NARSUM incorrect info

Chem_SM

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
I was reading my NARSUM for the umpteenth time and every single time I read it it sound as if the doctors were not taking any of my issues very seriously. For instance, the doctor stated the obvious about my back but then in the next sentence stated has not been referred to any further pain management...in fact, I have been referred to both physical medicine and pain mgmt. Same thing with my migraines, doctor stated that I had tried a bunch of different meds that didn't work, then in the next breath states that it's not PMOS limiting (haven't done PMOS in years) and it's medically acceptable because no profiles, SM has not been referred to any further care specialist or something to that effect, once again I have been referred to neurology but apparently they are not accepting any new patients. I am now waiting on a referral to an off post neuro doc. This is really frustrating. UGH!!! Any ideas as to what to do next? When I questioned it to the doc or asked anything I was told an almost scripted line of, "I can't make anything up or make any new diagnosis, but whatever the MEB doesn't get the VA will"!!

I told him I had enough issues on the "list" I didn't need him to make up any new ones or even look for any new real ones. I just wanted to be properly examined and taken care of with the issues I already had. :confused::mad:

Does everyone go through these same type of problems? Am I just much more aware of things now that I am noticing all types of descrepancies? Are these "hidden" ways the MEB tries to "pass the buck" to the VA?

I have gone from being frustrated and somewhat confused to being down right angry and fed up with this system. I bet if you found 5 soldiers that were med boarded from here with a minimal 10% PEB rating, they would all be actually 30% or more.

It's like riding a lazy horse...kick all you want and you go virtually nowhere fast!!
 
Chem_SM,

Have you requested an Independent Medical Advisor? If not (and your case has not already gone off to the PEB) I would advise requesting an IMA as your next step. This is a function of your PEBLO so I would get with him/her and see how you can move forward in that regard.

While this potential action is more time consuming, it can pay off with a proper diagnosis and recommendation concerning your conditions.
 
I am currently in the same situation - MEB'd with a MEB doctor that couldn't be bothered to read my file. At the last minute, a surgeon found a condition that might be 100% responsible for major cranial neuralgia and got permission to operate. After 6 weeks, its a minor improvement but not the cure. The nexus of the problem is still flooring me everyday yet the updated NARSUM reads that I have 100% recovery and cure. No way was my post-operative medical notes read. I'd laugh if this wasnt' my health and future at stake.
Impartial review is the best way to go for a few reasons in my book. 1) fresh eyes, perhaps new thoughts 2) hopefully objective enough to keep both patient and doctor tracking in common sense 3) folks like us that battle debilitating pain everyday need every day we can get to draft up a rebuttal/appeal to the NARSUM.
Impartial review is 5 days, then we have 7 days to submit a rebuttal/appeal to the original NARSUM.
JAG officer is available to any Service Member facing the MEB/PEB process to assist in the drafting of a rebuttal to NARSUM, appeals, and PEBs (informal or formal). Don't forget to find your local American Legion rep, either. One where I am at is a wealth of experience!
Best of luck to you and don't accept less than accurate records and reasonable treatment recommendations. Sounds like you'll be a TDRL candidate.

[SIZE=-1]I shall not be deprived ... of a comfort in the worst event, if I retain a consciousness of having acted to the best of my judgment. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Colonel Bassett, Jun. 19, 1775[/SIZE]
 
I probably should of done this too but my MEB already kept me in germany a year past my DEROS and I wanted to see my family. My Narsum said "SM reached down to tie his shoe and demonstrated no pain" A: I was in a chair I didnt really have to bend and B: I was on heavy vicadin the last year of my enlistment.

I was insulted but never made a big deal of it. Now that my Va compensation decision came back and says "You experience no pain" I now know I should of had it changed. Apparently my medical records are null and void because some wanker said I don't have pain. Oh that and there feeding me meds for no pain... :) Good luck
 
AIbandit - I hear you there with the "insinuated comment". My PA wrote in my medical records "possible second agenda" just because he doesn't understand PAIN at all, or the nature of back injuries. I understand this PA sees soldiers at sick call who are at times faking to get out of PT or something, but how does someone fake for a year and a half; or like others for years. WTH!!! I just hate the fact that these people can put stuff like that in our records. Anways, hope all is well and let me know if you need help with anything.:cool:
 
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