I have officially started the MEB/PEB process. I am a national guard soldier. I injured my back in Iraq and had surgery Dec, 2010, fusion with hardware. Since then, I have been issued a P3 perm profile and have been on Incap pay. I have 17 good yrs and 19 for pay.
I have been (2 weeks ago) been awarded my claims from the VA that were filed right after the surgery. 10% for radicuiopathy for each leg, 20% for "back strain", and 10% for adjustment disorder with depressed mood (filed a NOD because I take ambien and trazadone to try and get sleep)). 40% SC with VA math. I do still have a claim out for PTSD but since I had a NOD for the adjustment disorder, they won't decide the PTSD claim until the NOD is addressed even though I did the C+P in June for PTSD.
In June I had the C+P exams for the back, legs, and PTSD.
Now my PEBLO has called, and gave me the orientation ppt. The VA person called and asked if I wanted to just use the recent VA C+P exams instead of getting new ones. This is the question. My ratings (not including mental health) are correct. The 10+10+20 are accurate except the 20% could be 40% for the "lumbar strain" on most days.
Being 40% and going for chapter 61 retirement, is doing the exams all over again the correct thing to do? The Army will rate back and legs as separate disabilities? What are the chances that another C+P doc will say..maybe..take away one 10% rating for one leg? I know if they follow the guidelines I am fine, but I have had C+p exams that were basically BS.
My MEB/PEB is for the back condition but VA lady said legs would be added because of their connection. Mental health rating wont be included?
Just being so close to the 30% cutoff for a chapter 61 retirement is making me nervous. I have perm restrictions (lifting, pulling, twisting) and have told by my VA surgeon that my back now requires sedentary work. I am now in voc rehab and going back to school.
Hope I gave enough info, any input is appreicated.
I have been (2 weeks ago) been awarded my claims from the VA that were filed right after the surgery. 10% for radicuiopathy for each leg, 20% for "back strain", and 10% for adjustment disorder with depressed mood (filed a NOD because I take ambien and trazadone to try and get sleep)). 40% SC with VA math. I do still have a claim out for PTSD but since I had a NOD for the adjustment disorder, they won't decide the PTSD claim until the NOD is addressed even though I did the C+P in June for PTSD.
In June I had the C+P exams for the back, legs, and PTSD.
Now my PEBLO has called, and gave me the orientation ppt. The VA person called and asked if I wanted to just use the recent VA C+P exams instead of getting new ones. This is the question. My ratings (not including mental health) are correct. The 10+10+20 are accurate except the 20% could be 40% for the "lumbar strain" on most days.
Being 40% and going for chapter 61 retirement, is doing the exams all over again the correct thing to do? The Army will rate back and legs as separate disabilities? What are the chances that another C+P doc will say..maybe..take away one 10% rating for one leg? I know if they follow the guidelines I am fine, but I have had C+p exams that were basically BS.
My MEB/PEB is for the back condition but VA lady said legs would be added because of their connection. Mental health rating wont be included?
Just being so close to the 30% cutoff for a chapter 61 retirement is making me nervous. I have perm restrictions (lifting, pulling, twisting) and have told by my VA surgeon that my back now requires sedentary work. I am now in voc rehab and going back to school.
Hope I gave enough info, any input is appreicated.