I'm new to this forum, and joined to try and hopefully get some accurate advice. I'm at 18 years and 2 months and my initial determination just came back as Unfit. My referred condition was for my back, due to a spinal fusion, and although with all of my claims, the disability rating came out to 60%, my referred condition (back) only came out to 20%. From what I understand this would mean separation with pay since it's less than the minimum rating of 30% needed for a medical retirement. I plan to appeal at the Formal Board and if that fails, I'll appeal at the SECAF level. I would like to appeal so that I can stay in until 20 years. The Office of Airmans Counsel said I can apply for an Assignment Limitation Code which would allow me to stay in until 20 years, but no further. Does anybody have any knowledge or experience with getting an unfit determination this late in their career? Also, can I appeal the decision to assign a 20% rating to my back. I'm restricted to lifting no more that 50 lbs for the rest of my life which is bad enough, and can only touch my knees if I bend them. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.