Hi there. I'm not too far into the process of a med board for mental health conditions (GAD, ADHD, PTSD) and am at first trimester in a pregnancy as well. I am having an extremely difficult time sustaining job performance for a number of mental and physical reasons, and was wondering if anybody has any knowledge about what happens if a person tries to initiate a voluntary separation (for pregnancy) in the midst of a med board? I haven't been able to find any regulations concerning this -- only involuntary/court martial related separations in conjunction with a med board. Any help is appreciated.
MEB + Pregnancy Voluntary Separation?
- Thread starter clementines
- Start date
The process isn't very quick so you may not get out any faster than MEB. I assume you mean IDES and not code 31. If code 37 and in MEB/IDES process I strongly recommend trying to see it through. Finishing may lead to a medical retirement. I know its hard but if you are already in IDES I would consider talking to a patient advocate, chaplain and any other resources to help you get through the IDES process.
There are lots of options to give you a break if you need it. Con leave is an option. You will also get 3mo maternity leave. Could also ask for intensive outpatient therapy which will get you out of work and possibly help your condition. If you just separate you will miss out on the potential medical retirement which could mean a pension for life and insurance.
I would be submitting the "pregnancy separation" option and ideally be out-processing within 3 months - I have no desire to stay in up to/past the birth. I've unfortunately had consecutive miscarriages, and stress is playing a large role in this decision, because I'd prefer to avoid another late term miscarriage. It'd be worth it to me to miss out on potential long term benefits when I'm honestly struggling a great deal to survive in the here and now. So just trying to learn if it's even possible.
I have never ran into someone that regretting gutting it out to get the compensation and benefits they have earned. However, I have met tons of people with regrets looking back on their lives that wished they had stuck it out. For most the entire IDES process is done withing 6-9 months.
I'm sorry to hear about your challenges. As others here have stated, staying with it is worth it on the face of the benefits you already earned. I understand you are measuring that against your pregnancy situation and that is up to you.
That said, have you considered speaking with mental health about a fully limiting P3 profile for mental health? I'm a part-timer in pre-IDES and my only order are to attend medical appointments as per my profile.
Good luck,
Dave
That said, have you considered speaking with mental health about a fully limiting P3 profile for mental health? I'm a part-timer in pre-IDES and my only order are to attend medical appointments as per my profile.
Good luck,
Dave
I haven't heard of this being an option. Unfortunately I'm in a minimally manned (middle manager) position with a lot of responsibility and unsupportive leadership, so I'm not sure how I can justify not doing my job - even when it's destroying me as a person and causing additional health problems. I feel very stuck between a rock and a hard place and I don't know how I'm going to ride out my time in the AF. Counseling and whatnot is helpful for when I'm not *at* my job, but that's a drop in the bucket comparatively.
I am code 37'd and awaiting the response of AFPC for full med board after my provider recently submitted my NARSUM. I find the IDES flow chart confusing to interpret, but am told at my base the process will take about a year. I just don't know if I can make it a year. My work stressors are immense and I have a low threshold for managing it.
It probably won’t take a year. Look at some of the other timelines and you’ll see. The AF can keep functioning without you. My IRILO decision was Feb and I’m already almost through the IPEB.
Also, I had the same feelings about being overwhelmed at work and worrying that nobody could do my job if I took a break. Then I did an intensive outpatient program which was SO GOOD FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH because I got tons of therapy and I got a long break from work. The AF will find a way without you so make sure you take care of yourself.
As others have asked can you get a profile to avoid work stressors? Maybe work from home for example? Once in code 37 you should be able to focus on your health for the most part. Remember if you can make it to the end with a 30% DOD rating or higher you are going to have Tricare insurance for you and your family. Also, with a medical retirement once your conditions are PDRL you have an income guaranteed for life regardless of how the VA rates you in the future.
I encourage you to find a way to get through IDES because I don't think you will save that much time between the 2 options and I would hate for you to be a in bad spot with healthcare and finances just to get out 3 or 4 months earlier than if you had stayed in IDES through the end. Between your leadership, and other resources there should be a path forward to complete the IDES process.
Respectfully, your response makes me believe you absolutely need to pursue a medical profile while you process through IDES.
We sometimes forget that while as individuals we are important to the system and our job at that moment, but we also must all be replaceable for the system to function. Doing my job correctly was to set my subordinates up for success as well as my replacement. Being indispensable is not that way in the military. I know that can be hard. And from your comments you have served and dedicated yourself as an ideal service member. Even if you are not there and they become shorthanded, it will be okay. I was told this from a COL some time ago, you have done your job and you have done enough. It's time to let go. I believe it may be your turn to hear that.
I suggest making a personal statement about your stressors both physically and mentally while especially mentioning your past history of pregnancy. Describe your worst times on paper as short and as best you can. Then take that to mental health. Discuss with them about a limiting medical profile while you go through this process and pregnancy. You will not be the first I promise. You can also alert your commander that you would like to see military mental health. That is not necessary as I understand that can be uncomfortable, but it could help. Definitely put that in writing if you do request that of your CMD. Paper trails will help you in the long run. Remember, at this stage it is about you, your pregnancy and your family. Those come first now. You served your country and did your job. The system will carry on without us which means we did our jobs.
Added after I replied - reread your first post. You mentioned being processed for mental health. If that is the case it is likely you have a medical profile already or should have one that triggered you to be in the MEB/PEB system. For the Army it is a DA 3349 P3 Profile. Take a look at that. Remember, if months from now after the investigative process they say you are medically retired, then that means it is also true today that you medically cannot continue to serve. It's okay to go on a limiting profile while you wait for the process.
I wish you the best no matter what path you take.
We sometimes forget that while as individuals we are important to the system and our job at that moment, but we also must all be replaceable for the system to function. Doing my job correctly was to set my subordinates up for success as well as my replacement. Being indispensable is not that way in the military. I know that can be hard. And from your comments you have served and dedicated yourself as an ideal service member. Even if you are not there and they become shorthanded, it will be okay. I was told this from a COL some time ago, you have done your job and you have done enough. It's time to let go. I believe it may be your turn to hear that.
I suggest making a personal statement about your stressors both physically and mentally while especially mentioning your past history of pregnancy. Describe your worst times on paper as short and as best you can. Then take that to mental health. Discuss with them about a limiting medical profile while you go through this process and pregnancy. You will not be the first I promise. You can also alert your commander that you would like to see military mental health. That is not necessary as I understand that can be uncomfortable, but it could help. Definitely put that in writing if you do request that of your CMD. Paper trails will help you in the long run. Remember, at this stage it is about you, your pregnancy and your family. Those come first now. You served your country and did your job. The system will carry on without us which means we did our jobs.
Added after I replied - reread your first post. You mentioned being processed for mental health. If that is the case it is likely you have a medical profile already or should have one that triggered you to be in the MEB/PEB system. For the Army it is a DA 3349 P3 Profile. Take a look at that. Remember, if months from now after the investigative process they say you are medically retired, then that means it is also true today that you medically cannot continue to serve. It's okay to go on a limiting profile while you wait for the process.
I wish you the best no matter what path you take.
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