Indefinite TDRL

[johnny23]

Other than wanting to get cleared to go back Active Duty, can anyone tell me the benefit of requesting a TDRL status at a Formal Board?!! I called multiple numbers yesterday trying to get an update on my TDRL status and got three different answers from four different desks. Some of my civilian healthcare appointments are solely for the anticipation of my TDRL evaluation. Someone at Randolph AFB told me I would have to be contacted (12-15 mo.) and orders would be cut once they could schedule the same appointments at the closest military clinic! Another at the same office said I "should" be able to submit civilan documentation when requested, but there is no way to tell a timeframe because of how backed up the entire system is.

Unless servicemen/women have a terminal illness, seems their condition would show SOME kind of improvement over time. Whether it's a broken leg or Cancer, if someone is on a TDRL status for years, isn't it likely their benefits will only decrease by the time they have a final decision???

If subject to a MEB: my advice is to study up appropriate medical regs. If you want to continue service, find out how long and what it will take to be cleared for duty. Follow up with the medical unit and get it in writing if you have to. If no one can answer the questions or your condition will always cause restrictions with a military status, I would opt for putting all your cards on the table at a board. (Considering someone isn't undergoing ongoing care.) At least something permanent from a Formal board will allow you to get on with your life, stuck in the system with a condition you will not be cleared from only has the likelyhood for an adverse affect on your health and/or lessening your benefits.

Whether the Commander's letter states it or not, I wish those at the Boards would consider the restrictions the members are put on from their units for travel, training, and ultimately promotion while stuck in the medical hoopla. I have seen many that were on a medical profile and didn't know it, let alone, how to be cleared from it!!!!

Stay your own advocates and goodluck to all my Brothers and Sisters!

 

[carnelli53]

Being placed on the TDRL or PDRL has much less to do with the fact that a member may request placement on either/or and a lot more to do with the stability of their unfitting conditions. TDRL is designed to allow the government to lower a rating and possibly return a member to duty if they get better or allow the member to receive a higher rating with eventual placement on the PDRL if their condition becomes worse over time.

The term 'indefinite TDRL' does not really mean anything. There has been a case I read on this forum where a TDRL member 'slipped through the cracks' and was on the TDRL for almost a decade. The law limits the length of time a member can remain on TDRL at 5 years.

 

[AFPEBLO]

Unless servicemen/women have a terminal illness, seems their condition would show SOME kind of improvement over time. Whether it's a broken leg or Cancer, if someone is on a TDRL status for years, isn't it likely their benefits will only decrease by the time they have a final decision???

Not necessarily.

The GAO did a study in 2008 that showed 59% of TDRL cases are moved to PDRL. They also found the average time on TDRL is 3 years.

 

[johnny23]

I apologize, this original post was out of frustration. Some of the intended sarcasim may have been misunderstood. As an AGR it's always been up to me on what specialists to see and exactly how to request the appropriate paperwork for the military. Much of my response has to do with my experience of not having direct military resources (active duty base/milt. Docs).

From my conversations with Randolph, I guess I'll just have to wait it out. Seems like certain situations would justify a TDRL review or board early. I could get some paperwork from the Onocologist if I only knew what it needed to say or had a good POC. I was placed on the TDRL in April, but I have spent the past two years of medical appointments worrying about what language the AF and ANG may need in the office notes, ect. Past time to focus on my health/ life after the military and not have to always be stressed about the continuing legal process.

As always, thanks for everyone's input.