Trying to be found Fit to finish 20yrs.

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Nighthawk2714

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hello all,

I am trying to be found “fit for duty”. I only claimed the condition that I was referred for because that’s what the VA counselor told me to do. He said I can claim all the other stuff if I am found unfit later. Anyway....what do I need to do to be found fit? My CC recommended retain and wrote some amazing remarks. The condition I was referred for is “chronic pain syndrome w/use of a controlled substance”. My condition is currently stable and does not limit me in anyway in my job. In fact it didn’t limit me from getting the #6 stratification on my performance report. I may be looking at a line number real soon. The Air Force really screwed me on this....for the first 6 months of my condition they were no help at all until I got my case to the medical group CC. I am still not done seeing specialists but the MEB is rolling? Any advise will be greatly appreciated. I also completed my physical and hearing exam with QTC this week. Since I didnt claim anything extra that’s all I needed to get done.
 
I suggest you consult with Office of Airman's Counsel. Trying to make 20 (you don't say how long you have to go) and only claiming one condition can backfire. Leaving you with only a small VA check (one condition) and out.
 
Charlie,

I know only claiming the referred condition can backfire. I have 19 months to reach 20 yrs of service but I also have 95 days of leave saved up as well. So I would have to stretch it to 16 months. I’m really nervous about only claiming the one condition but that’s what was suggested to try and stay in. Any advice you can give would be great.
 
Nighthawk2714 said:
Hello all,

I am trying to be found “fit for duty”. I only claimed the condition that I was referred for because that’s what the VA counselor told me to do. He said I can claim all the other stuff if I am found unfit later. Anyway....what do I need to do to be found fit? My CC recommended retain and wrote some amazing remarks. The condition I was referred for is “chronic pain syndrome w/use of a controlled substance”. My condition is currently stable and does not limit me in anyway in my job. In fact it didn’t limit me from getting the #6 stratification on my performance report. I may be looking at a line number real soon. The Air Force really screwed me on this....for the first 6 months of my condition they were no help at all until I got my case to the medical group CC. I am still not done seeing specialists but the MEB is rolling? Any advise will be greatly appreciated. I also completed my physical and hearing exam with QTC this week. Since I didnt claim anything extra that’s all I needed to get done.
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Nighthawk2714 said:
Charlie,

I know only claiming the referred condition can backfire. I have 19 months to reach 20 yrs of service but I also have 95 days of leave saved up as well. So I would have to stretch it to 16 months. I’m really nervous about only claiming the one condition but that’s what was suggested to try and stay in. Any advice you can give would be great.
Click to expand...
I suggest claiming everything. If that one condition is the only unfitting one then it probably won't have much of an effect and then you should at the very least know what your VA rating is too. Have you looked at hiring an outside attorney? Due to the lifetime implications of your IDES results I strongly suggest you look at hiring a dedicated attorney. Also, knowing the rating system for the (I assume) 1 unfitting condition can help too. You may be able to drag this out and if that doesn't work get a medical retirement. I just wouldn't leave this up to PEB to decide your fate hoping for the best. If you fight to stay in you are probably minimizing the issue which hurts your rating. You want a 30% rating to at the very least to medically retire. Since you get the higher of the 2 between longevity and your disability % getting to 30% = 47.5% or slightly more since that would be what your longevity would be at. There have been people discharged with only severance with 19 years in. You don't want to join that club!
 
I would hire an attorney. So much is at risk. An outside attorney might be able to get you more time, by slowing down every step in the process. PEBLAWYER.COM
There are tons of dollars on the line!
 
Provis said:
I suggest claiming everything. If that one condition is the only unfitting one then it probably won't have much of an effect and then you should at the very least know what your VA rating is too. Have you looked at hiring an outside attorney? Due to the lifetime implications of your IDES results I strongly suggest you look at hiring a dedicated attorney. Also, knowing the rating system for the (I assume) 1 unfitting condition can help too. You may be able to drag this out and if that doesn't work get a medical retirement. I just wouldn't leave this up to PEB to decide your fate hoping for the best. If you fight to stay in you are probably minimizing the issue which hurts your rating. You want a 30% rating to at the very least to medically retire. Since you get the higher of the 2 between longevity and your disability % getting to 30% = 47.5% or slightly more since that would be what your longevity would be at. There have been people discharged with only severance with 19 years in. You don't want to join that club!
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I am looking at staying in to complete my 20yrs of service. I also have filled out the LAS paperwork as well. I am also looking at switching my medication regimen to help this process. It’s to late to claim all the issues I have because I have already completed my C&P exams. I am also fully doing my job at this current time. The condition does not affect my work performance at all. I will fight the results if it’s anything less than fit for duty all the way to the SECAF if I have to.
 
If I can get off of the narcotic pain medications the results will be simple....fit for duty. The condition by itself is not the reason for the MEB. It’s the MEDs that started this wheel of BS.
 
Nighthawk2714 said:
If I can get off of the narcotic pain medications the results will be simple....fit for duty. The condition by itself is not the reason for the MEB. It’s the MEDs that started this wheel of BS.
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I hope it all works out for you! That would be great if changing meds would cause you to be found fit!
 
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