Currently I am a Reservist wish almost 17 1/2 years in. I am in the beginning stages of the MEB process, but I have come to a juncture where I can request (with approval) the LDES path vs. the IDES path. I already have 100% through the VA and am looking to pursue a medical retirement. My legal council stated that LDES would be the best option since my P3 is for PTSD and is rated at 70%. I have read a lot if post and am trying to figure out if tryong to go LDES really is the best option. Any advice is appreciated.
Jason Perry
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I don't know your case details so I am at a disadvantage in knowing the big picture. That said, it is extremely rare that I think the LDES is a good option. IDES is far superior in most cases.
Not a ton of facets to it. I just don't really need the VA rating or process that looks inherent to the IDES. But I've read that the LDES is quicker but offers less "protection". I'm not sure what that means.
A quicker process is appealing, but I also don't want to inadvertently shoot myself in the foot by not understanding my best option.
LDES only advantage is speed. IDES has all the other advantages; comprehensive, check and balances, looking at the big picture of the veterans possible contentions…
Choose IDES all day. I have never seen a Soldier come back here and state they wished they did LDES. There is a reason why LDES was replaced by IDES. Also, the timeline thing isn't as big of a difference as they would like you to believe. In many cases the timeline is the same. Most Soldiers can get all their exams scheduled within a few weeks. That part of the process goes quick unless you are rural and don't wish to travel too far away to go to the exams. The only reason you should worry about IDES being different is if your condition has improved but I haven't heard of that happening. Most Soldiers going through this process are doing so because they aren't getting better or may even be getting worse. In your case your symptoms might be worse and you could get a 100% ratings instead of a 70%. From those who do come back here afterwards I hear they get the same rating as before mainly because nothing has changed and the VA is lazy so having an existing rating makes it easy for them to give you the same one when going through IDES.
I really hate it that PEBLO's state things so simplistically because its nuanced and a HUGE DEAL. They should be trained to explain why IDES replaced LDES and what protections and remedies you forgo if you choose LDES. The main reason LDES is there isn't for cases where Soldiers are already rated. Its for Soldiers who need to be out fast. For example, a Commander can force a Soldier to go through LDES instead of IDES. Now the other side of it. If you choose LDES yourself you have to sign off on it because you are basically signing away certain rights afforded to you by IDES when you choose LDES instead.
Also, check out this thread. You can choose IDES and do the exams but not have them apply towards your existing VA ratings/benefits. This is basically a way forward to choose IDES and not worry about it changing or affecting your existing VA ratings...
Entering IDES w/ existing VA Rating or Open VA Claim
Entering IDES w/ existing VA Rating or Open VA Claim Can a service member/veteran enter the IDES process with an existing VA rating and NOT have that rating reopened/reviewed subjecting the VA rating to a possible different finding? Yes, it appears that a service member/veteran can elect to...
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