How to stop/delay transition?

1

19DScout

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
I need some help on who to contact to stop/delay my transition. My PEB is complete, 20% DOD for back issues, 50% VA (back, depression, anxiety) signed my 199, received my separation memo (6 JUNE sep date) and am waiting on my DA31 to be approved. No orders yet due to not having my DA31 finished. Problem is I have been seeing my doctor about headaches, which I got a 0% VA rating. After I received my sep memo my doctor referred me to Neurology. Who put me in for a head/brain CT scan and MRI w/contrast. Well the results came back yesterday and he said they found some blood or an adenoma in the area of my pituitary gland. Then referred to Endocrinology. Who can't see me until the end of next month. I am supposed to start PTDY on April 20th, Terminal leave on the 10th of May, ETS 6 June. I need to get off the transpoc list to be able to get the necessary treatment. I really want to resolve this while on Active Duty, and not go the "take it up with the VA" route.

I am trying to contact my Peblo, but have been unable to reach him via phone and email. Am going to drive to his office today as well as see if MEB JAG can provide assistance. Who else should I contact? My chain of command is tracking this new issue, but also has no idea what to do.

Background: 7 years Active Duty Army. Currently at Fort Bliss. Deployed to Iraq in 2008 where I injured my back.

Timeline:
Started MEB Sep 2012 for L4, L5 spondylolisthesis.
Narsum back in Nov 2012
Narsum sent to Lewis Dec 2012
Found unfit Jan 2013
Rating came back end of Feb 2013
199 signed middle of Mar 2013
Sep memo March 2012
Pending PTDY 20 APR
Pending Terminal leave 10 May
Pending ETS 6 Jun
 
Utilize the COC, start with your Platoon Seargent and First Sergeant.

Explain the issues to see if you have their support (flat out ask them if they will support you on this matter). If they are willing to support you, ask them if they will accompany you to William Beaumont and talk to the Deputy Chief of Clincal Services (you may need to go though the CSM of Beaumont). If you CoC is not familiar with WBAMC, the Command Suite is where they will find the CSM.

If they are unwilling to support you, ask permission to use your Commanders open door policy, explain the issues to him/her and see if they are willing to escort you to see the DCCS at WBAMC.

If this route does not work, make a phone call to the WTB Ombudsman at Ft Bliss the phone number is 915.742.7057 or 915.742.7138

This would take care of the CoC side of the house...

Concurrently I would also bring this up to your Nurse Case Manager and see if they can help you work some magic regarding this issue.

To be sucessful you should write down an outline of how you would like things to play out and stick to it when your are speaking to your CoC and or NCM. this will help you stay on track and stick to the issue at concern. Emotions will cause you to lose focus and not clearly communicate what needs to be done.
 
The back was the issue you were seen unfit for. I doubt the headaches would be seen as a Catagory one issue. It would be a Catagory II, not rated by the military but rated by the VA. That is why they told you to take it up with the VA. File a new claim with the VA for the headaches.

It is very difficult to stop the seperation process after they give you the results. Clearly you signed them agreeing with them, or you wouldn't be getting orders. The only time I have seen it stop is for surgery, but it was surgery relating to what was found unfitting....
 
19DScout said:
I need some help on who to contact to stop/delay my transition. My PEB is complete, 20% DOD for back issues, 50% VA (back, depression, anxiety) signed my 199, received my separation memo (6 JUNE sep date) and am waiting on my DA31 to be approved. No orders yet due to not having my DA31 finished. Problem is I have been seeing my doctor about headaches, which I got a 0% VA rating. After I received my sep memo my doctor referred me to Neurology. Who put me in for a head/brain CT scan and MRI w/contrast. Well the results came back yesterday and he said they found some blood or an adenoma in the area of my pituitary gland. Then referred to Endocrinology. Who can't see me until the end of next month. I am supposed to start PTDY on April 20th, Terminal leave on the 10th of May, ETS 6 June. I need to get off the transpoc list to be able to get the necessary treatment. I really want to resolve this while on Active Duty, and not go the "take it up with the VA" route.

I am trying to contact my Peblo, but have been unable to reach him via phone and email. Am going to drive to his office today as well as see if MEB JAG can provide assistance. Who else should I contact? My chain of command is tracking this new issue, but also has no idea what to do.

Background: 7 years Active Duty Army. Currently at Fort Bliss. Deployed to Iraq in 2008 where I injured my back.

Timeline:
Started MEB Sep 2012 for L4, L5 spondylolisthesis.
Narsum back in Nov 2012
Narsum sent to Lewis Dec 2012
Found unfit Jan 2013
Rating came back end of Feb 2013
199 signed middle of Mar 2013
Sep memo March 2012
Pending PTDY 20 APR
Pending Terminal leave 10 May
Pending ETS 6 Jun
Click to expand...
If you were not referred for headaches, then trying to stop at this point will not change anything. You will need to take it up with the VA once you're completely out and on veteran status.
 
I understand alot of what is being said, but I think alot of the rules and regulations that i fought with to get started are being side stepped in the OP's situation.

I had to fight tooth and nail to get an MEB because my Military doctors and CoC wanted me to "Recover 100%, with no outstanding medical issues". So it took me almost a year to get it started. **Hind sight 20/20, they are right in doing that**

So If you are not able to get seen and taken care of for the migraine issues, since the VA does know about them, then I am really thinking that people in the system just do what they want and follow the rules that suit them.
 
gsfowler said:
Utilize the COC, start with your Platoon Seargent and First Sergeant.

Explain the issues to see if you have their support (flat out ask them if they will support you on this matter). If they are willing to support you, ask them if they will accompany you to William Beaumont and talk to the Deputy Chief of Clincal Services (you may need to go though the CSM of Beaumont). If you CoC is not familiar with WBAMC, the Command Suite is where they will find the CSM.

If they are unwilling to support you, ask permission to use your Commanders open door policy, explain the issues to him/her and see if they are willing to escort you to see the DCCS at WBAMC.

If this route does not work, make a phone call to the WTB Ombudsman at Ft Bliss the phone number is 915.742.7057 or 915.742.7138

This would take care of the CoC side of the house...

Concurrently I would also bring this up to your Nurse Case Manager and see if they can help you work some magic regarding this issue.

To be sucessful you should write down an outline of how you would like things to play out and stick to it when your are speaking to your CoC and or NCM. this will help you stay on track and stick to the issue at concern. Emotions will cause you to lose focus and not clearly communicate what needs to be done.
Click to expand...

Thank you for this infomation. Starting the process now. Hopefully it works out.


AmyGallay said:
The back was the issue you were seen unfit for. I doubt the headaches would be seen as a Catagory one issue. It would be a Catagory II, not rated by the military but rated by the VA. That is why they told you to take it up with the VA. File a new claim with the VA for the headaches.

It is very difficult to stop the seperation process after they give you the results. Clearly you signed them agreeing with them, or you wouldn't be getting orders. The only time I have seen it stop is for surgery, but it was surgery relating to what was found unfitting....
Click to expand...

When I signed for the ratings my headaches were thought to be caused by my back issue. Now that I had the head/brain MRI after signing for the ratings it seems like the cause is bleeding or a small tumor on my pituitary gland. Which of coarse freaks me out. I would rather stay with the same doctors for as long as possible, instead of starting over/waiting on the VA. Thank you for that information also. Makes me feel better about it knowing all the routes it could go.
 
moneyblind said:
I understand alot of what is being said, but I think alot of the rules and regulations that i fought with to get started are being side stepped in the OP's situation.

I had to fight tooth and nail to get an MEB because my Military doctors and CoC wanted me to "Recover 100%, with no outstanding medical issues". So it took me almost a year to get it started. **Hind sight 20/20, they are right in doing that**

So If you are not able to get seen and taken care of for the migraine issues, since the VA does know about them, then I am really thinking that people in the system just do what they want and follow the rules that suit them.
Click to expand...
You will be seen by the VA for any condition(s) deemed service related. However, at this point your rating for headaches may not change until you submit a new claim to have it relooked at once you are out. I know this because that is what I am having to do. I received 10% from VA when I got out, but the is has been getting much worse.
 
19DScout said:
Thank you for this infomation. Starting the process now. Hopefully it works out.




When I signed for the ratings my headaches were thought to be caused by my back issue. Now that I had the head/brain MRI after signing for the ratings it seems like the cause is bleeding or a small tumor on my pituitary gland. Which of coarse freaks me out. I would rather stay with the same doctors for as long as possible, instead of starting over/waiting on the VA. Thank you for that information also. Makes me feel better about it knowing all the routes it could go.
Click to expand...

Yes, I understand. But again, if the headaches are caused by the back issues, it is a secondary issue cause by the primary issue, your back pain. The Army will not rate that, only the VA.

What did you neurologist say when you followed up with him about your MRI results?
 
AmyGallay said:
Yes, I understand. But again, if the headaches are caused by the back issues, it is a secondary issue cause by the primary issue, your back pain. The Army will not rate that, only the VA.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with you Amy.
 
Here's my big question. During your MEB/PEB did you do any appeals or anything? If so, what were the outcomes.
 
I don't think he is worried about ratings. I think he is worried about the potential problems with the findings on the MRI and wants to stick with the doctor he has.

OP- The VA will provide you with great care and I would like to make a point that may ease your concerns. If something serious was wrong, they would not be attempting to schedule you for the end of next month. You would be seen immediately. This to me says it is not serious in nature.

You have a couple of options. First, if you are staying local, you can continue to receive care through your PCM until the end of your terminal leave. This is what I did and I saw my Dr at the MTF until I was discharged. I had 93 days of leave. Second, you can establish care with the VA while on terminal leave. You have a DD 214 and will be able to be seen prior to your terminal leave being complete. You will have a low category until they get ratings, but if you are an OEF/OIF veteran, you will get priority care and be assigned a coordinator. Again, my experience was I was seen by the VA within 20 days of starting terminal leave. This care can be set up by the VA rep that sits over in the WTU. I don't remember his official title, but just hit the WTU.
 
That was why I asked what his Neurologist said. He still has Tricare, even during his PTDY and terminal. So he can see Neuro again before having to worry about switching doctors.
 
He will haveTricare for 180 days after his last day on active (whenever his leave ends)
 
So you can continue to see your doctors for continued care, treatment, ect. Just remember even if you get diagnosed by your doctor, the VA will send you to their doctors anyway to confirm.
 
ranger2992 said:
I don't think he is worried about ratings. I think he is worried about the potential problems with the findings on the MRI and wants to stick with the doctor he has.
Click to expand...

This ^^. More or less just want to know what is up with the MRI. It's adding a lot of stress to an already stressful time. It's one of those possibly be on meds for life situation. Neurology referred me for the MRI, then cancelled my follow up and said go straight to the Endo clinic. The neurology receptionist who told me to schedule the Endo appointment only said the MRI results showed bleeding near the pituitary gland but couldn't answer any other questions.

Today I was able to get my Endocrinology appt moved to next week instead of next month. Thanks to the patient advocate. The endocrinology clinic literally called me 10 minutes after I talked with patient advocacy and said "oh, we didn't know you were a MEB patient." Since the appointment was more than 30 days out they would of had to send me off post to a civilian doc to be seen quicker. But because I am a MEB I have to be seen at a MTF. Or so they say. I'm just glad that got taken care of.

Now to change the ETS date given on my separation memo, went in a circle but got that figured out as well. All I need is a memo from my doctor stating the reason why the date needs to be medically extended. Then give that to my Peblo. Who then has to submit it to PDA. PDA is the only way to change the date. Transition even showed me on the computer that if they try and change the date a prompt pops up and says PDA has the authorization to change the date. Now I have my fingers crossed that I can get a memo and praying it gets accepted to push back the date. I just want to know what is wrong now rather than be stuck with a bunch of doctors appointments while trying to find a job/support my family. My ratings came back much sooner than expected, so I really have nothing lined up for work or even where to go.

I spoke with Tricare today as well. Like others have said, I call and let them know where I am and that I need to set up an PCM to continue treatment. Sounded rather simple.

Thank you everyone for the advice, I will update again if I get a memo to PDA.
 
Sascha Roberson said:
Here's my big question. During your MEB/PEB did you do any appeals or anything? If so, what were the outcomes.
Click to expand...

I did not appeal anything as everything was fine/acceptable until that MRI after I signed my 199. My headaches are gradually getting worse and I had planned to just let the VA deal with it. Before the MRI I did not have any headache supporting medical records worth submitting with an appeal.
 
19DScout said:
This ^^. More or less just want to know what is up with the MRI. It's adding a lot of stress to an already stressful time. It's one of those possibly be on meds for life situation. Neurology referred me for the MRI, then cancelled my follow up and said go straight to the Endo clinic. The neurology receptionist who told me to schedule the Endo appointment only said the MRI results showed bleeding near the pituitary gland but couldn't answer any other questions.

Today I was able to get my Endocrinology appt moved to next week instead of next month. Thanks to the patient advocate. The endocrinology clinic literally called me 10 minutes after I talked with patient advocacy and said "oh, we didn't know you were a MEB patient." Since the appointment was more than 30 days out they would of had to send me off post to a civilian doc to be seen quicker. But because I am a MEB I have to be seen at a MTF. Or so they say. I'm just glad that got taken care of.

Now to change the ETS date given on my separation memo, went in a circle but got that figured out as well. All I need is a memo from my doctor stating the reason why the date needs to be medically extended. Then give that to my Peblo. Who then has to submit it to PDA. PDA is the only way to change the date. Transition even showed me on the computer that if they try and change the date a prompt pops up and says PDA has the authorization to change the date. Now I have my fingers crossed that I can get a memo and praying it gets accepted to push back the date. I just want to know what is wrong now rather than be stuck with a bunch of doctors appointments while trying to find a job/support my family. My ratings came back much sooner than expected, so I really have nothing lined up for work or even where to go.

I spoke with Tricare today as well. Like others have said, I call and let them know where I am and that I need to set up an PCM to continue treatment. Sounded rather simple.

Thank you everyone for the advice, I will update again if I get a memo to PDA.
Click to expand...


19DScout said:
I did not appeal anything as everything was fine/acceptable until that MRI after I signed my 199. My headaches are gradually getting worse and I had planned to just let the VA deal with it. Before the MRI I did not have any headache supporting medical records worth submitting with an appeal.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Congratulations on your successful efforts to potentially remedy your medical healthcare while still of Active Duty. Preserve all of your new medical documentation for eventual submission to the DoVA upon transitioning to military veteran status.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
The receptionist shouldn't have told you anything. She/He has no license and should not be releasing info like that over the phone. If it was anything dangerous, they would have admitted you into the hospital. You have the right to still see your Neuro doc to get your results. He ordered the MRI, he should be the one to review it with you and explain why he referred you to Endo. I would still make an appt with him. I've done that with my off base docs to get results explained to me. Try not to worry. If it was Urgent you would have been told the same day as your MRI.

PS You as a patient have the right to request a copy of the reading of the MRI that the Radiologist made. That should have a detail of findings.
 
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