Request MEB? + Some Other Questions

[saden]

Long story short is that I've had 2 ankle surgeries and still having problems with both ankles that prevent me from running. I have been on a no run profile for the last 2 years and have had problems with my back off and on for even longer...though every time I go to my PCM about it, he just gives me a muscle relaxer and sends me on my way despite my repeated attempts to get a MRI. It took the AF doc over a year to refer me to a civilian podiatrist, and I was in surgery less than a month later...sorry for the rant, just really frustrating.

I have failed my last 2 PT tests and possibly facing my third failure next month. My the 1st Shirt has already told me that if I fail this upcoming one, they will test me in 43 days...and if I fail that one, going to kick me out. I have zero administrative problems (have not recieved 1 piece of negative paperwork in 8 years) and have recieved firewall 5's my whole career execpt for my last mandatory "3" for failing a PT test.

My question is...how do I request a MEB? My PCM has hinted at it, but is it OK to just come right out and ask given my history? My failures are because of my ankle and back problems...I had no problems passing the PT tests before everything started. I am ready to throw in the towel after 2 years of nothing but problems with the AF doctors and my leadership. I am done with the AF and want no part of what they are becoming with the Nazi-like mentality when it comes to PT, and the stigma that is attached to being on a profile.

Also, is it appropriate to seek council from the JAG office at my local base. Is there something they can do to start the process. I fear that I will be administratively discharged due to PT failures and not have any of my medical history taken into consideration.

On last thing. I was told by a few people that I can apply for VA benefits while still Active Duty and they have to rule within 60 days? Is this true? I've looked for the supporting documentaion, but haven't been able to find anything either way.

At any rate..I appreciate anyones comments or suggestions on what to do.

 

[Bad Knees]

If you do bring it up with your doc, I wouldn't recommend mentioning that you want an MEB because you're failing PT. PT failures are administrative (still honorable) so I'd make sure you just leave that out all together and focus on getting documentation for all of your problems and keep going in to be seen for them. If you keep failing PT, they have to clear you medically before they can separate you (I think) and if they see all that stuff about ankle/back problems, I'm sure they'd have to try to "Fix" you before they can let you go.
I did mention to my doc that I was ready for a MEB but that's because I'm threatened with it every 6 months to a year. They kept threatening that it would happen but would just write another profile. Well after 6 years of that I'd had it and we all agreed it was time. From the day we discussed my MEB to the day I got my separation orders was just over four months, but for a lot of people the process takes MUCH longer!
Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in and help you out

 

[Bad Knees]

Also, I don't think that part about the VA is true. I believe you have to at least have a separation date to get seen by the VA...

 

[luv2golf1983]

As soon as my doc hinted about the MEB I jumped on it. I would get another APT with that PCM and tell him your ready for the MEB, and if he says anything tell him you thought he offered it to you. thats what i would do.

 

[Ruptured Duck]

Do you have LOD's for your injuries?

Do your injuries make you unfitting?

What's your profile say?

Do you have 8 years of combined active duty to date?

 

[saden]

Thank you everyone for your comments.

To answer your questions RD:

Do you have LOD's for your injuries?

The only limitation of duty that I have for PT. I have been on a "no running" profile for the last two years.

Do your injuries make you unfitting?

Unfitting in that I cannot perform a regular PT test. Before all these problems started, I passed the regular PT test with flying colors. I am able to perform my work related duties with minimal problems.

What's your profile say?

Profile says no running more 100 yards (this will change though because I was forced to run less than 100 yards by my PTL and was in pain the whole time), no jumping, no bending at the waist, no lifting...etc

Do you have 8 years of combined active duty to date?

I will have 8 years active duty in November.

 

[Ruptured Duck]

You should at the MINIMUM have two LINE OF DUTY DETERMINATIONS, AF FORM 348 for both of your ankle surgeries. You should have your own copies and there should be copies in your medical file and in your permenent record.

Down load and read AFI36-2910.

If you don't have any AF FORM 348's (LOD's) for your ankles, you need to make your med unit start them NOW. This is MADATORY and if they try to separate you, the LOD's will be the starting point for the DES. You will need this for any MEB/PEB.

 

[aggrvnco]

I would just come out and ask for it, but I agree don't tell him it's because you failed your last 2 PT test. As far as them performing administrative discharge just for PT failures they can not do that. It states in the Administrative Seperation of Airman AFI that before the commander can initiate a administrative seperation for failure to meet pt standards alone that they have to send you to see a medical Dr. and determine that the reason you failed was not due to a medical condition. The office you're looking for is not JAG but the Area Defense Council (ADC). They can help you with your situation and give you advice and tell you your rights. As far as the VA thing goes, if you are going up for a MEB or think you might be getting seperated, go ahead and request a copy of your medical records. It would also be a good idea to contact the DAV on your base or the Retiree office. If you are within 6 months to 60 days from getting out you can submit your medical records and your claim to the VA. It's a new program that they just started called Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and if everything is completed prior to your seperation you will start receiving benefits 60-90 days after you seperate. They also have another program called Quick Start for individuals with 60 days and less left in service. Hope this helps you out. Good Luck!