to do the easy ones first so that their numbers looked better. Common sense seems that those are the people who should be able to work. The people with a lot of issues or major issues might not be able to work. Sounds like a good plan? Who are they trying to help? Their plan (VA) is to get everyone processed in under 125 days (close if not the currect number) and they only get about 32% of them done in that time frame. It does no good to sit here and complain unless we unite and take it to the people who can change this and even then I don't think anything will happen. Look at how they want to cut back on the military and branding everyone who served in a war zone as a potential terriorist. As in every process, it takes time and their are a lot of people going through this process. Go ahead and complain and I will either agree with you or sit hear and laugh about your comments, I'm trying hard not to put anyone down. Personnally I still want to get a job but with the current outlook here in the US and my health, its not going to happen. I can't even get anyone to talk to me about what I might be able to do until the VA comes back and I'm under the legacy program so who knows when that will happen. I am going to bring this up with my congressman in the near future, not for myself because I don't think it will help but for those who follow. Reality is, there is a better way and the IDES was a step in the right direction. The best thing you can do for yourself is to relax, stay low, and try to get through this without putting a target on yourself. Yes, My last year or more in the AF was pure h*** so I do have a understanding of what you might be going through with PT test, work, commanders....

nwlivewire · Apr 24, 2012

Jeep Freak said:
Not to cause more issues but complaining accomplishes nothing. I have yet to find or hear from someone that enjoyed going through this process or felt it worked perfectly. I've spent enough time in the military (over 30 yrs) and working for/with Gov employees (watch the news, these are not isolated occurance) to know how things work so again no surprise. It was in the news about the MEB process last week and their answer was to do the easy ones first so that their numbers looked better. Common sense seems that those are the people who should be able to work. The people with a lot of issues or major issues might not be able to work. Sounds like a good plan? Who are they trying to help? Their plan (VA) is to get everyone processed in under 125 days (close if not the currect number) and they only get about 32% of them done in that time frame. It does no good to sit here and complain unless we unite and take it to the people who can change this and even then I don't think anything will happen. Look at how they want to cut back on the military and branding everyone who served in a war zone as a potential terriorist. As in every process, it takes time and their are a lot of people going through this process. Go ahead and complain and I will either agree with you or sit hear and laugh about your comments, I'm trying hard not to put anyone down. Personnally I still want to get a job but with the current outlook here in the US and my health, its not going to happen. I can't even get anyone to talk to me about what I might be able to do until the VA comes back and I'm under the legacy program so who knows when that will happen. I am going to bring this up with my congressman in the near future, not for myself because I don't think it will help but for those who follow. Reality is, there is a better way and the IDES was a step in the right direction. The best thing you can do for yourself is to relax, stay low, and try to get through this without putting a target on yourself. Yes, My last year or more in the AF was pure h*** so I do have a understanding of what you might be going through with PT test, work, commanders....

Dear Jeep Freak:

I, too, have many years of service (Army/Navy/Reserves/NG). Complaining can be a valid avenue of approach. Done EFFECTIVELY, it makes the points that there are institutional/systemic issues that need correction. Freedom of speech and our written words are powerfull swords we, as individuals, can wield.

I'm all for uniting SM to work toward improvement and change. IAVA/SWAN and many other older, more established VET orgs are in this fight. Individuals like Jason and maparker and so many others are also in this fight. It seems like the personal can become the political.... for change. And it begins with US.

Change is slow.... My great-great Grandfather lost one of his eyeballs in a Civil War battle. Wonder he didn't die from infections back then, but he lived into his early 100's. The War Department finally awarded him $10.00 per month for the loss of his eyeball (direct combat) when he was in his 80's!

Only took almost 60 years until he was compensated. But the push for compensation for Civil War injuries had been ongoing from not only surviving VETs, but from their families and women-folk, too. United - YES.

Hopefully, it won't take 60 years this time for basic changes to occur.

And yes, while "We've come a long way, Baby", there is still many a row to hoe.

And the work begins with us weilding our voices and pens.

v/r,
nwlivewire

77617761pdh · May 3, 2012

birchtx said:
I disagree with your assessment...

First of all, this website provides great information to service members who are going through the MEB/PEB process. And yes, you are correct we are all going through the same process, but you have to understand that venting and talking about the process/disappointments/frustrations allows us to relieve some of the stress that comes with a major change occurring in our life. I don't have PTSD or any other mental conditions, but there are hundreds of people on here who do and they want and need to talk about their frustrations in order to get some sort of relief.

No one here is crying, and it's that attitude and belief that frustrates people. Who cares if someone is crying and in a rant on here, you don't have to read it nor post to it... These are difficult times for most people going through the system, and others outside the process do not understand. I'm not asking an insensitive person to be sensitive to others problems, but be a little more respectful for their concerns and/or personal issues.

Thank you for writing what I was thinking (but couldn't put it into words). I don't care if some folks see my posts as complaining....the bottom line is Congress has set-up timeline guidance......and damnit, the timelines aren't being adhered to. I think it is GREAT that SMs are complaining. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Plus, without airing our concerns, nothing would ever change in the future. Change is good.....regardless if the military can keep up.

Don't insult me and say you are going to "go old school" on me either. That is just plain ignorant!