PEBLO is giving wrong info

SERE0002

SERE0002

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
So I have started the MEB process, and I have met with my PEBLO. I am Air Force for those of you who have not seen any of my other posts. So my PEBLO informed me of my upcoming process with the VA etc. She gave me a sheet stating what I needed to bring with me for my first interaction with the VA. She stated all I would be doing was just in processing the VA system during this appointment. I was supposed to bring SS cards, birth certs, divorce decree, marriage cert. banking info etc.

So I show up at the VA with all the required info and to my surprise none of these items were even needed. BUT WHAT WAS NEEDED WAS A LIST OF ALL ITEMS FROM MY MEDICAL HISTORY TO PUT ON THE VA CLAIM FORM. So being misinformed I had not completed this process. My point here is this. My PEBLO and the MEB processor at Barksdale said oh don't worry what is listed as the VA will Quote "Do a head to toe exam, and bend every joint and do a complete physical" well that is a load of sh**!! The VA will only examine the items you list at the time of this first appointment. So with out going through my records I had to try and list all chronic "gone to the doctor more than 2 times" so the VA can examine me. The VA rep told me that is all the VA Dr's will look at when rating disability. Bottom line I showed up with what my PEBLO said (and this list of stuff was written on a piece of paper by her". So I f I would of just had the 1 item Cervicalgia?? C-spine issues, that is all the VA would look at for compensation and rating.

So THE VA rep informs me that I was very much mis lead and I should have had a list with me, so she kindly pulled out my med records and took the time to go through them and list all possible conditions (we came up with 20 items). So I am thankfully to her for that. Then I went over to another lad at the P&C clinic to schedule my future Dr. appointment with the VA. (also very helpfull)

EVERYONE GOING THROUGH THIS PROCESS as soon as you get your records go through them and make a list of all conditions you even remotely think you can be compensated for and have it with you for every appointment you go to for your MEB. Make your PEBLO's put things on paper. If you don't they never happened. I proceeded to go to my PEBLO's office and give her a piece of my mind on how she almost Screwed me over. (professionally of course) She immediately got defensive and tried to claim she told me this as it is part of her brief. after she said that i asked where my list of chronic conditions that is in the new electronic records... and she did not get that from my PCM until after she briefed me about what to bring to the VA. But what she did tell me is that I needed this list of conditions when I get my head to toe exam. again she was wrong. I am so pissed now as there is no trust in this system.

I was told by a good friend who went through and was Med retired to NEVER TRUST WHAT ANYONE IN THE SYSTEM SAYS AND ALWAYS BE PROACTIVE OR YOU WILL BE SCREWED!! He so far has been right.

Another good quote from the VA rep is this "She (the PEBLO) probably did not tell you as the military is just trying to write people off and get out by giving severance pays"

Any advice on if I should go to patient advocacy or being I got it fixed on my own just go with it to maybe keep my PEBLO on my side??/ I do know what they are briefing here at my base about the exams is wrong. Or am i really entitled to a head to toe exam?

Next appointment with the VA Dr. is 9 Nov.

Thanks, Corey
 
Hello

I'm new to the forum but thought there were lots of good information provided here - similar to what I'm experiencing. Hopefully someone can provide me some assistance. Currently I'm being treated for dual diagnosis at the va including PTSD, manic depression and others. I've been rated at 100% by the va and found permanently disabled by SSA. I've yet to return to my guard unit where I suspect I'll have to undergo a MEB. I have absolutely no idea what to expect; however, after reading some of the posts I'm not at all confident that my unit has my best interest at heart. Can some one please give me advise as to what to expect?
 
Hedw1093,

I believe that if you are rated over 40% by the VA, you will not be allowed to participate - so it will be interesting to see what happens.

SERE0002,

I went to the VA as an AFRC member (not on orders) for my own claim expecting they will just examine my back. They gave me a full 1010 physical and will probably be going back for specialized exams for tinnitus.

You are right about the system. The only advocates in your process is YOU and a good lawyer at the FPEB (if needed).
 
First, thanks for the response. Not quite sure what you mean however. I'm still in the ARG as of now. I haven't had any official discharge. I know with a permanent disability rating from the VA and SSA I'm not sure what to expect from the guard but they have to give me some sort of discharge. If I'm not mistaking wouldn't I have to go through the MEB/PEB process in order for them to determine what kind of discharge to give me and since everything is combat related shouldn't I be entitled to a rating from the military as well
 
Hedw1093,

What branch are you in, Air National Guard? Are you currently on AD orders? I may have misunderstood your first post here.
 
I'm army national guard. No I'm not on AD. I was on AD for the purpose of OIF/OEF for 16 months. I've been in and out of treatment facilities since I returned in '09. Currently an inpatient at the VA. Haven't really heard much from my Unit though.
 
Hedw1093,

Now I understand your predicament a little better. However, I don't quite understand why you are not in status right now. Did you develop symptoms for PTSD while still on AD or after you returned and were demobilized? If you were released with this condition, and it is documented in your military medical records, you should still be on AD undergoing treatment until you are either found fit or unfit to return to duty. DoDI 1332.38 states you should have already been referred to the DES since you have been undergoing treatment since 2009:

E3.P2.1. Criteria for Referral.
Service members on active duty or in the Ready Reserve shall be eligible for referral into the
DES when the member:
E3.P2.1.1. Has a medical condition that is cause for referral into the DES as established by
enclosure 4 of this Instruction or by the respective Service’s supplemental medical standards, and
the member has received optimal medical treatment benefits; or
E3.P2.1.2. Will be unable to return to full military duty within one year of diagnosis of the
medical condition

---------------------------------------------------

In addition, if you were awarded 100% by the VA for your disability, I do not believe your guard unit will let you come back in drill status.

Someone who understands ARNG regulations should be able to jump in and assist further. I thought you were Air Force (ANG). Hope this helps some.
 
HEDW, Your unit must complete a LOD investigation as a first step for benefits. You then need to go to a military doctor and explain your situation so he/she can initiate the MEB. You might even expedite the process by going to the doctor first, which puts pressure on the unit to complete the LOD quickly--they tend to drag their feet on this. I know you're thinking that the VA has already determined your conditions are service connected, but the military has a separate process that must be followed. I'd also suggest you get a copy of the LOD form online, and fill it out to the best of your ability. There is a section which asks for the facts of your case. Give that to them to make it easier for them to complete. I did that twice and the LODs were approved and they never even changed the wording. Make sure you give copies of your VA documents as incontrovertible proof of the service connection.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top