Jerked around on getting a MEB

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PO2Carrels

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First off, let me just say I'm extremely glad this community exists. Just found it today and think it will help.

Been active duty in the Navy for the last 6 years.

Basically, my situation is that I fractured a vertebrae on deployment in 2011 and developed degenerative spondylolisthesis, arthritis, scoliosis, bone spurs, and two mostly desiccated discs in my lower back. Because of a second deployment and a PCS, it did not get fixed until July of 2014. I had my L-5, L-6, and S1 fused together (yes, I have an L-6) and am currently unable to perform a single sit up due to limited flexion, and I also cannot run. Hell, it hurts to bend over to wash my hands or tie my shoes. I'm no longer in pain walking though which is a huge improvement over my pre surgery limitations.

Needless to say, I've incurred a decent amount of PRT waivers. Well, my command has been telling me for the past year that I'd be getting a medboard. Yesterday I discovered it was never submitted and medical considers me fit for full duty and deployable. Other than my ability to do PRT's, I am capable of doing my current job since it's a desk job; but there's absolutely no way I should be considered deployable or fit for duty when looking at the big picture.

When I emailed my Senior Chief at medical, his response was:

"It is my understanding you are doing well and functional to do your job. You were release to full duty by your surgeon."

"IAW OPNAV 6110.1J, inability to perform the PRT is reason to ADSEP not MEB."

Needless to say, I don't view that as an acceptable resolution.

Steps I've taken so far have included requesting my medical record, contacting my SEL, and contacting my surgeon for a statement about my "fitness for duty."

Any advice you may have would be tremendously appreciated.
 
from what I have seen you don't have to many options since they consider you fit for full. my recommendation is to request a second opinion from ortho if you disagree and see what that doc tells you. and tell them about your limitations and see what he recommends. But remember you only have a 50% chance on this cause he could agree with the surgeon or he can recommend you be put on limdu and go into a medboard. but I could be wrong on all this as others will hopefully chime in with their experience and knowledge.
 
ordie4life said:
from what I have seen you don't have to many options since they consider you fit for full. my recommendation is to request a second opinion from ortho if you disagree and see what that doc tells you. and tell them about your limitations and see what he recommends. But remember you only have a 50% chance on this cause he could agree with the surgeon or he can recommend you be put on limdu and go into a medboard. but I could be wrong on all this as others will hopefully chime in with their experience and knowledge.
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I probably should have mentioned this but my surgeon absolutely does not consider me fit for full duty. He has previously stated that he expected I would be discharged.
 
Then have him put you on LIMDU also make sure it said SNM cannot sit for longer then X hours due to lower back pain. Or just flat out say to him I want a med board i cannot sit for x amount of hours and that is my job
 
Then have him put you on LIMDU also make sure it said SNM cannot sit for longer then X hours due to lower back pain. Or just flat out say to him I want a med board i cannot sit for x amount of hours and that is my job. Easy done
 
PO2Carrels said:
I probably should have mentioned this but my surgeon absolutely does not consider me fit for full duty. He has previously stated that he expected I would be discharged.
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If the surgeon doesn't consider you fit for full then who made you fit for full? the surgeon would be the only one that can make that decision since 1. you are under his care and 2. performed the surgery.
 
I would go back to him and have him put you on limdu like 0311elbow was saying and stating what your limitations are and why and how you cant perform your duties.
 
Are you enlisted? If so, you need to be able to move, shoot, and communicate effectively while in full gear. It doesn't matter if you're a desk jockey. In theater, you will need to be able to perform in this manner. From your case, the answer is a profound no, making you unfit for further military service. You need to get your surgeon to push for a MEB right now.
 
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