Narcolepsy

U

urbantiger

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hello
I am trying to stay in the AF I was security forces but I have
Narcolepsy and even though it is without cataplexy and controlled extremely
Well with provigul I am still MeD/peb board. Trying to convince for a retention possible reclass. Any advice would be awesome or direction to take in this matter!!!
 
It nice meet you. The only advice I can give is to learn as much as you can about you condition and the MEB process. Read your AFIs. Best of luck to you.
 
I was in the Navy and I did get out on a med board for Narcolepsy. My recommendation would be for your command to write a positive NMA and state that your disorder does not interfere with your ability to do your job. My first NMA was written more like an award, and stressed how well I do my job and how good of an LPO I was. They found me fit the first time. I did ask for another NMA that stated my limitations and how my department was affected by my limitations, and the PEB found me unfit the second time. I requested the second NMA because I have Narcolepsy with Cataplexy and the limitations that were placed on me because of the disorder and the medication I started taking (Xyreme) greatly effected my undermanned department and my military career. If I continued on the medication I would always be limited duty (nondeployable, 8 hour work day-shift only, etc). I did not want to give up the medication because it has completely changed my life in a positive way. The NMA has a huge effect on the PEBs decision.
 
Though it is hard to get a fit finding with these types of conditions, I have had a notable success with a fit finding in a case where the member had good medication control of the condition, relatively few episodes, and had symptoms before any attacks that would allow him to be aware (e.g., there were no sudden episodes, they were always pre-dated by warning signs). This greatly mitigated the risk to the member, mission, and others. I would think that to the extent you could document similar circumstances, you may get the outcome you desire. Best of luck!
 
Jason,
I had a question I am not sure if you would be able to help, but worth a shot. As I stand now I am going to the Formal Board. I have hired an attorney who deals with these types of cases, and says I have a good case built for me. However, he states it is in my best interest to have a re-class built up ahead of time approved by chain of command... For the last 6 months I have been working Personal and built a good reputation, however since this was not my original class (SF was) it's a bit difficult to go knocking on the colonels door asking him to support me ... It is not that easy, and I do not need to piss any one off right now. Do you have any suggestions as far as what I could do? I tried talking to my leadership but, they all say the same thing,it's a waiting came, but I do not have time to sit and wait....
 
Jason,
I had a question I am not sure if you would be able to help, but worth a shot. As I stand now I am going to the Formal Board. I have hired an attorney who deals with these types of cases, and says I have a good case built for me. However, he states it is in my best interest to have a re-class built up ahead of time approved by chain of command... For the last 6 months I have been working Personal and built a good reputation, however since this was not my original class (SF was) it's a bit difficult to go knocking on the colonels door asking him to support me ... It is not that easy, and I do not need to piss any one off right now. Do you have any suggestions as far as what I could do? I tried talking to my leadership but, they all say the same thing,it's a waiting came, but I do not have time to sit and wait....
 
I am somewhat confused by the strategy...you should be boarded against your current AFSC. Unless you were to reclass before the PEB convenes, I don't see how this would help you (and I don't think you could do so, anyway). Board happens, you are fit or unfit. If fit, (that is what I understand you want), then you are good to go. If unfit, then your going to be separated or retired unless you can get a LAS approval. It is unlikely you will be able to reclass before your FPEB (per AFI 36-2626, the MPF must check retraining packets: "3.3.1.5.1. Ensures the applicant meets the medical qualifications and physical profile outlined in AFMAN 36-2108, and the On-Line Retraining Advisory. The local medical facility validates the medical requirements. The retraining application must include all supporting medical documentation."- I don't see how you would meet retraining requirements with your condition and while in the MEB/PEB process).
 
I would get a letter from my doctor stating it is controlled with medication. I was boarded for narcolepsy also; just didn't want to be a hindrance for the organization and my other service members. Though can be controlled it still some what of a safety issue for yourself and others.
 
I don't consider it a safety issue, never noticed it even without meds, there are many people I work with who fall asleep on the job not having narcolepsy. Doctors are just looking to out process, the more paperwork they need to do the more likely they are not going to help
 
I
I ag
Jason said:
I am somewhat confused by the strategy...you should be boarded against your current AFSC. Unless you were to reclass before the PEB convenes, I don't see how this would help you (and I don't think you could do so, anyway). Board happens, you are fit or unfit. If fit, (that is what I understand you want), then you are good to go. If unfit, then your going to be separated or retired unless you can get a LAS approval. It is unlikely you will be able to reclass before your FPEB (per AFI 36-2626, the MPF must check retraining packets: "3.3.1.5.1. Ensures the applicant meets the medical qualifications and physical profile outlined in AFMAN 36-2108, and the On-Line Retraining Advisory. The local medical facility validates the medical requirements. The retraining application must include all supporting medical documentation."- I don't see how you would meet retraining requirements with your condition and while in the MEB/PEB process).
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I agree, I think the attorney just wants me to have some one on board before the FPEB that would say that they would take me into there training... which doesn't make much sense to me either, this is just my attorney's "grand advice" hopefully hiring this attorney didnt screw me completely : )
 
Well, the PEB should probably technically not consider this argument...if found fit, that is the end of the story from the PEB/ HQ DPAMM's point of view and then they can't force you to retrain. I guess I can see the idea behind this, but don't think it would work. I tend to think your two options are to argue the fitness and stack up as much evidence as you can to show this OR take a hard look at reality and see if the fitness argument has any legs. If so, then continue to march with that argument. But, if not, then you really should be looking at any options to get you to a retirement finding (though, the LAS application is another separate issue to consider; not sure how you might be situated in regards to strength of any LAS finding).

I hate to try to second-guess any attorneys advice without knowing what is in the case file and all the facts. Maybe there is something I don't know to change the analysis.

I hope it all goes well for you whatever the case may be. Good luck!
 
urbantiger said:
I don't consider it a safety issue, never noticed it even without meds, there are many people I work with who fall asleep on the job not having narcolepsy. Doctors are just looking to out process, the more paperwork they need to do the more likely they are not going to help
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This is the same garbage I have listened to for years. I am lucky. I am a SSG and most people respect me and don't lump me into the "problem soliders." But I read a post that Jason wrote a while back that spoke about the low low percentage of malingerers.

Now as for Narcolepsy; if someone has it, then it will be identified with a Multiple Sleep Latency Test. If someone has it than it is incomprehensible for someone who doesn't have it to understand their fatigue or hardship. I do not try to downplay MS or LUPUS or RA, but for some reason people (my mother included) try to tell me to get more sleep to deal with my Narcolepsy; or to eat more fiber to deal with my Crohn's Disease. Sadly it is laughable.

Yes, some people are tired, but I am sure that their license has not been taken and they do not have to take a drug which is basically legal speed just to function. Be careful with what you say.
 
Narcolepsy is an invisible sickness!! Which most of the time can also lead to depression! When you have Narcolepsy it doesn't matter how much you sleep!

You are correct on the legal speed issue and also correct people that dont understand it think when you state your tire you just are tired (not exhausted).

If I were you I would consider getting out because the reality the drugs most of the time make it worse. For example I take 80mg of Addrell a day, so some days are good and some are bad. Why put yourself through that! You served now go on to another chapter in your life.

Honestly, it ONLY takes one time to injury someone else or yourself.
 
Im on a medication called Xyrem, It helps with the sleep paralysis a lot but still tired through out the day. My unit is very understanding with the situation (letting me sleep at my desk). My doctor told me there was no way I was staying in though.
 
Make sure you focus on the fatigue when you go through the board. This is what they will be looking at or should I say centering on.
 
Im already going through it, its very nerve wrecking..lol. Im just waiting to sign/review my NARSUM...
 
John Bittner said:
This is the same garbage I have listened to for years. I am lucky. I am a SSG and most people respect me and don't lump me into the "problem soliders." But I read a post that Jason wrote a while back that spoke about the low low percentage of malingerers.

Now as for Narcolepsy; if someone has it, then it will be identified with a Multiple Sleep Latency Test. If someone has it than it is incomprehensible for someone who doesn't have it to understand their fatigue or hardship. I do not try to downplay MS or LUPUS or RA, but for some reason people (my mother included) try to tell me to get more sleep to deal with my Narcolepsy; or to eat more fiber to deal with my Crohn's Disease. Sadly it is laughable.

Yes, some people are tired, but I am sure that their license has not been taken and they do not have to take a drug which is basically legal speed just to function. Be careful with what you say.
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It is sad, because for most people an out it an out, or they try to fight for VA benefits. This is not the case, I would love to serve my country, put me on a plane tomorrow shit I will go to Afghanistan. But, it's unfortunate that something so controlled and someone so dedicated is being kicked out. I have narcolepsy, but I do not see it as an interference, I run marathons and take a medication once a day to fight my condition, I go above and beyond daily even in this shit storm I fight to be better and not some dirt bag person to get out. It is just a shame.
 
urbantiger said:
It is sad, because for most people an out it an out, ... I go above and beyond daily even in this shit storm I fight to be better and not some dirt bag person to get out. It is just a shame.
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an out it an out...? what does that even mean, is that a grammatical error. I am sorry if I offended you, I just ... I can't stand people downplaying some of this stuff. Yes, that is awesome that you can run marathon's. There is a woman who raised money for "wake up narcolepsy" who ran the boston marathon, (awesome!!) Hey if you can serve, awesome!! But it does not help anyone to downplay narcolepsy or anything else. I frankly think it is crazy the amount of guys that get diagnosed with narcolepsy and are still able to carry and fire their weapon without even having a maintenance wakefulness test performed. I just think that downplaying conditions that interferes with consciousness is ill-advised and dangerous.
 
I would agree with John aside from pointing out the grammatical error.

My own assessment: Honorable to serve your country and if you served at least one day you did more than most. At the end of the day when you are out of the military no one is going to be concerned about your well being (just a fact). If you have something that affects you like (narcolepsy) don't fight it and just concur with it. Remember this is out of your control. You did not run like a DRAFT dodger, think about yourself and/or your family. In the end no one cares how your going keep the lights on.
 
Guiret28 said:
I was in the Navy and I did get out on a med board for Narcolepsy. My recommendation would be for your command to write a positive NMA and state that your disorder does not interfere with your ability to do your job. My first NMA was written more like an award, and stressed how well I do my job and how good of an LPO I was. They found me fit the first time. I did ask for another NMA that stated my limitations and how my department was affected by my limitations, and the PEB found me unfit the second time. I requested the second NMA because I have Narcolepsy with Cataplexy and the limitations that were placed on me because of the disorder and the medication I started taking (Xyreme) greatly effected my undermanned department and my military career. If I continued on the medication I would always be limited duty (nondeployable, 8 hour work day-shift only, etc). I did not want to give up the medication because it has completely changed my life in a positive way. The NMA has a huge effect on the PEBs decision.
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Out of curiosity, if you don't mind sharing, what % did the VA give you for Narcolepsy w/ Cataplexy? I might be facing the same thing (might need a PEB) and just curious about the percentages- did you get more than 10%?
 
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