What does my high EPR rating have to do with me qualifying for a MEB

msHampton

msHampton

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
I received a response from the AFBCMR for a claim I filed to be recalled to Active Duty for proper separation via MEB. Long story short, I separated directly into AF Reserve in which they coded me as unfit for duty within 6 months due to migraines. SO I received a package back from AFBCMR stating that a Col in the Aerospace Medical Ops agreed that I should have never been separated from AD as I had several disqualifying medical conditions and was seeing a neurologist upon separation from the Air Force for chronic migraines. This Col also agreed that I should be recalled to Active Duty to go through an MEB/IDES. However, a medical reviewer stated that due to me having high EPR ratings and basically being a great Airmen shows that I was "fit for duty" and could perform my job. I believe that my work performance and medical fitness is two different rating categories and EPRs should not be used against me when determining my medical fitness. I do not believe that my EPR ratings are a justifiable reason to say my medical condition gets in the way of my job.

I have substantial medical evidence to show that my migraines were chronic and at times caused me to miss work. At one point I was placed on 2 weeks quarters because of them. I feel like I am not being fairly treated and would like you all's advice if you have any. I have been trying to fight this alone for some years now, but I may need to consult with a lawyer as it appears to be me against the Air Force.

Any suggestions or thoughts will be highly appreciated.
 
High EPRs do not singularly indicate fitness for duty. I know many people with outstanding O/E fitness reports that have been found unfit, including a vice wing commander.
 
I had three top Block OERs in a row and the FPEB asked me about them. Specifically, a LTC asked if my condition makes me unfit, how could I have been rated so highly?

My reply was that I was a recruiting company commander with 30 recruiters working for me that were all outstanding NCOs and that we consistently made or exceeded our recruiting mission. That OERs were simply a numbers game, those who met their numbers got great write ups, those who didn't got poor ones.

The LTC understood perfectly. What the ABCMR doesn't understand in your case is how you managed the migraines and your daily work goals/mission. Maybe you could get statements from those you worked with outlining how you coped or how others picked up the slack.
 
Thank you for the advice. I reached out to my supervisor and another airmen in the shop who can attest to my frequent absences.
 
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