Question regarding PEB/MedBoard forAS, DDD, Rhuematic Spinal Issues

S

sgtwill

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My past: I have been on LimDu for a actual total of 15 months, 13 of which I went with the diagnosis of chronic lower back pain, DDD, and a couple bulging disk, stemming from an injury while conducting a raid. I am a chiro, pain mang, sports med, and rheumatology patient. In the last two months I was referred to Rheumatology who related I had a rheumatologic disease, which is the cause of my back pain, which was probably made noticeable following the injury. Up until I seen Rheumatology I tried Lyrica, Cymbalta, and now am on Celebrex which was prescribed by Rheumatology. I could not take Lyrica or Cymbalta because as apart of my job (Criminal Investigator) I must be able to carry a firearm, and react quickly during such Law Enforcement operations like Protective Service Missions.

My current: I have just submitted a 3rd Term LimDu to get my back on LimDu since I was expired, and meanwhile referred to MedBoards at the Naval Hospital. They took my record on 06May13, and stated they are going to get my records from off base (pain management, MRI facility… etc) Also that in the near future I will be coming in for a Range of Motion test, and seeing the MedBoard Doctor for dictation.

I have also am in the process of doing a Non-Medical Assesment with my command, which I do not understand because a Officer who does not reallt even know me let alone my medical issues is writing what I am able and not able to do in the Corps…

My Questions so far:
I am being put on a 3rd period which requires a PEB, and referred to MedBoard at the same time… what is the difference and why concurrently do that?

I have resting pain in any position so what is the point of a ROM test? Why?

What should I look out for and are people even getting rated and Medically Retired for this? Does anyone have similar medical issues that has Medically Retired?

Just so its known, this process has been nothing short of a nightmare, just waiting around in pain. I plan to (no matter the outcome) to write congress, and request mast with my CO, and the Hospital CO and speak personally with them as to the lack of knowledge in the workers of the system and major time delay issues that have occurred. Thank you all in advance for any help!!!
 
Yes sir,

Spinal Joint Disease, and Spondyloarthropathy 724.9/721.90 are the top two.
 
I suspected spondyloarthropathy from your first post. It is a condition I suffer from in the forms of reactive arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Has rheumatology suggested a TNF drug such a Enbrel or Humira? Attached is a document I did on documenting such conditions. It should give you a good roadmap. The VA exam worksheets are know known as DBQs. Make sure all the manifestations of your condition is properly documented per the VA exams and your NARSUM.

Mike
 

Attachments

Looking over my C&P notes, the doc only documented psoriatic arthritis as related to BL hand pain. I was diagnosed by my dermatologist in 2013.
"Vet was diagnosed w psoriatic arthritis on 12/2013 based on symptoms:
diffuse joints dull pain, swelling, stiffness, grip reduced, hard to
push.
He was Rx Motrin and Etodolac for pain.
He reports flare up once a month, symptoms last 3-4 day.
Condition is chronic, periodic.
Currently he denies any flare up.
Prognosis- unknown."

The C&Ps also have me for Lumbar Strain and PFPS in my knees. The following ankle issues:

[X] Lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic/recurrent)
Side affected: [ ] Right [X] Left [ ] Both
ICD Code: 845
Date of diagnosis: Left 2011

[X] Impingement (anterior/posterior (or trignonum syndrome)/anterolateral))
Side affected: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both
ICD Code: 726.90
Date of diagnosis: Right 2015
Date of diagnosis: Left 2015

[X] Tendonitis (achilles/peroneal/posterior tibial)
Side affected: [X] Right [ ] Left [ ] Both
ICD Code: 726.71
Date of diagnosis: Right 2013

As well as the following foot conditions initiated by bilateral foot pain:

[X] Flat foot (pes planus)
ICD code: 734
Side affected: Both
Date of diagnosis: Right: 2015
Date of diagnosis: Left: 2015

[X] Plantar fasciitis
ICD Code: 728.71
Side affected: Both
Date of diagnosis: Right 2015
Date of diagnosis: Left 2015

The doctor annoted the 3-4 period of flares monthly with all of the conditions except the feet (two different docs).

I have a rheumatology appointment with a military rheumatologist next week, but reading over your document Sir, I think I need a rheumatology C&P exam to have the various pains I have, which flare, properly addressed as psoriatic arthritis which I believe them to be... and I have a feeling the military rheumatology appointment won't satisfy as a C&P exam for purposes of the MEB.

Is it within my power to request a rheumatology C&P exam?
 
Keep me updated, I'm going through the same process with AS with pretty much the same ratings. I am going in for my IMR review and bringing up Mr. Parkers documentation upon grading Spondarthropothy, Hopefully it gets us a higher D.o.D rating
 
Had my Rheumatology appointment which being completed through a MTF initiated another MEB process. The case manager at that MTF (Air Force) I'm Army, contacted me to get ahold of my case manager to get psoriatic arthritis added to my initial case (for psoriasis, good thing NARSUM isn't complete yet). PEBLO contacted me and assured me its being added and will then link up with the MSC to see if I can get a C&P exam. Hopefully all this works out and I avoid appeals later down the line
 
Sounds like a good plan. Yeah, try to make any additional edits before anything is permanently written in paper. Easier before they make official stamps.
 
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