Does anyone know if there is a set time between having a surgery (L-4-5 fused) before they start an MEB? Is it the 90 days for recovery or can it be started sooner?
Time between fusion and meb
- Thread starter toddwill72
- Start date
Mine isnt a fusion but a total hip replacement, but the earliest they said they could start my meb was after the first LIMDU profile (90 days) but that they might do 2 90 days depending on how well you heal initially.
I had a total hip replacement in April 2011. Returned to work the end of July and made my first visit to the military doctors in August. They have me on medical restrictions of no running and basically no physical exercise for one full year. I was told not until then would they do a complete evaluation on my ability to remain in the military. There has been no mention of an MEB. Am I missing something? Is this normal or should I be pushing this subject with our medical department?
Jason Perry
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This is for the Army:
Soldiers are referred into the PDES five ways:
Soldiers are referred into the PDES five ways:
(1) Medical Evaluation Board (MEB):
The MTF initiates a MEB when it is determined that a Soldier's treatment or hospitalization for a medical impairment has reached a point of stabilization and the course of recovery is relatively predictable, and further treatment will not cause a Soldier to meet medical retention standards in accordance with (IAW) Chapter 3, AR 40-501.
This determination is referred to as a Medical Retention Determination Point (MRDP). The MEB validates whether the Soldier meets medical retention standards. If the Soldier does not meet medical retention standards, the MTF refers the case to the applicable PEB.
(2) MOS/Medical Retention Board (MMRB):
The MMRB is an administrative screening board. It determines whether Soldiers who meet medical retention standards but have a permanent physical impairment can satisfactorily perform their primary MOS (branch/specialty code for officers) in a worldwide field environment.
The result of this board action may result in retention in current MOS, a change in the Soldier's MOS, or referral into the PDES.
(3) Fitness for duty medical examination:
Commanders may refer Soldiers to the MTF for a medical examination when they believe the Soldier has a medical impairment that impacts duty performance.
If the examination indicates the Soldier does not meet medical retention standards, the Soldier will be referred into the PDES.
If the examination indicates the Soldier does not meet medical retention standards, the Soldier will be referred into the PDES.
(4) HQDA action:
The Commander, Human Resources Command (HRC), upon recommendation of The Surgeon General, may refer a Soldier to the responsible MTF for medical evaluation as described in (3) above.
The Commander, HRC, may also direct referral into the PDES upon disapproving an MMRB convening authority's recommendation to reclassify or branch transfer a Soldier.
(5) Reserve component (RC) nonduty-related process:
The Department of Defense (DoD) affords RC Soldiers not on active duty and pending separation for medical disqualification for nonservice-connected impairments the right to a PEB fitness determination.
RC units may refer to the Reserve Commanders' Guide to the PDES on the PDA website at:https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/tagd/pda/pdapage.htm.
The United States Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) manages the Army's PDES and acts on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. USAPDA is a Field Operating Agency of HRC and is headquartered in Washington, DC, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
In addition to the USAPDA HQs, the Agency has PEBs located at Walter Reed, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, and Ft. Lewis, WA.
MTFs that conduct MEBs are aligned with one of these three PEBs. This alignment determines which PEB will adjudicate a Soldier's case.
However, I would say the principles are basically the same (with the exception of the Department of the Navy...unfortunately, they seem to be completely arbitrary in their application of the law and as far as I can tell, it is often a roll of the dice as to whether they will refer a member or not; this is blatantly illegal, in my opinion, but they seem to do whatever they please as policy).
Jason, hope you dont mind me firing a question directly at you, (I like to start at the bottom, but its hard with a rare case as mine)
Have you EVER seen a case with a 13 level (T2-T3-T4-T5-T6-T7-T8-T9-T10-T11-T12-L1-L2) or similar fusion, 13 of my 17 vertebrae are fused together and its hard as hell to get comparative cases.
Have you EVER seen a case with a 13 level (T2-T3-T4-T5-T6-T7-T8-T9-T10-T11-T12-L1-L2) or similar fusion, 13 of my 17 vertebrae are fused together and its hard as hell to get comparative cases.
I had S1-L4-L5 fusion Nov2010 surgeon stated that no further surgery would benefit, PA at Co level refused to initiate MEB or to renew profile,...Psychiatrist initiated MEB six moths later in 2011......EPIC FAIL!!!!!
Sounds like that PA was a moron. I would have gone over his/her head but it's a moot point now.