HELP!! Suggestions???

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bleacherspy

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Okay...I think I know the answer by reading through the boards but I want to confirm what I am thinking and ask a question or two to tap into the knowledge base on here...

Situation: 19yr 2 months of service in the Navy. Type II/neurologic DCS injury in a combat related exercise in Nov 2012. Administratively moved from one billet to another due to injuries and the community hoping I would get better and be able to come back. After over a year, I still have not made it back medically and physically and as of today still not able to work/drive but continue therapy and doctors visits. Docs all over not sure what is still wrong with my brain... Docs are now starting to talk MEB and medical retirement. Not sure how much of a rating I will get because the medical community is so unsure about what is going on with me.

Question(s) #1: I am in the window to submit regular retirement... should I submit the paperwork and try to retire regularly or should I allow the MEB process to start? Push to start the MEB process in a few months and hope it takes until I get over 20 to complete?

Question #2: We need to move closer to family so that we can utilize their help with me and the kids. One year of my wife being the only driver is starting to cause problems because we have no other help at our current duty station. Are there any ways the Navy can move me and my family close to home NOW while I wait on and complete the MEB if it happens? Anyone done this?

Thanks for your insight!
 
I would think that being at 19 years and 2 months you would easily be at 20 years before it's all done.. I would submit your regular retirement and start your va claim process..this way you can max out your va and also receive your retirement. that's just me talking..i'm at 14 years (also navy) and wish i could make my 50% retirement along with VA..It's not a quick process..You would at a minimum be on terminal leave before the process was complete..
 
If you condition is combat related and you are medically retired, you retirement will be tax free. Plus your TRICARE premiums and retirement COLA increases are better protected as a chapter 61 retirees. You VA will be worked simultaneously under the IDES.

I think a chapter 61 retirement is your best option if you can make it to 20.

What makes you think the condition is combat related? Just because it happen during a combat related exercise does not make it combat related. What exactly were you doing that caused the injury?

Mike
 
if they start the MEB in a month or two, you will reach 20, in fact you will likely go over 20, this gives you concurrent receipt. if you push the button now, and file for BDD, you may be waiting up to a year or more before you start receiving benefits from the VA (you will still be getting your normal DoD retirement etc), your best bet is to let the MEB start, there are several ways to lengthen the process if necessary. just none to shorten it lol.

there are programs to move you while waiting discharge, but the MEB has to run to at least the point where you are found unfit for duty etc. before you are eligible to apply, each service handles it differently however and you can look into them. (typically called home awaiting discharge or home awaiting orders etc.) i think in your case the navy safeharbour program would be your first reading room to visit besides this site.
 
maparker said:
What makes you think the condition is combat related? Just because it happen during a combat related exercise does not make it combat related. What exactly were you doing that caused the injury?

Mike
Click to expand...

Thanks all! Keep the thoughts and suggestions coming please.

Mike - I was performing hazardous service (flight duty) at the time of the incident and that hazardous service directly caused the injury. The accident also occured while simulating war.

I am only assuming I will qualify because of that. Also have to cross the 20yr barrier too as I understand it. If so then I guess I have to get smart on CRSC and CRDP.
 
re-attack....

So the Navy has not done anything with me since my last post. I will be at 19+6 years next week.

My Situation for review: Type II/neurologic DCS injury during hazardous duty while performing in a combat related exercise in Nov 2012. Administratively moved from one billet to another due to injuries and medical problems. I still have not made it back to work because of my medical and physical problems. I do not go to work each day and do not drive. Continue therapy weekly.

I have never been placed on LIMDU during the entire process. My Docs are now starting to talk IPEB and MEB again as a process toward medical retirement. I am pretty sure the process will start within the next two months. My goal is to obviously get to 20 years so I gurantee a 50% retirment and am hopefully eligible for CRDP and CRSC. If the process get me more than 50% then great.

Does anyone have a document that shows each step in the process?

I want to make sure the process takes as long as possible to make sure I get to 20 and/or go over. Does anyone have a document that shows how to drag the process out? Details how many days you have to respond to things?

Do they have to put me on LIMDU at least once to start the board?

So many questions... please help again!!
 
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