Still in shock

N

norcal21b

Member
Registered Member
Hello Everyone,

I have a few questions. I'm currently being medically removed from theater on my 2nd deployment due to chronic groin pain restulting from damage to the ilioinguinal nerve from a hydrocele repair surgury. The hydrocele was the result of a non battle injury from the first deployment. The urologists at Bagram, would not even see me after reading my existing medical history, and stated that I should have never deployed this time, and recomended I return to home station. The unit is supposed to be processing a medboard when I get home, and from what I have read, this injury is only alloted a 10% rating? Even with the chronic pain, where vicoden barley works, have trouble sleeping, and have issues with intercourse. Not to mention the pychological effects of the condition, and not even being able to deploy. If only given 10% would an appeal process benefit me at all?

Thank you.
 
norcal21b,

Sorry to hear of your conditions and pain.

There are many potential conditions and ratings based on what you have written. The nerve condition (pain) may be rated, plus any residual conditions you may have. I have seen ratings from 0% to 100% (depending on severity of condition and other related issues, including scars, loss of bladder function, psychological impact, and other conditions). So, without knowing more about your case, it is impossible to hazard a guess.

Best thing you can do, aside from getting treatment, is to read up on this forum about your conditions and try to see where you might fall in the rating criteria and to learn about what your rights are.

I wish I could give you more insight. Hope all goes well for you.

Regards,

Jason
 
My PEB was submitted for three things, 1 of them being a Vericocele, which is similiar to your issue and I had surgery in Feb. The VA and Navy act funny when it comes to the Testicular issues. So I just try not to worry about it. Just let it go and see what they say. Good luck.
 
kiefer82 said:
My PEB was submitted for three things, 1 of them being a Vericocele, which is similiar to your issue and I had surgery in Feb. The VA and Navy act funny when it comes to the Testicular issues. So I just try not to worry about it. Just let it go and see what they say. Good luck.
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Did you do other claims with your VA rep too? Seems like you may be short-changing yourself.
 
Dude, norcal, we have the exact same condition. Along with the same situation only they denied my second deployment because the first deployment popped it back open(the surgery was before entering the military). The surgery afterwards did nerve damage and affected my testicular region. The only thing i am getting rated on from the DOD is right chronic groin pain. Im in the 6 month of the process of Med sep and supposedly should be coming back soon. Honestly, i haven't heard anything about it being restricted to 10% but in my head i really dont expect to get medically retired(%30) for it, but maybe found unfit. Basically, The DOD is not going to factor in your sex life, physiological problems, or sleep quality relating. They care about how this condition is keeping you from doing your current job. Now the VA is a complete different story, they surprisingly care.
 
The physiological problems or sleep disturbances could play a role if you can show they result in you being unable to perform you duties. In your case I would consult with legal counsel early, before your MEB is forwarded to the PEB so they can help you build a strong case.
 
My PEB was submitted for Crohn's Disease, Testicular issue, and Severe PTSD. I submitted 21 items to the VA though. I have had alot of medical issues and surgeries, and I still did multiple deployments to Afghanistan, then I transfer and find out that they should have never deployed me to begin with. Do you know how frustrated that makes me. Then I have 2 Bachelor Degrees. and I am finishing my Masters here shortly, and they telll me that I am not medically fit to be an Officer, so I said the hell with it, you need to retire me then, and that is when all this started. DC called me last week, they lost my paper work from my Testicular surgery, how convenient is that, hopefully I should be found unfit soon, and I can get the hell out. I am very grateful to the Navy, just tired of all the political crap they put you thru. It is not the same Navy I joined 8 years ago. Good luck to everyone and God bless.
 
I just got my findings back today. 0% for the chronic right groin pain, 50% PTSD DoD. 90% from the Va. Im pretty happy overrall. Basically the hernia wasn't rated because it was before i entered. Good luck man, looks like you should be getting a way higher percentage than that.
 
Pranqster, what all did you something for the PEB, and the VA. What was your timeline like, and how long was each process. Thanks bro and glad you got retired and such a high number from the VA. Take care.
 
I didnt understand your first question, but for the second. My PEB paperwork was started on March 7th and was presented to me July 24th. So roughly 4 months which is a tremendous turn around and i applaud them for it. As far where it was from washington to the va to the PEB blah blah, I didnt really keep track of. I just checked in monthly with the peblo and kept busy with constant appointments. The Va appointments I feel like was the one that won my findings over. When they did the mental eval I basically just told her some of the things i went through in combat, she wrote it out and referred it to the PEB where they made their decision, from my knowledge. If you are in the PTSD/alcohol abuse category i would recommend SARP IOPE or oasis.( Try not to go to point loma, it blows dick). I believe that also looked good to the board also. The only negative out of this high rating is that I am on the Temporary Disabled Retired List. Annnd that i got 0% for my original reason for going on the med board.
 
What all issues did you submit to the VA they got you 90%. Did you get severeance and Did your docs rate your PTSD severe. I was rated severe PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, High Hearing loss in both ears, Testicular Surgery, and Unstable Chrohns' Disease. I hope I get a good %, just wish my process was moving faster. Take care and wish you the best.
 
kiefer82 said:
What all issues did you submit to the VA they got you 90%. Did you get severeance and Did your docs rate your PTSD severe. I was rated severe PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, High Hearing loss in both ears, Testicular Surgery, and Unstable Chrohns' Disease. I hope I get a good %, just wish my process was moving faster. Take care and wish you the best.
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At 50% from DoD there is no seperation pay.
 
I dont have the paperwork with me but off the top of my head -
40% PTSD related to an IED blasts with shown memory loss
30% Mirgranes
10% right knee (with no paper trail)
10% tinnitus
There was one more too but i can't remember. With mine they smooshed the depression and axienty in with the PTSD. My GAF score was 63 categorized as mild symptoms. Anyone want to chime in on the max percentage you can get for ptsd because if he was diagnosed with severe then he might be in the max area? Hearing loss should be at the least 10% especially if you have ringing. Test surgery, if the surgery was while you were on active then ruptured you would be rated(was the way it was explained in the paperwork about my inguinal hernia surgery, which is why i got 0% for it). Chrohns disease im clueless. Honestly dont look into it and worry too much because it will drive you crazy. Trust me, that was me lol. I just tried to stay busy with appointments and never missing a one. I mean im down to waiting on my EAS to post on MOL and im about to flip nuts. But i definitely have my skate shoes on ;)
 
Thanks bud,

I was diagnosed with Severe PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and Insomnia, course all grouped into the PTSD. I incurred a severe bacterial infection in my Testicle, while in Afghanistan, so they have it noted as Combat related. I figure 10% for each ear, and my Crohns' is unstable and a few of my buds had this disease and they got 40%. I am active duty 8 years in and 4 deployments documented. I had two knee surgeries, ACL,MCL, and maniscus, so they should be rated high. You are right though I am going crazy. VA submitted me for 21 items overalll and everyone says it will take longer than usuall but that means I will probably get more. I hope, good luck bro.
 
Good Afternoon I have 18 years active Army and currently am stationed in Germany. For the past 4 years I have had Gastro issues that have been Documented. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Chronic Proctitis, Gastritis, Chrohns Disease, and Encopresis not due to a substance or known physiological condition. Recently when I arrived to Germany and was sent to Gastro in Landstuhl I was told that it was doubtful I have Chrohn's Disease. I have a probable diagnosis from an off post Gastro doctor in the U.S. They performed an upper Endoscopy and Blood tests on me and used that to diagnose me. I am now being referred to the German economy to find out what's going on with my intestines. I feel like I have been getting the run around and no one is taking the time to really find out what is wrong with me. The Doctors in Landstuhl told me there is nothing they can do for me there. I saw my PCM and he said there could be 2 courses of action MEB or WTU. I have 18 years in so I do not want to MEB, I am actively working and doing my military job, but I find it real hard to take care of my medical at the same time. I have seen 5 different Gastro Doctors. I am still having the same symptoms as 4 years ago. I do not want to go to the WTU and get MEB there. I want to know what is really wrong with me before I retire and I feel an MEB would just pass the buck to the VA and that is scary. What are my options? I also have other medical conditions that would benefit from WTU but again I want to continue my service to fulfill what I set my mind to long ago 20 years... I have been deployed 3 times to Iraq 2003-04, 2005-06, 2008-09. I also have been diagnosed with Chronic PTSD, Chronic migraines with aura, GERD had surgery but now has returned, Hiatal Hernia, Degenerative Back Disc Disease with L4/L5 disc slipped, L5/S1 slipped disc infringe on nerve root, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Gout Unspecified, Allergic Rhinitis, Essential primary hypertension, Chronic Frontal Sinusitis, Bunionectomy surgery, Radiculopathy lumbar region, Fecal smearing, Diarrhea Unspecified, Fecal Urgency, Abdominal distension, and Hallux Valgus. A whole lot of stuff. Has anyone had a positive experience in the WTU? My goal is to get fixed and taken care of medically and get back into the fight if I can. Currently I have no time to take care of "myself" medically because of my mission here. I want to put my medical aside and continue my mission but I feel as if I am neglecting a healthy future with my family when I retire. I want to be able to enjoy time with my kids and be able to play with them. Has anyone been in a similar situation to mine? Are there any other options? Thank you for all of your assistance in this matter.
 
elsereno19 said:
Good Afternoon I have 18 years active Army and currently am stationed in Germany. For the past 4 years I have had Gastro issues that have been Documented. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Chronic Proctitis, Gastritis, Chrohns Disease, and Encopresis not due to a substance or known physiological condition. Recently when I arrived to Germany and was sent to Gastro in Landstuhl I was told that it was doubtful I have Chrohn's Disease. I have a probable diagnosis from an off post Gastro doctor in the U.S. They performed an upper Endoscopy and Blood tests on me and used that to diagnose me. I am now being referred to the German economy to find out what's going on with my intestines. I feel like I have been getting the run around and no one is taking the time to really find out what is wrong with me. The Doctors in Landstuhl told me there is nothing they can do for me there. I saw my PCM and he said there could be 2 courses of action MEB or WTU. I have 18 years in so I do not want to MEB, I am actively working and doing my military job, but I find it real hard to take care of my medical at the same time. I have seen 5 different Gastro Doctors. I am still having the same symptoms as 4 years ago. I do not want to go to the WTU and get MEB there. I want to know what is really wrong with me before I retire and I feel an MEB would just pass the buck to the VA and that is scary. What are my options? I also have other medical conditions that would benefit from WTU but again I want to continue my service to fulfill what I set my mind to long ago 20 years... I have been deployed 3 times to Iraq 2003-04, 2005-06, 2008-09. I also have been diagnosed with Chronic PTSD, Chronic migraines with aura, GERD had surgery but now has returned, Hiatal Hernia, Degenerative Back Disc Disease with L4/L5 disc slipped, L5/S1 slipped disc infringe on nerve root, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Gout Unspecified, Allergic Rhinitis, Essential primary hypertension, Chronic Frontal Sinusitis, Bunionectomy surgery, Radiculopathy lumbar region, Fecal smearing, Diarrhea Unspecified, Fecal Urgency, Abdominal distension, and Hallux Valgus. A whole lot of stuff. Has anyone had a positive experience in the WTU? My goal is to get fixed and taken care of medically and get back into the fight if I can. Currently I have no time to take care of "myself" medically because of my mission here. I want to put my medical aside and continue my mission but I feel as if I am neglecting a healthy future with my family when I retire. I want to be able to enjoy time with my kids and be able to play with them. Has anyone been in a similar situation to mine? Are there any other options? Thank you for all of your assistance in this matter.
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Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Hmm, sounds a little like my own medical situation albeit I was over 20 years active federal service prior to being referred with acceptance into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process.

Well, first of all, no good health, no good life in my opinion. Indeed, do all you can medically now to potentially avoid being referred into the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process prior to reaching 20 years active federal service. You are in a very tough situation for sure so please don't neglect your medical situation at this particular point in time.

As such, I wasn't transferred to a WTU prior to being referred into the DoD IDES process so I can't prove any sound insightful information; maybe others shall very soon. Take care and get well!

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

Best Wishes!
 
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