Introduction - My Situation

[Bamcis]

Good morning,

I am a reservist with a total of 18 years of time in service. During a recent deployment, I started experiencing severe lower leg cramps and was later diagnosed with compartment syndrome after returning. I have been receiving treatment since 2022 and recently completed my second surgery.

I have just been referred to the Medical Evaluation Board, and I have some questions:

1. Am I under this strict 1 day timelines with submitting the initial paperwork for the MEB? I’ve reached out to my PEBLO and the lawyer assigned to my case, but I have not received a response yet. I do not want to sign anything until some of my concerns are addressed. I am currently still fighting to have over $18k in medical bills paid because the LOD-B process is a mess.

2. As a reservist, my physician says he can only refer me for what's listed on my Line of Duty, which is compartment syndrome. Since my first surgery, I’ve had severe nerve damage in my right leg, an infection that has caused deformity in that leg, peroneal nerve damage in my left leg, and significant mental health issues since returning from deployment. All of this has been documented with my physician at the MTF, but my NRC says that updating the LOD to include these conditions could take months.

3. Are reservists able to be placed on orders for the initial MEB process, especially for appointments? My civilian employer is being difficult in accommodating my situation.

4. LDES vs. IDES – I am currently rated at 100% with the VA, including ratings for sleep apnea, 30% for each leg for compartment syndrome, hearing loss, tinnitus, and several conditions rated at 0%. Many people have recommended I go with IDES, but suggest not to submit new claims to the VA. However, I’ve heard there can be issues with this approach. What are the potential risks?

Last - Long COVID - I recently was diagnosed with long covid symptoms via the VA. My only case of COVID was when I was in my pre-mob training. I have had chronic cough and extreme case of brain fog. Has anyone has experience with adding this to referred conditions?

Thank you for any guidance!

 

[aviationeast]

4. The potential risks are the Va rerates your static conditions and lowers your VA rating to below 100%. You can have your IDES CA C&P exams marked for military MEB ratings only. But that means you cannot add any conditions yourself.

 

[Bamcis]

4. The potential risks are the Va rerates your static conditions and lowers your VA rating to below 100%. You can have your IDES CA C&P exams marked for military MEB ratings only. But that means you cannot add any conditions yourself.

Thanks for the input

 

[Provis]

Good morning,

I am a reservist with a total of 18 years of time in service. During a recent deployment, I started experiencing severe lower leg cramps and was later diagnosed with compartment syndrome after returning. I have been receiving treatment since 2022 and recently completed my second surgery.

I have just been referred to the Medical Evaluation Board, and I have some questions:

1. Am I under this strict 1 day timelines with submitting the initial paperwork for the MEB? I’ve reached out to my PEBLO and the lawyer assigned to my case, but I have not received a response yet. I do not want to sign anything until some of my concerns are addressed. I am currently still fighting to have over $18k in medical bills paid because the LOD-B process is a mess.

2. As a reservist, my physician says he can only refer me for what's listed on my Line of Duty, which is compartment syndrome. Since my first surgery, I’ve had severe nerve damage in my right leg, an infection that has caused deformity in that leg, peroneal nerve damage in my left leg, and significant mental health issues since returning from deployment. All of this has been documented with my physician at the MTF, but my NRC says that updating the LOD to include these conditions could take months.

3. Are reservists able to be placed on orders for the initial MEB process, especially for appointments? My civilian employer is being difficult in accommodating my situation.

4. LDES vs. IDES – I am currently rated at 100% with the VA, including ratings for sleep apnea, 30% for each leg for compartment syndrome, hearing loss, tinnitus, and several conditions rated at 0%. Many people have recommended I go with IDES, but suggest not to submit new claims to the VA. However, I’ve heard there can be issues with this approach. What are the potential risks?

Last - Long COVID - I recently was diagnosed with long covid symptoms via the VA. My only case of COVID was when I was in my pre-mob training. I have had chronic cough and extreme case of brain fog. Has anyone has experience with adding this to referred conditions?

Thank you for any guidance!

1. Follow your instructions. If they ask for paperwork then fill it out as soon as possible. Paperwork for MEB has absolutely nothing to do with getting paid for medical bills that should be covered by LOD.

2. That is correct. However, you can add other conditions as unfitting later on in the process. You can argue that point at each stage such as NARSUM and FPEB etc.

3. If you are referred to IDES with LOD they should be able to call you up and put you on active duty orders.

4. LDES sucks. If your branch wants to rate you 10% when the VA rates the same condition 70% they can do it because LDES does not require the PEB to use the same ratings as the VA. Go IDES. I you are really worried about your ratings you can choose in the comments to only be rated for DOD purposes.

5. Not asked but tell everyone anyway... in my opinion if you want the best chance to get the best result hire dedicated private IDES representation. My wife hired her attorney before her fit for duty exam because she knew she was being kicked out due to heath reasons. She had 20 good years and 17AFS since most of her time in was active duty. They aren't cheap but they do make a big difference. That gave her peace of mind and she got a better outcome than expected. I will send you references.