New here and stuck in the PDBR processs

R

RKeller

New Member
Registered Member
I'm not even sure in whee to start with this. Been in the PDBR process for 2.5 years now with no end in sight.
Mailed Paperwork mid year 2017, received acknowledgement 11/17
Feb of 19 I received an email stating my case was transferred fro adjudication. Of course I have no clue what the are talking about.
May of 19 I requested a status or any info about the process. I was told that my case was waiting to be scheduled for the board.
Aug of 19 I reached out again for a status and found that my case was transferred to the Army for review and approval in July of 19.
Sep of 19 I reached out to the Army arba email and was told it could be another 18 months or more before my case is reviewed.

My questions are ; 1. Is it really taking more than 3.5 years to review a file? Hell, the reviewed my file in 2008 though the MEB process in 6 days and 30 days after that I was out of the Army. and 2. Is it a good thing that my file was sent to the Army for review and approval or do all files get sent for review?

11 years, 2 months active duty, MEB found me 20%, was rated by VA before I reached my adjusted ETS date at 90% and now at 100% P&T. Just trying to figure this process out or if it was even worth going through this process.

This process is ridiculous and there is no explanation for what is happening and there is no contact to reach out to and get an answer. I have read through many of the posts here and got more information than I have gotten anywhere else.

Thanks for any help and letting me rant.

Ray
 
I think most of us can agree the process is flawed. Hell, I don't even think it is a process considering I am 2.7 years in and still collecting records. keep in mind I have one disability that spans 1 year... not much to collect.

This morning I sent a message to one of the CA senators in hopes... well I don't know what else to do.
 
RKeller said:
I'm not even sure in whee to start with this. Been in the PDBR process for 2.5 years now with no end in sight.
Mailed Paperwork mid year 2017, received acknowledgement 11/17
Feb of 19 I received an email stating my case was transferred fro adjudication. Of course I have no clue what the are talking about.
May of 19 I requested a status or any info about the process. I was told that my case was waiting to be scheduled for the board.
Aug of 19 I reached out again for a status and found that my case was transferred to the Army for review and approval in July of 19.
Sep of 19 I reached out to the Army arba email and was told it could be another 18 months or more before my case is reviewed.

My questions are ; 1. Is it really taking more than 3.5 years to review a file? Hell, the reviewed my file in 2008 though the MEB process in 6 days and 30 days after that I was out of the Army. and 2. Is it a good thing that my file was sent to the Army for review and approval or do all files get sent for review?

11 years, 2 months active duty, MEB found me 20%, was rated by VA before I reached my adjusted ETS date at 90% and now at 100% P&T. Just trying to figure this process out or if it was even worth going through this process.

This process is ridiculous and there is no explanation for what is happening and there is no contact to reach out to and get an answer. I have read through many of the posts here and got more information than I have gotten anywhere else.

Thanks for any help and letting me rant.

Ray
Click to expand...


Good morning, and welcome to the Forum! I know the wait is terrible, it was for me, and it took around 2.5 years to get an answer. I do know that there is a Mr. Al that many on here have called at Army HRC. It is my understanding he is the Army point of Contact once it leaves the PDBR. Since that occured July/August, I would call the second I had his number. Give me a few minutes, and I will post it below. Best of luck!

John
 
I found Mr. Al for the Army, his contact info in another thread is quoted below. I believe he is the point of contact at the Army. It is my understanding from reading others, it goes to him at some point when it is forwarded to the Army by the PDBR. Good Luck!!!!
pbart77 said:
So I got good news yesterday, I called Al from Army HRC 1-877-577-3065 and he had my file on his desk. He needed a copy of my original orders, and the member-4 copy of my DD-214... because he was processing my 30% retirement... I am trying to hold the celebrations until I have it in writing, but I am encouraged. Funny thing is he stated that they have 120 days to respond, and that they were getting it done early... I assume he is correct, but I thought it was 45 days to decide, plus 10 days to notify...
Click to expand...
 
Hello family...
I call Mr Al today with no luck. Don’t stop fighting we deserve what is ours!
 
IN general, I do not know first hand, but I believe this: If MR. Al has received your packet, and you have left him a voice mail, he will get back to you. Hang in there. I believe he is the last to get your packet for processing before you get it. Hang in there and best of luck!
 
What option are you guys hitting when you call 877-577-3065 for Mr. Al, because I tried calling today for my wife's case and I was told it was an NCO handling the PDBR's and I got transferred to a full voice mail.
 
RKeller said:
I'm not even sure in whee to start with this. Been in the PDBR process for 2.5 years now with no end in sight.
Mailed Paperwork mid year 2017, received acknowledgement 11/17
Feb of 19 I received an email stating my case was transferred fro adjudication. Of course I have no clue what the are talking about.
May of 19 I requested a status or any info about the process. I was told that my case was waiting to be scheduled for the board.
Aug of 19 I reached out again for a status and found that my case was transferred to the Army for review and approval in July of 19.
Sep of 19 I reached out to the Army arba email and was told it could be another 18 months or more before my case is reviewed.

My questions are ; 1. Is it really taking more than 3.5 years to review a file? Hell, the reviewed my file in 2008 though the MEB process in 6 days and 30 days after that I was out of the Army. and 2. Is it a good thing that my file was sent to the Army for review and approval or do all files get sent for review?

11 years, 2 months active duty, MEB found me 20%, was rated by VA before I reached my adjusted ETS date at 90% and now at 100% P&T. Just trying to figure this process out or if it was even worth going through this process.

This process is ridiculous and there is no explanation for what is happening and there is no contact to reach out to and get an answer. I have read through many of the posts here and got more information than I have gotten anywhere else.

Thanks for any help and letting me rant.

Ray
Click to expand...
I'm in the same boat as you. I started in March of 2017 and recently found out that my packet was sent to the Army in July. I called HRC ("Mr. Al") last week to follow up but got a voicemail. I'm hoping for a call back but if he's too busy finishing up our packets then that's ok too . I'll keep updated.
 
My docket from 2017 was signed by PDBR 26 Jan and I am waiting for decision. Email below says up to 60 days before I hear something. I am AF so other timelines surely vary. The wait is a killer. Hope everyone the best of news when it finally arrives.

//email//
The final decision in your case was recently made and signed by the Director, Air Force Review Boards Agency and is going through the final processing phase. You should be receiving notification of the decision in your case in next 60-days.

If you do not receive notification in next 60-days please reach back to us.

Respectfully,
Physical Disability Board of Review
 
to the Army for review and approval in July of 19.
Sep of 19 I reached out to the Army arba email and was told it could be another 18 months or more before my case is reviewed.

My questions are ; 1. Is it really taking more than 3.5 years to review a file? Hell, the reviewed my file in 2008 though the MEB process in 6 days and 30 days after that I was out of the Army. and 2. Is it a good thing that my file was sent to the Army for review and approval or do all files get sent for review?

11 years, 2 months active duty, MEB found me 20%, was rated by VA before I reached my adjusted ETS date at 90% and now at 100% P&T. Just trying to figure this process out or if it was even worth going through this process.

This process is ridiculous and there is no explanation for what is happening and there is no contact to reach out to and get an answer. I have read through many of the posts heree rant.

Ray
[/QUOTE]

I’m going through the ABCMR myself And it’s different then the PDBR, however here is what I know and can share all the Boards of Corrections are backlogged in fact there is now a class action suit filed on behalf of NVSLP. Many like you and myself are at the 3 year mark thus far. I used the above number the other day and pressed 3 and they couldn’t help me but they did reach someone at ABCMR and they were advised my medical advisory has returned and my case has now went to the adjudication phase. I was told it was a good sign but I have received no mailings and no other information in fact I emailed the ARBA inquiry three times last week and nothing but radio silence. ABCMR told me that I’d get a copy of the medical advisory when it came back for my review and the lady I spoke to last week said that ABCMR misinformed me and I’d likely not see the advisory opinion until I get the Boards results and record of proceedings. So I’m at three years and one month and still no end in sight very frustrating to say the least. But the above number to the Army Physical Disability Agency I did get a very helpful woman. I forgot her name but she couldn’t get her computer to load so she made a phone call. It is my understanding that they are the folks that execute the orders/corrections once ABCMR or PDBR renders there decision. That’s where I’m at in this run around process of delay delay delay.
 
So they had let me know about a week ago that I was in the adjudication phase. Today they gave me timelines of 4-6 mos. for adjudication and if I don't hear anything after 12 months to contact them. Keep in mind that I never asked for a timeline, they just let me know. I thought that was thoughtful given the black hole we are all in.
 
WC6Q said:
So they had let me know about a week ago that I was in the adjudication phase. Today they gave me timelines of 4-6 mos. for adjudication and if I don't hear anything after 12 months to contact them. Keep in mind that I never asked for a timeline, they just let me know. I thought that was thoughtful given the black hole we are all in.
Click to expand...

It’s getting ridiculous, today the ABCMR finally responded to an email and stated there was no change that they were still awaiting on the medical advisory opinion. I replied that’s strange as last week I was told you all received it and my case is now in the adjudication phase. I’m just frustrated mentally and physically we shouldn’t have to fight for the benefits we earned in service to our country. The government broke me and I should be receiving superior care instead of having to navigate a broken VA system. I just want my benefits and my Tricare back, so I can move forward with adequate treatment vs. substandard treatment.
 
Jpit said:
I'm in the same boat as you. I started in March of 2017 and recently found out that my packet was sent to the Army in July. I called HRC ("Mr. Al") last week to follow up but got a voicemail. I'm hoping for a call back but if he's too busy finishing up our packets then that's ok too . I'll keep updated.
Click to expand...
I just listened to the prompt and chose PDBR. I got a SFC. He was very pleasant. He didn’t have my file and also told me unless there is a change it won’t come across his desk or system at all.
 
Reference: "I’m going through the ABCMR myself And it’s different then the PDBR, however here is what I know and can share all the Boards of Corrections are backlogged in fact there is now a class action suit filed on behalf of NVSLP."


Comments:
From 20 January 2020, NVLSP:

"WASHINGTON – In response to the National Veterans Legal Services Program’s (NVLSP) motion for preliminary injunction, the Pentagon has agreed to promptly make all past decisions of the Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) and Boards for Correction of Military Records (BCMRs) (collectively, the Boards) publicly available. This agreement includes the Secretaries of the military departments, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Defense. NVLSP filed its lawsuit and injunction motion with the pro bono assistance of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP on Jan. 2, 2020. "

It is my understanding the lawsuit involved the publishing of past decisions; it does not affect the backlog. In other words, the court did not "order" the boards to work longer and faster. In fact, I don't think they have the authority to do so. Just an opinion.

Ron
 
RonG said:
Reference: "I’m going through the ABCMR myself And it’s different then the PDBR, however here is what I know and can share all the Boards of Corrections are backlogged in fact there is now a class action suit filed on behalf of NVSLP."


Comments:
From 20 January 2020, NVLSP:

"WASHINGTON – In response to the National Veterans Legal Services Program’s (NVLSP) motion for preliminary injunction, the Pentagon has agreed to promptly make all past decisions of the Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) and Boards for Correction of Military Records (BCMRs) (collectively, the Boards) publicly available. This agreement includes the Secretaries of the military departments, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Defense. NVLSP filed its lawsuit and injunction motion with the pro bono assistance of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP on Jan. 2, 2020. "

It is my understanding the lawsuit involved the publishing of past decisions; it does not affect the backlog. In other words, the court did not "order" the boards to work longer and faster. In fact, I don't think they have the authority to do so. Just an opinion.

Ron
Click to expand...

That’s not the case I’m referring to;
This Case was filed on behalf of NVSLP by the law firm Orrick;Calhoun et al. v. McCarthy et al. Filed on December 18,2019

“I am an attorney at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, and I received a message indicating that you had an interest in the case we have filed on behalf of NVLSP and various veterans against the United States government regarding delays from the Military Boards of Corrections.”

I was later informed they had enough members from the Army so they didn’t need another named plaintiff from the Army but are seeking names plaintiffs from the other Branches.
 
Thank you. I was unaware of the December 18, 2019 case. I look forward to reading it.

Regards,
Ron
 
They are basically trying to hold the boards accountable to the original timetable set forth by congressional mandate of not taking any longer than 18 months.
 
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