I have 23 years plus in, AD Major, and I will have a line number for Lt Col this summer (I am not sure if that plays into this or not), my guess is no. I have had Psoriasis for about 9 years, and I've been getting by on light treatment and steroid ointments.
I was assigned to Maxwell last year, and the clinic had to refer me to UAB which about a 4 hour round trip. Unfortunately I'm only able to make it out there maybe once a week for light therapy so my skin has gotten worse (legs primarily). The UAB doctor recently recommended Otezla. Unfortunately Tricare/maxwell pharmacy told me I need to use Humira before Otezla. I'm working through that problem now, but in the interim my PCM told me he was initiating a MEB because of my situation. I'm not sure if I agree with that or not, but I'm unsure how the process works.
First, I want to stay on AD. No issues with PT or deploying, I've been deployed n the last few years a few times. My CC wants me to stay in, etc.
I have alot of questions, but the important ones are below,
What are my chances of staying and making it through MEB, based on the info above. I have not started Humira, I'm still trying to take Otezla but the pharmacy and Tricare want me to use Humira. Good, bad, done deal on staying in, being found fit for duty?
How does the MEB medical retirement work versus a traditional retirement with the VA rating? I have a few other medical issues and I know the MEB only focuses only on one or two. Do the others get wrapped up during the VA disability process or do I do that after I retire? I hope it's all done while I'm on AD. I just want to make sure I don't get hosed during this process if I am found to be unfit for duty.
How long does the MEB process take if I'm found fit for duty, or found unfit for duty?
The last one is for those who have psoriasis, I have heard good things about Humira, but I have also heard about some negative side effects (cancer, tumors, etc(. I haven't heard much about Otezla. Any information on these drugs would really be helpful and I'd appreciate it.
I was assigned to Maxwell last year, and the clinic had to refer me to UAB which about a 4 hour round trip. Unfortunately I'm only able to make it out there maybe once a week for light therapy so my skin has gotten worse (legs primarily). The UAB doctor recently recommended Otezla. Unfortunately Tricare/maxwell pharmacy told me I need to use Humira before Otezla. I'm working through that problem now, but in the interim my PCM told me he was initiating a MEB because of my situation. I'm not sure if I agree with that or not, but I'm unsure how the process works.
First, I want to stay on AD. No issues with PT or deploying, I've been deployed n the last few years a few times. My CC wants me to stay in, etc.
I have alot of questions, but the important ones are below,
What are my chances of staying and making it through MEB, based on the info above. I have not started Humira, I'm still trying to take Otezla but the pharmacy and Tricare want me to use Humira. Good, bad, done deal on staying in, being found fit for duty?
How does the MEB medical retirement work versus a traditional retirement with the VA rating? I have a few other medical issues and I know the MEB only focuses only on one or two. Do the others get wrapped up during the VA disability process or do I do that after I retire? I hope it's all done while I'm on AD. I just want to make sure I don't get hosed during this process if I am found to be unfit for duty.
How long does the MEB process take if I'm found fit for duty, or found unfit for duty?
The last one is for those who have psoriasis, I have heard good things about Humira, but I have also heard about some negative side effects (cancer, tumors, etc(. I haven't heard much about Otezla. Any information on these drugs would really be helpful and I'd appreciate it.