Should I request MEB?

[DMeade99]

Greetings All!

I have been dealing with bilateral plantar fasciitis since 2008, and have tried nearly every treatment the Army would provide... stretches, medication, physical therapy, shock wave. (The only one I wouldn't do was the injections. Pain vs gain just wasn't there for me)

Approximately 3 months ago I had a fasciotomy on my left foot. Things were going great and the pain was significantly less than before. Then, about a week ago, I started having pains similar to what I had before the surgery. I am now to the point where it hurts all the time. Walking is more like hobbling... standing is a pain... even sitting hurts.

If this is how my left foot turned out, I don't even want to consider having the procedure on my right foot. Additionally, if I can't carry much weight and am going to be limited by profile to almost nothing, my promotion prospects are non-existent.

I have an appointment with my podiatrist next week. Given the length of time I have dealt with this, the treatments I've gone through, and the lack of results, I am seriously considering asking about an MEB.

Given the sheer amount of experience on this forum, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insight you all might offer.

Thanks for the help!

 

[ranger2992]

First, I would let the doctors work. Setbacks happen often, and you may just have an acute injury that happened and you were not aware of it. A small twist, walking on it wrong, or many other things that could go wrong. Wait until you see your doc before you start even thinking about this stuff. Once the doctors figure out if it acute, or chronic, they will make a recommendation. If you get to a point where you just know it is not going to get better, start having the MEB talk with your doctor.

 

[Warrior644]

Greetings All!

I have been dealing with bilateral plantar fasciitis since 2008, and have tried nearly every treatment the Army would provide... stretches, medication, physical therapy, shock wave. (The only one I wouldn't do was the injections. Pain vs gain just wasn't there for me)

Approximately 3 months ago I had a fasciotomy on my left foot. Things were going great and the pain was significantly less than before. Then, about a week ago, I started having pains similar to what I had before the surgery. I am now to the point where it hurts all the time. Walking is more like hobbling... standing is a pain... even sitting hurts.

If this is how my left foot turned out, I don't even want to consider having the procedure on my right foot. Additionally, if I can't carry much weight and am going to be limited by profile to almost nothing, my promotion prospects are non-existent.

I have an appointment with my podiatrist next week. Given the length of time I have dealt with this, the treatments I've gone through, and the lack of results, I am seriously considering asking about an MEB.

Given the sheer amount of experience on this forum, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insight you all might offer.

Thanks for the help!

First, I would let the doctors work. Setbacks happen often, and you may just have an acute injury that happened and you were not aware of it. A small twist, walking on it wrong, or many other things that could go wrong. Wait until you see your doc before you start even thinking about this stuff. Once the doctors figure out if it acute, or chronic, they will make a recommendation. If you get to a point where you just know it is not going to get better, start having the MEB talk with your doctor.

Very good insight...

In addition, I would suggest that you start to obtain copies of your medical documentation then review them thoroughly for accuracy of information. Albeit, the DoVA shall perform their own C&P Examinations, history has shown that the DoVA C&P Examination clinician sometimes misdiagnosis medical conditions.

In my opinion, a DoVA intentional or unintentional incorrect medical diagnosis hinders the military service member from obtaining their full amount of disability compensation; either via DoD IDES or as a military veteran submitting a disability claim.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[lk2813]

My first question is how long have you been in? I have had left foot issues since 2005 when the VA did my bunion surgery. Since then I have had 5 other surgerys and still have pain. I can't wear boots and have been in a gyn shoe ever since. I am not deployable but am able to do my job here without problems. I didn't push for an MEB because I want to stay in as long as possible. My goal is to retire at 20+ yrs. Currently I am undergoing an MEB for RA. It is scary because I am at 18yr 5mos. My spouse doesn't work and I really need to keep the job.
So again my question to you is how long have you been in and what is your goal?

 

[sole_taker]

Greetings All!

I have been dealing with bilateral plantar fasciitis since 2008, and have tried nearly every treatment the Army would provide... stretches, medication, physical therapy, shock wave. (The only one I wouldn't do was the injections. Pain vs gain just wasn't there for me)

Approximately 3 months ago I had a fasciotomy on my left foot. Things were going great and the pain was significantly less than before. Then, about a week ago, I started having pains similar to what I had before the surgery. I am now to the point where it hurts all the time. Walking is more like hobbling... standing is a pain... even sitting hurts.

If this is how my left foot turned out, I don't even want to consider having the procedure on my right foot. Additionally, if I can't carry much weight and am going to be limited by profile to almost nothing, my promotion prospects are non-existent.

I have an appointment with my podiatrist next week. Given the length of time I have dealt with this, the treatments I've gone through, and the lack of results, I am seriously considering asking about an MEB.

Given the sheer amount of experience on this forum, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insight you all might offer.

Thanks for the help!

I had a fasciotomy done APR2013 and to think that it'll help me out, yeah right. My ortho recommended that I go under the knife to "fix" the issue due to a foot drop/tension in my leg. The pain is actually worst and I'm skeptical or worried about VA/DOD ratings or being fit/unfit for duty. My days of running are done and trying to lose weight from gaining it during recovery (surgery). Any luck on your end or anybody else?