Just got my ratings today. It feels like it has been a long process, but the actual MEB/PEB went pretty quickly.
My unfitting condition is Crohn's Disease, so if anyone has any questions about the process from an IBD perspective, please let me know.
At times it felt like my PEBLOs were not being helpful, but they really helped as much as they could and were rooting for me the whole time. There seems to be a lot that is left out in their system. For example, my unfitting decision did not show up until 30 Nov, but 5 Dec Ebenefits showed that the VA was already done with my claim and had processed it from 23-30 Nov. And the PEB decision on my DoD ratings is dated 1 Dec. So, either PEBLOs are not being given all the information, or my case went from not moving at all to speeding through the process.
Notes for Little Rock AFB. I found that all the health care professionals were very prompt and the local MEB happened within 24 hours of the C&P results coming in.
One piece of advice I have for those entering the process is before you meet with your doctor that will write the NARSUM, look up your condition in the ratings tables and get familiar with where you fall. You have lived with your condition more than any doctor and know it best. Use the wording from the tables when you speak with your doctor. This will make the process less stressful hopefully. The doctor will be more likely to use those statements instead of random ones that don't apply. The doctors, even the C&P doctors, usually don't look up the ratings stuff and are not familiar with the exact wording the board and raters are looking for. Make it easier on everyone and educate yourself and pass on that info.
These forums have really helped me during the waiting process and before when I was waiting for my condition to stabilize and anticipating the MEB/PEB. I feel much more informed and in control of the whole situation thanks to the advice and info given here.
My unfitting condition is Crohn's Disease, so if anyone has any questions about the process from an IBD perspective, please let me know.
At times it felt like my PEBLOs were not being helpful, but they really helped as much as they could and were rooting for me the whole time. There seems to be a lot that is left out in their system. For example, my unfitting decision did not show up until 30 Nov, but 5 Dec Ebenefits showed that the VA was already done with my claim and had processed it from 23-30 Nov. And the PEB decision on my DoD ratings is dated 1 Dec. So, either PEBLOs are not being given all the information, or my case went from not moving at all to speeding through the process.
Notes for Little Rock AFB. I found that all the health care professionals were very prompt and the local MEB happened within 24 hours of the C&P results coming in.
One piece of advice I have for those entering the process is before you meet with your doctor that will write the NARSUM, look up your condition in the ratings tables and get familiar with where you fall. You have lived with your condition more than any doctor and know it best. Use the wording from the tables when you speak with your doctor. This will make the process less stressful hopefully. The doctor will be more likely to use those statements instead of random ones that don't apply. The doctors, even the C&P doctors, usually don't look up the ratings stuff and are not familiar with the exact wording the board and raters are looking for. Make it easier on everyone and educate yourself and pass on that info.
These forums have really helped me during the waiting process and before when I was waiting for my condition to stabilize and anticipating the MEB/PEB. I feel much more informed and in control of the whole situation thanks to the advice and info given here.