Torn between actions

R

RFrampton

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
So, my pain management doc referred me for an MEB 2 months ago. She also referred me to an off-post neurosurgeon due to loss of strength in my arms/hands. The surgeon wants to do surgery next week on my neck to restore the strength. I submitted the paperwork for convalescent leave and it was approved by all.

Fast forward to today, I get a phone call from my case manager who tells me that if I have the surgery it will cause my MEB to stop for a year while I recover. I'm already listed as a known loss by my current unit, but still doing all of the work for my replacement. He has even bragged about getting me to do all the work. I'm stressed beyond belief and my strictly physical problems are starting to delve into the realm of mental/emotional distress. I can't concentrate on college, my family, or even much of my work.

I guess that the issue I have is deciding which is the best route. The case manager kind of pegged the situation while we were talking....that I just need a break and the con leave seems to be an easier way to get that break. However, all of the docs agree that the longer I wait to complete the MEB/PEB, the more I will injure my body. I'm on so many meds as it is and I don't sleep, I can't play with my daughter or do any of the things that I enjoy. It's beginning to wear on me.

So, basically, any advice that anyone can offer....this is really just a chance to vent to others that understand/are going through the same thing.
 
I am going through similar. I was told the MEB would be deferred pending my recovery from the surgery. However,
the case was forwarded to PEB less than 3 weeks post-surgery. I am not even close to recovery. Just be wary of the liars who call themselves MEBLOs. Their job is to process you out ASAP and will tell you what you want to hear and do whatever they are going to do to meet the timelines.
 
Health is a priority, oft times when you lose it, you never regain it fully. Which options gives you the best health long term? A nice long convalescent leave ought give the new guy time to get off the dime and start producing!
 
RFrampton said:
Fast forward to today, I get a phone call from my case manager who tells me that if I have the surgery it will cause my MEB to stop for a year while I recover.
Click to expand...

I question this assumption that surgery will cause your MEB to stop. I understand that this is often stated. I disagree that this is always the case. I recently had a client undergo a complete hip replacement while undergoing an MEB and PEB. Seems to me that the issue of having surgery and convalescing- depending on the time frames for healing/recovery- would only likely impact the issue of potential permanent vice temporary retirement.
 
SECNAVINST 1850.4E
30 APRIL 2002

3206 Hospitalization And/Or Surgery Performed After Medical Evaluation Board Report Referral To The PEB a. Prior to submission to the PEB, member must complete elective surgical procedures that may affect a member’s physical qualification for duty before initiation of a Medical Board. If a MEB or health record entry states that a surgical procedure is scheduled (or contemplated) the MEB should not be submitted until after the surgical procedure is done and an appropriate period of convalescence has occurred. An addendum addressing the results of surgery must be submitted with the MEB or the case will be terminated or rejected.
 
Camp P Marine said:
SECNAVINST 1850.4E
30 APRIL 2002

3206 Hospitalization And/Or Surgery Performed After Medical Evaluation Board Report Referral To The PEB a. Prior to submission to the PEB, member must complete elective surgical procedures that may affect a member’s physical qualification for duty before initiation of a Medical Board. If a MEB or health record entry states that a surgical procedure is scheduled (or contemplated) the MEB should not be submitted until after the surgical procedure is done and an appropriate period of convalescence has occurred. An addendum addressing the results of surgery must be submitted with the MEB or the case will be terminated or rejected.
Click to expand...

Yes, you will find this type of statement in several service regulations/memorandums/guidance. And, I have had clients bump up against this as an issue. I have also had more than half a dozen cases where surgery went through after initiation of MEB. I do not mean to suggest that it is easy to either get surgery done or to have cases proceed. That said, if you just accept the blanket statement that it either cannot be done or doing it will cause huge delays in the case, that is the result you will get.

Note that the above quote speaks of elective surgery. Emergent surgery will more easily happen.
 
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