PDBR updates

Thanks for asking, wife and baby are doing great! Maria has gained a pound in two weeks and she is out of newborn diapers already. Thankfully, unless she is hungry or needs to be changed, she doesn't cry much. So, that's an additional blessing!
 
A little background: I filed 2/3/2011, and requested not only the items for which I was discharged be reviewed but also those considered disabling by the VA at the time of discharge per DoD instruction 6040.44 dated June 27, 2008, Change 1, 6/2/2009.

For those looking for dates and paths:

Filed: 2/3/2011
PDBR intake unit received: 3/29/2011 (~2 months from date of application), Given docket ending in: 00079
VA records received via FOIA request: 6/7/2011 (~4 months from date of application)
Sent to board: 6/24/2011 (~4.5 months from date of application)
Recommendation sent to Director, Air Force Review Boards Agency for decision: 10/28/2011 (~7 months from date of application). Increased to 30% for medical retirement purposes. Total time to process: 12/6/2011 (~10 months from date of application)
Directive ordering correction sent from SECAF to AF Chief of Staff & forwarded to appropriate action offices: DFAS, TRICARE, DD-214 re-issue, VA, etc. : 12/22/2011 (<11 months from date of application)
TRICARE now active: 2/16/12 (~ 1 year from date of application)
Amended Retirement orders: 2/17/12 (~1 year from date of application)
Expected DD-214: 2/24/12 (~>1 year from date of application)


I was told it would take 6 - 8 months. It took almost a year to the week, but I think it's because I ran into holidays in the middle of it.
I believe the key to this getting done as far as it has is:

1. Bug the VA with a FOIA request to produce your records for the PDBR
2. Make sure your case has all the documentation to get through the system without much effort
3. Hope it wasn't just rubber-stamped because it has no chance of success (kidding...)

In short, do as much of their jobs for them and you'll get further faster - JMHO.
 
PDBR / Post PDBR Update

2003 - Injured in Iraq. Direct result of enemy action.

2005 - Medical Separation, 10%, Severance, Regular Army, Fort Carson, 8 years active duty.

2005 – VA Rated 60%, VA begins recoupment of severance.

2010 (February) – Learned about PDBR via article on Yahoo website.

2010 (February) – Applied for increased compensation from VA through DAV, based on deteriorating original injury.

2010 (August) – VA increases rating to 80%

2010 (August) – Sent packet to PDBR Intake Unit, Randolph AFB. Assigned docket PD-2010-00970

2011 (October 15) – Mail arrives from the Army Review Boards Agency, informing me that the Secretary concurs with the PDBR’s recommendation of 30% for retirement.

2011 (November 09) – Mail arrives from Army Physical Disability Agency with orders, instructions, and paperwork to submit to DFAS

2011 (November 10) – DEERS/ID card section on Fort Carson issues me an ID card using the orders I got and two forms of ID. I think I brought my passport and Social Security card, just in case.

2011 (November 10) – Went to Fort Carson’s Retirement Services Office and had them review and fax the completed paperwork to DFAS

2011 (November 10) – Sent copy of same paperwork that was faxed to DFAS London, Kentucky—per their instructions, via certified mail

2011 (November 15) – Mailed a massive package to CRSC, applied for that

2011 (November) Signed up for Delta Dental for retirees

2011 (December) – Signed up for TriCare Prime

2011 (December) – Receive mail from CRSC. They cannot begin to process my claim until DFAS establishes an account for me

2011 (December) – Called DFAS. They are working on setting up my account. They are waiting on my pay history. Nothing I can do.

2012 (January) – TriCare sends me a bill.

2012 (January) – Called DFAS. They are working on setting up an account. Nothing I can do.

2012 (January) – JPPSO/Household goods informs me that they will not be able to ship my household goods with the orders I have. The orders are missing the “MDC” code. Even though the narrative on the orders states that shipment of household goods is authorized, they cannot do anything without the MDC designation.

2012 (January) – called the medical retirement orders people on Carson. Guy isn’t certain about anything. He says that if the code isn’t on the orders, JPPSO isn’t authorized to ship.

2012 (January) – I visit the JPPSO office on Fort Carson and showed him a copy of the entire PDBR packet thingy. He says all retirement orders have an MDC code. A mistake must have been made when issuing the orders, and that the guy over at orders section is giving me the run-around. JPPSO absolutely cannot do anything without an MDC code on the orders.

2012 (January) – Visit the orders guy and he says “some orders have it and some don’t, and if yours don’t have it... you’re SOL”

Tomorrow – Will visit someone in Retirement Services who I know is not a lazy SOB.

This feels so familiar. The mighty army green weenie being inserted without lube.

Suggestions / Lessons Learned
1. As soon as you are informed that the Army accepts recommendation of retirement, contact the nearest retirement services office and attend their next retirement briefing. Don’t wait for orders to do this.

2. Only those who do 20 years get an AKO/DKO e-mail account. Med-retirees with less than 20 do not get AKO/DKO accounts, unless sponsored.

3. Set up an account with ebenefits.va.gov, if you haven’t done so. You don’t have to be retired to open an account with ebenefits.

4. If you intend to ship your household goods, check the bottom of your orders for a line that begins with “MDC”, followed by numbers and letters. And check with JPPSO to make sure those orders are of any use to them.

5. They don’t register vehicles to get on post anymore. All you need is the DOD ID card. That’s one thing to not worry anymore about.
 
I got the orders amended to include an MDC code, with help of the Retirement Services Officer. She darn near had to rip that guy a new one for him to budge. Then he put on an incorrect code and I didn't know until I went to the JPPSO office with the orders. I had to go back to him and he threw yet another tantrum. Persistence payed off... with some help from a lady.
 
Hey Boo Boo,

Reading your timeline and DFAS inquiries I thought I would let you know: I was PDRL by PBDR about two weeks before you (Army). I have been callin DFAS too, tryin to get a bead on pay info. Today I got my first RAS (Retirement Account Statement) for a one month period Jan-Feb...so at least I know that my account is established. I don't know about the retro retirement pay yet, 25 months worth. I figure any scrap of info helps us all.
 
Badge,
Thanks for the info. Good to see that they're moving along, rather than them just saying that they are working on it. Hope the back pay works out for you.

11Bravo
 
Well, here goes! I have emailed the board twice and they have NOT responded to me! The last time I talked with the intake unit they stated that there was an update but really couldn't tell what is going on. That was the reason I emailed the board at Andrews AFB. So I called the intake unit as I was traveling and just got back. Mr Anderson stated that the board is about to vote on my case. I asked him how long that would take he said usually about a week plus typing up the letter. He stated then it goes to the Army. I asked him how long for that to happen he as soon as it is typed up. Again, they won't tell me recommendation and I asked him would the Army tell me what the recommendation stated and he said NO. So I ask you guys how are you finding out before you receive the letter or is it you are just waiting then reporting on here what the recommendation stated. Is there someone at your branch telling you, for the army who do you talk to you. Is there any contact numbers, emails etc

Thanks,

Commosgt
 
Got my letter, then posted. I talk to him as well, and he's been clear about the process, what he can/can't do, etc. He's really been helpful and patient with me (and my constant poking to find out what's going on). I was told today that one more office has to make a correction (should be NLT: 10 Feb 12), then I'll start seeing documents show up (DD-214, orders, etc.). Best of luck, CommoSgt!
 
Justrluk,

Thanks buddy! Guess I am tired from my trip! Just want this to come to conclusion and move on! I am still waiting on the VA for a C&P exam for stuff that I submitted! I am already 90% and I filed with the VA in August and they are still gathering information based on ebenefits! We will see!
 
I found a number here on the forum and called it. The person whom I spoke with was Stacey (703-607-1841) and at this time they have not received my case as it is being voted on. So I will wait and go from there. My tinitus is really bad today so I am not sure if the person he/she but they stated it takes 45 days from the time they received it to CLOSE OUT!


commosgt
 
I was told (at least for the AF) that each office had 30 days to finish. I'm not sure if those were concurrent or sequential days, but it looks like the same 45 days quote is what I received as well. Can of soda for whoever finishes first??? (bought from the commissary, of course!)
 
I called the intake unit at Randolph today and talked with Sheri, she stated that the board voted on my case yesterday. They are working typing up my information etc! Once that is done it will be uploaded to U.S. Army HRC! I guess at this point it is down hill on everything! They won't tell me anything so I guess at this point just have to be patient and continue to wait!!! Need to do some fishing this weekend!!!
 
The hardest part of all this is sitting on your hands while waiting for the letter. Once the decision was made, the board drafted my decision on 10/28/11, recommended disposition was sent to the SECAF on 11/29/11 and I was notified on 12/6/11. Now, I'm waiting for the corrected retirement orders and DD-214. I was told by the intake unit that they expect it by the end of this week. We'll see if that happens (again, biting nails!)...
 
Just a quick update. I talked with the intake unit this AM and they (Rachel) stated that my case has been sent to my branch (U.S. Army HRC Command). She wouldn't tell me when it was sent but just it has been sent. So I guess we are on the down hill of this as this whole thing started October 2010! I am putting faith where it should be in the almighty and will go from there!
 
Received my retirement orders last Friday. Now, I get to wait in the ID line and add a dependent to DEERS. Sounds really familiar! Either way, I'm glad to have this wait.
 
Justrluk, can you provide a detailed time line of your case......that would be awesome. My case manager is Loni and she has been great and I do have her email address as well as contact info for Mr. Abrams and Mrs Rowan at HRC. Just trying to keep busy, have faith, and breathe. I am hoping it all works out as I really need this especially me being 90% with the VA.


commosgt
 
Sure, no problem. I have a spreadsheet with all the dates. Also, just got my blue ID. Looking forward to my first ceremonial trip to the commissary.

Completed Actions, Start - End, No/Days
Request Received by PDBR, 03/29/11 - 05/18/11, 50 days
Case Number assigned, 05/18/11 - 06/16/11, 29 days
Board Drafted Decision, 06/16/11 - 10/28/11, 134 days
Recommended Disposition sent, 10/28/11 - 11/29/11, 32 days
Retirement Granted, 11/29/11 - 12/06/11, 7 days
Directive Sent from SECAF to CSAF, 12/06/11 - 12/22/11, 16 days
TRICARE, 12/22/11 - 02/16/12, 56 days
Corrected Retirement Orders, 12/22/11 - 02/17/12, 57 days
ID Card, 02/17/12 - 02/22/12, 5 days
Incomplete Actions
DD214/215, 02/1/12 - ??/??/??, 22 days (so far)
DFAS Establish Pay Account, 02/6/12 - ??/??/??
TRICARE Reimbursement, ??/??/?? - ??/??/?? (getting documents/receipts/Statements from BC/BS together)
Completed ??/??/??
Total Days 330.6 days (and counting)
 
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