IDES

I have seen no change in the granting of Formal PEB hearings. The IDES changes some things about when you can request rating review, but formal hearings remain the same, overall.

Interesting, the PEBLO and VA claims agent were both very specific about this. I will have to see if they can provide the documented change.
 
Phase Two, Part One

Hello all,

Today (3 months and 3 weeks in from MEB initiation) I spoke with my PEBLO. My VA report will come back to their office by Tuesday of next week and then the administration phase of my informal board will begin. They will compile all the responses from my medical team members for the board's consideration. The key date I was told to keep in mind was 6 May. On the 6th, I should have the decision. She asked that I call her that morning to see where we are on the official timeline. Thereafter, it will take another 60-90 days for AFPC and the VA to come to a determination (based on current turn-around times). I'll receive my rating at that time, and move into the next phase.

So I'm shifting from phase one to two this week. My PEBLO told me to be prepared for a retirement determination. So, my family and I are planning for the contingency. I've told my supervisor and NCOIC (they have been fantastic) and reassured them that I'm still working my butt off until Uncle Sam tells me otherwise. They are both continuing with business as usual, and both of them keep pushing me to take care of myself and my family.

I've been at units before where any illness/disability was viewed as laziness and malingering. I was very nervous once this MEB started rolling, but this group is just amazing. It is incredible to work for such a great team. Even so, I still struggle with feeling like I'm letting them down. Letting my family down. Myself down. It's a hard adjustment...but I'm a positive person. I will continue to work, set my sites on a new career instead of the next stripe, and keep trying to get better every day. It's all any of us can do, right?

Anyway, I hope this trek is helping you guys. I'll let you know if I find anything else out.
 
Hello I have the same person handling my meb case. From my experience some parts seem to fly. When you get to the PEB phase its going to seem forever. The peblo(s) are great! They will take care of you.
 
well I get phase 1 and 2 but when it comes to 3 thru 5, I am totally lost. My peblo called me and told me I was unfit and the VA rated me. Trying to find out what phase I'm under. Do you know?
 
Chargers920,

My friend, if you have received your DOD and VA Findings... then you are done (assuming you agree and don't want to appeal). Now you're at the phase that you are waiting on orders to get out!!! 2 to 3 weeks before you get orders and up to 90 days to clear!
 
well I get phase 1 and 2 but when it comes to 3 thru 5, I am totally lost. My peblo called me and told me I was unfit and the VA rated me. Trying to find out what phase I'm under. Do you know?

I've pulled out my timeline and contacted a couple of PEBLOs to give you clarification. You are in the final two phases. You're in "seamless" transition to separation, which is processing to the unit for separation and final IDES paperwork. You should sign some paperwork with your PEBLO. At our base the very last person we see in the process is the VA rep who tells us exactly what needs to be done in the next step of the process (ie when you get to your home of record or wherever they send you). If you appeal, you're still in the PEB/VA rating phase. If you're stateside, you get less time to outprocess than the overseas crew does, but it's possible to request an extension with AFPC. From a PEBLO friend in San Antonio: "AFPC rarely grants extensions, though, so be prepared."

I hope this answers your questions. And again, if anyone has any additional information, please feel free to correct or add as needed!
 
Interesting, the PEBLO and VA claims agent were both very specific about this. I will have to see if they can provide the documented change.

When you check, look at the issue of whether they mean a "Formal Hearing" (which has specific regulatory requirements to grant essentially whenever there is an unfit finding) and the internal IDES rules on requesting a rating consideration...they are related, but different things.

As a side note, I believe that there are some potential legal issues with how the IDES VA portion is administered. Currently, they get around most of my concerns (at least with self-rationalization) by saying that the ratings are just "proposed." However, I believe that the entirety of the 38 CFR must apply to the VA when they are doing these adjudications. The consequence? I think that the duty to assist applies and the requirement to provide adequate reasons and bases for decisions apply (there are several other issues, too...like not reducing ratings for members who previously were rated by the VA without following the notification procedures and applying the heightened evidentiary standards depending on the age of the previously granted entitlement...I could go on).
 
I clarified for you, Jason. It's changes on the internal IDES rating consideration.

May 5, 2011
Spoke with my PEBLO today. We're waiting for one last narrative summary from my medical team. She wants to meet with me next week before submitting it so she can break down what her summary means. I appreciate the extra consideration. The other summaries will be mine to read later in the process. So my PEBLO has the latest timeline for me...

16 May the local board meets (this is during the HSI--a huge hospital inspection, so I'm not expecting them to actually "meet").

23 May I will read the board findings (thoroughly) and agree/disagree. If there are any discrepancies, the next step will take longer. If I find no discrepancies, the package will be completed and shipped off to AFPC for AFPC and VA rating determination.

This suspense was delayed by almost a month from the original timeline. So, again, expect delays and stay patient during the process. Or try to anyway.

I'm working with Challenge Alaska (Paralympic organization) on building up my archery skills. My group has given me permission for a PTDY to Rhode Island for the US Military Paralympic workshop in July.

I was on emergency leave for a couple of weeks and during that time my section had written me out of my job. So now I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing. I continue to see specialists on a regular basis, and my appointments are showing no signs of slowing down.

Every step of the way I've been told to start focusing on a life outside the military. So my family and I are looking for a place we want to live. San Antonio looks like the best bet.

As for a job and resume...I've completed my master resume and realize that until I get my findings from AFPC (and there are no additional hearings), I won't know when I'll be available for work. Because of this, I'm planning on going to school full time until I can find a job that can take me with my limitations.

In the meantime, I said I'd pass along any resources I can.

1st: while still on active duty, make sure you apply for access to Ebenefits from work. CAC access gives you the highest access to the system. If you wait until you are off active, you have to request higher access and that can take months.

2nd: My TBI specialist gave me a list of free games that increase memory function. I'll post the list when my hands aren't so shaky. Voice recognition software is being a pain today with the web links. Anyway, keep up your spirits, all.

Talk to you soon.
 
Update: Pre-Board

Today I was contacted by my Psychiatrist about the VA results of my PTSD evaluation. The VA doctor gave me several diagnoses that had nothing to do with anything in my casefile. He made determinations on the hour or so he saw me. As a result, several of his documented "findings" were inacurate.

I had to perform a personality test today to counter his report. Sure enough, three personality tests confirmed that not only was I not suffering from any of these issues, but my personality was opposite of his findings. My Psychiatrist and TBI team are publishing an addendum to the VA doctor's report. More to come, I'm sure.
 
16 May 2011

It's been almost four (this Sunday will be four) months since the start of my MEB. Met up with my PCM for the final report. He let me know that three of my medical team recommended unfit for duty. He went out of his way to reassure me that it didn't reflect on my dedication or work performance, only that my symptoms are such that the AF and I have to part ways so they can get the mission done, and I can focus on my health.

He also gently mentioned that until we get my neurological symptoms under control (hand tremors, muscle spasms, face twitches, constant headache...etc.) it'll be difficult for me find and maintain a job. Every episode builds until I have to go to the ER to stop it.

It was suggested that I look into SSI, and recommended that my husband check on caregiver options since he has to be home in case something happens.

We are moving to Texas when we separate/retire. I'll desperately miss Alaska, but another concussion could be fatal, and ice is killer here.
 
jessica,
any updates to the timeframes that you went through?

Mike,

I'm now at 4 months (to the day) since my MEB began. The package for the local board is still being compiled. They (my PEBLOs) predict two more weeks before the package is completed, sent to the board for review, and approved by my commander. After that, they'll schedule a time with me to review my case. Timeline-wise, I'm over a month delayed from their original schedule.

The next step involves sending the package to AFPC for their review.

I hope this helps!
 
Thanks Jessica,
That helps. I signed for my package on 28 Feb and they finally got me into the contracted VA doc on 13 April. From there they were supposed to have the VA rating done in 45 day and on day 38 (last friday) they said the doc still had to QC my package and then go to VA for rating which would take another 30 days. Still having trouble figuring out if the VA rating and the boards are done at the same time, not supposed to be but seems like they are sometimes. My NARSUM is done so hopefully as soon as the VA rating comes back they can go straight to AFPC (they already decided its going to AFPC). From there it sounds like their turning the IDES packages in 14 days. Just want to get it over, I started this in Sept 2009 under the old system.

Thanx
Mike
 
Thanks Jessica,
That helps. I signed for my package on 28 Feb and they finally got me into the contracted VA doc on 13 April. From there they were supposed to have the VA rating done in 45 day and on day 38 (last friday) they said the doc still had to QC my package and then go to VA for rating which would take another 30 days. Still having trouble figuring out if the VA rating and the boards are done at the same time, not supposed to be but seems like they are sometimes. My NARSUM is done so hopefully as soon as the VA rating comes back they can go straight to AFPC (they already decided its going to AFPC). From there it sounds like their turning the IDES packages in 14 days. Just want to get it over, I started this in Sept 2009 under the old system.

Thanx
Mike

*hugs* on the long wait. I know you've got to be frustrated. My NARSUMs are still being compiled, I guess. No new update on my end, but I think the rating and AFPC determination are done at the same time. I could be wrong, though. 14 day turn around would be amazing.
 
Thanks Jessica,
That helps. I signed for my package on 28 Feb and they finally got me into the contracted VA doc on 13 April. From there they were supposed to have the VA rating done in 45 day and on day 38 (last friday) they said the doc still had to QC my package and then go to VA for rating which would take another 30 days. Still having trouble figuring out if the VA rating and the boards are done at the same time, not supposed to be but seems like they are sometimes. My NARSUM is done so hopefully as soon as the VA rating comes back they can go straight to AFPC (they already decided its going to AFPC). From there it sounds like their turning the IDES packages in 14 days. Just want to get it over, I started this in Sept 2009 under the old system.

Thanx
Mike

Hey Mike,

With the IDES system, AFPC will only find you Fit or Unfit. If you are Unfit, you package will be sent directly to the VA. The VA takes a long time with the rating process. I'm still waiting for my rating and it was sent in on 22 March. From what I have been able to tell, the VA takes between 3-4 months to notify you of your rating. After that, your package is sent back to AFPC and they will use the same ratings that the VA assigned, but only for your disqualifying conditions.

Depending on which VA Regional Office your package is sent to and their current work load, you can be in for a long wait. If you want to get an idea of their work load, check out 2011 Monday Morning Workload Reports - Veterans Benefits Administration Reports
 
June 8, 2011

This weekend was a tough one. I spent two days in and out of the ER from these complicated migraines. It causes these stroke-like symptoms that include uncontrollable shakes, problems speaking, etc. Contacted my PEBLO today for an update, and this was the latest and greatest:

The medical group commander has the package under review from the local board. There are "questions" and he wants them answered before it continues. He won't be able to look at it again until next week b/c he's TDY. I'm at 4.5 months in the timeline from MEB initiation, and the local board isn't complete without the commander's signature. I'm not stressing the questions (I'd actually prefer the package be thoroughly gone over so I don't have to have it redone over and over like some of these other cases I've read about on this forum). I just want them to find out how to prevent these migraines. They're taking over my life.

On a plus note, there are no medical TDY limits during this phase of the process, so if they send me to BAMSI for a migraine workup, I can go without any issues.

Now I'm working with SSI to get me under their disability, and my husband (who had to quit his job b/c of the amount of care I'm now needing) is getting care provider compensation. According to my TBI specialists...until I can get these migraines stopped or handled, I'm unemployable. That was probably the biggest blow to me throughout this entire process. I can't remember a day in my adult life where I wasn't working multiple jobs, much less one. I'm looking into jobs that I can do at my own pace. Medical transcription, maybe? I can always write that novel I always wanted to write, now, huh? It's hard to stay positive when I keep waiting for the one episode that will put me in the hospital or permanently "alter" me.

Keep fighting the good fight, people. Take care of yourselves, and give love to those who are supporting you through this process.
 
Hey Mike,

With the IDES system, AFPC will only find you Fit or Unfit. If you are Unfit, you package will be sent directly to the VA. The VA takes a long time with the rating process. I'm still waiting for my rating and it was sent in on 22 March. From what I have been able to tell, the VA takes between 3-4 months to notify you of your rating. After that, your package is sent back to AFPC and they will use the same ratings that the VA assigned, but only for your disqualifying conditions.

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Question... The AF wont separate you until the VA decides your percentage? On E-Benifits, my process began on Mar 16 and its still in the "development" phase. I am currently going through the IDES process and in Stage 2 (PEB DoD), Part 1 (IPEB). My package was sent to the IPEB on May 25, and havent heard a peep from anyone yet, but am I looking at another 4 months before I get i separation orders? (I havent actually received a fit or unfit, but my PEBLO said all the cases shes seen with Ulcerative Colitis have came back as discharge with sev. pay) Im just trying to get to my husband as quick as possible, who is stationed in Tx and I'm in Ga. This just sitting here with no news is driving us crazy!
 
Hey Mike,

With the IDES system, AFPC will only find you Fit or Unfit. If you are Unfit, you package will be sent directly to the VA. The VA takes a long time with the rating process. I'm still waiting for my rating and it was sent in on 22 March. From what I have been able to tell, the VA takes between 3-4 months to notify you of your rating. After that, your package is sent back to AFPC and they will use the same ratings that the VA assigned, but only for your disqualifying conditions.

Depending on which VA Regional Office your package is sent to and their current work load, you can be in for a long wait. If you want to get an idea of their work load, check out 2011 Monday Morning Workload Reports - Veterans Benefits Administration Reports


Thanks ncfitzge,
I think allot depends on where your VA package goes for rating (mine went to seattle?) and whether your under the new system or the old one. So far the scheduling of my VA medical appt with the contracted doc was the only delay. They took about 6 weeks just to get me scheduled since I didnt have a contracted doc in my area. My VA medical eval came back on the exact day it was due. Local board took about two weeks (within timeline) and it was sent to Randolph AFB last thursday. They have 15 days to complete. Heres where the disconnect may come in since the AF is supposed to use the rating the VA gives, if the VA isnt done the delay begins. I'm hoping since I'm the first person to go through this in my state that it might move faster (already been some butts chewed for the medical appt delay). I'll post an update when I hear something (hopefully it wont be months from now).
 
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