Question about surgery post MEB

[jkwalker86]

Hi All!

I was MEBed last year for lower back pain (I had DDD, few bulging disks, nerve damage in legs, etc.)

I was medically retired with 30% DOD 90% VA

My back has gotten worse since getting out and I FINALLY was able to schedule an appointment with the VA here in Atlanta, but it isnt until April 28th.

My plan is to try to get some scans done to see if my back has gotten worse than it was a year ago.

If I end up need surgery at any point in the future, what will that do to the current retirement pay I get now?

Will they re-evaluate me on everything again? Will I lose retirement pay for my back pain if they operate on may back and I am more flexible post surgery? Or would it possibly go up because it resulted in an operation?

Any info would help.

Thanks!

Josh

 

[jkwalker86]

nobody experience surgery for a service related disability after being medically retired?

 

[nikkem23]

@jwalker86, I have not, but I am following this post. I am also interested in what others may have experienced as this is a definite possibility for me sometime down the road. I am still AD, but I do not know my fate at this point. I hope someone posts here soon!

 

[lifeinlimboE6AF]

I've got a lot of similar issues as you: DDD, radiculopathy, bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment and tardy, and lots of pain starting in cervical to lumbar...its just awful.

Not sure if I'll be MEBd or not, my DAWG is about to get the RILO soon from what my PCM said. Hard to know what will happen. I've been in 10.5 yrs AD AF and this will impact our family in a way I'm not prepared for; hence, why I'm here getting info! I'm scared!

I'm following this one for sure.

 

[Deickman]

They will not change your retirement it is set can't go up or down however they can change your VA rating. Initially after surgery you can file the paperwork and they can temporarily increase to 100 va they yes they will reevaluate you and it may stay the same go up or down.