Help With CG MEB Timeline

Needless to say I was a bit distraught when I found out. I had just finished my Master's degree, made Chief, and was in the process of applying for Warrant when this came about. It's definitely been a humbling experience. I hope you get to feeling better and that your medboard goes faster than mine.
 
No problem brother. I've been dealing with this process for myself since March and have really had to search and hunt to find answers.

In simplified terms....you're MEB will be complete once you sign the NARSUM. Then your NARSUM, CO's letter, pertinent information from your medical record and a few other things get sent to PSC. It took about a month for mine to get "checked-in" from the time the HS2 helping the Dr. fedexed it. You'll receive an email from Mr. Sisto once it's checked in explaining some of the process and asking for all your contact information. It'll also give you an estimated time of how long before the IPEB should decide on your case. The email I got this month said less than 6 months. I'm hearing more like 3. I was told by my Sector that my case was being expedited, but I'm not really buying off on that. I think the portion on my billet getting shopped got expedited so I could get a relief on scene and get relieved.

After the IPEB gives their decision, Mr. Sisto will call you and go over all your options and the findings. You'll have the chance to meet with a lawyer and go over everything. If you agree, it'll still be about 90-120 days before your actual out date. It has to go through 3 different levels of review before it's official and we all know how fast CG Legal moves.
2nd thing. What you see people posting are from DOD. DOD is obeying the law and congressional mandate, which we aren't, and have implemented the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES.) We still use the Legacy DES so you'll still have to do the VA stuff once you're out. You can however avail yourself of the BDD program if you have a confirmed out date between 180-90 days out. So basically, start having you ducks in a row and be ready to file once you get your findings and agree with them, because you'll be pretty close to the minimum time requirement.

So you didn't request a Formal MEB?
 
So you didn't request a Formal MEB?
If by Formal MEB you mean the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB), no I didn't. I accepted the findings of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). Now that I'm home, I kind of regret accepting and not going to the FPEB, but at the time, I was in a really bad situation and just needed out of there and the IPEB findings were fair, just not accurate, if that makes any sense.
 
If by Formal MEB you mean the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB), no I didn't. I accepted the findings of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). Now that I'm home, I kind of regret accepting and not going to the FPEB, but at the time, I was in a really bad situation and just needed out of there and the IPEB findings were fair, just not accurate, if that makes any sense.
Sorry, yes the Formal PEB (FPEB). Brand new to this and trying to give myself a crash course!

I am a CWO with 19 years (trying to make it to 20).

My paperwork listed 3 diagnoses (POTS, CFS/ME, and Thyroid Cancer). I just received notice that package was received at PSC (initial e-mail from Mr. Sisto). My POTS and CFS/ME diagnosis has been linked to the Anthrax Vaccine (causality assessment from VHC) and I'm working on filing a CICP Claim for that (fingers crossed).

CG doctor suggested re-evaluation in 6-9 months after cancer has been treated (Surgery and Radiation sked for Oct 14); however, not really sure if that will delay the IPEB finding or not. Just concerned about level and quality of care for ongoing treatment if they come back with findings before cancer treatment and other conditions have stabilized (I am pretty much wheelchair bound for the POTS).

Plus, pretty sure I'm going to be TRDL so worried about implications of not making it to 20.....
 
No worries, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. There is so much misinformation and outdated information on the USCG process.

I'm sorry to hear about your conditions and going through the PDES process. Our system just plain sucks and then you get to go through the whole thing again with the VA. I'm in the middle of my VA exams right now, even though I saw VA doctors to "confirm" my diagnosis' during my MEB. Remember, you are your own best advocate through this process. This forum and a few fellow Coasties that I've met going through the Legacy DES were/are a lifeline for me.

I'm really surprised that they went ahead with the MEB as opposed to just placing you on TLD and doing the MEB after a period of recovery from your scheduled treatment in October for the Thyroid cancer. Very surprised about that. I would really push the issue for them to pause the process. You making it to 20 and thus being eligible for Concurrent Receipt is a huge monetary difference for you over your lifetime. I would do everything possible to slow down the clock. Take the maximum amount of time before you sign and return things, appeal to the FPEB, appeal again, we are talking about "real money" with you hitting 20, especially since you're making the lobotomy money from going warrant. (j'k about the lobotomy)

Again, welcome to the Board Shipmate. If there's anything I can help with, answer or clarify, just ask. If you just need to vent as you're going through the process, send me a PM and vent away. I'm still shocked that they accepted your package with surgery and radiation still pending. All though they don't "assign" us PEB counsel until after we receive our IPEB findings, another assinine difference between us and the other services, don't hesitate to call the PDES lawyers and talk to them. I had questions and they helped me out earlier in the process than when the Guard assigns them. If you can't find their number, I have it somewhere, but it's on the CG JAG/HQ Legal's website under Defense Counsel/PDES Counsel. Somewhat ironic that they lump us with defense counsel, but they were helpful to me.

Tom
 
Sorry, yes the Formal PEB (FPEB). Brand new to this and trying to give myself a crash course!

I am a CWO with 19 years (trying to make it to 20).

My paperwork listed 3 diagnoses (POTS, CFS/ME, and Thyroid Cancer). I just received notice that package was received at PSC (initial e-mail from Mr. Sisto). My POTS and CFS/ME diagnosis has been linked to the Anthrax Vaccine (causality assessment from VHC) and I'm working on filing a CICP Claim for that (fingers crossed).

CG doctor suggested re-evaluation in 6-9 months after cancer has been treated (Surgery and Radiation sked for Oct 14); however, not really sure if that will delay the IPEB finding or not. Just concerned about level and quality of care for ongoing treatment if they come back with findings before cancer treatment and other conditions have stabilized (I am pretty much wheelchair bound for the POTS).

Plus, pretty sure I'm going to be TRDL so worried about implications of not making it to 20.....

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Indeed, it saddens me to hear about your medical conditions albeit you are at an "uplifting" website which can potentially assist with the procedural matters of the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process and the Legacy DoD PDES! Take care and continue to get well soon!

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

Best Wishes!
 
First of all, welcome to the board Brother.

Second, just so you know, you're in for some rough seas ahead so definitely secure for sea. The Coast Guard is the worse it seems at processing the PDES. Most other services are utilizing the IDES and we are still using the Legacy system. Biggest difference is that you will still have to apply for VA compensation once/if you are separated. The Coast Guard system seems to be some big secret where everyone knows someone who knows someone that went through it, but know one seems to know the truth.

That's the rough side of it. The good side, you've found an outstanding resource here in this forum. Read, read, and read some more. While much of it is different in the Coast Guard, it's more that we arrive at the same destination, we just take the scenic route.

I am currently going through the process. For me, the longest part seemed to be the MEB portion. That is the portion actually done by the CG Doctor. Mine took 4 months, but there were some valid, and some not so valid reasons for that. I am on Tricare Prime-Remote, so I don't get care at a Military Facility. Just getting my doctors notes and referrals all gathered together took forever. Then after I saw my initial NARSUM, which is the Narrative Summary that gets sent to the IPEB, I disagreed with it and didn't believe it covered all my conditions. The good part, the CG Dr. listened, read my civilian Dr notes and re-wrote it and did an excellent job. That isn't what I've heard from most people.

Earlier I used the term IPEB......the IPEB are the people in Washington DC at PSC that actually decide whether you are fit or unfit, and if unfit, at what percentage your disabilities are rated. I can't find the link right now, but Warrior644 has posted it several times to the VA ratings criteria.

In the very recent past, it was taking 1-2 years on average for the IPEB to adjudicate your record. That is not the case anymore. My packet was check-in about a week ago, and it stated that the wait for the IPEB to render a finding is less that 6 months. Now, if you know CG speak from the A school list, that could mean anything from a week to 6-7 months, but much better than it has been.

After the IPEB renders there findings, and either separates or retires you, you will have 90-120 days until it actually happens. It has to go through 3 different levels of review. Now that doesn't mean you are stuck at your unit for all that time. You still get to take terminal leave and if retiring, you may request another 20 days permissive TAD, so the clock starts ticking pretty quick at the point you get your findings.

Big thing, keep your command informed. I've found that alot of commands are very supportive in the beginning, but as time goes on, they have more critical things to do that worry about you.

I'm not an expert at this system, I'm just a BMC that's had a few of my subordinates go through this, so I've seen it from the command side, and know living it from this side. It's hard not knowing. I'm stuck in another state from my wife and I don't even go to the Station anymore. I literally go to therapy and doctor's appointments and that's it. It's hard for me to understand and keep myself in check, because I could be doing the same thing where my wife is, but those are the rules and I'm not about to throw it all away because I can't put up with some BS for a little bit of time in the grand scheme of things. Speaking of rules, I can't think of the number, but google USCG PDES Manual and read it. It's the COMDTINST that is pretty much going to rule the next 9-12 months of your life.

Any specific questions ask away. If they're personal, send me a PM. Good luck Shipmate

Tom
An OS3 here! BMC, i wish i had a chief like you above me. I have an OSCS who is stellar but he is PCSing and we are getting basically a whole new shop. My command and CG doctor are not very timely, and don't really do a good job communicating/listening (to put it kindly) i just heard from our district mental health that she signed my MED packet back in April but nothing heard as of yet. if you have any advice to us younger enlisted that would be great chief!
 
Hi
An OS3 here! BMC, i wish i had a chief like you above me. I have an OSCS who is stellar but he is PCSing and we are getting basically a whole new shop. My command and CG doctor are not very timely, and don't really do a good job communicating/listening (to put it kindly) i just heard from our district mental health that she signed my MED packet back in April but nothing heard as of yet. if you have any advice to us younger enlisted that would be great chief!
Any update on your case?

My husband was sent to MEB for his severe flat foot by the flight doc. He has not been able to wear boots since last year and has been grounded since then. The command has him taking over chief's duty although he is E6. So the captain says he doesn't need may husband to fly and that he will wrote on the command report that he finds him fit to work. He will make 20 years in January 2023. and already have the retirement letter approved for May 1, 2023. We are not sure what to do with MEB. As far as the time goes, it really doesn't matter to him if he retires in May or keep going with MEB until its done. He was warned by the captain it can take 2 years. Just not sure which will be the best way to go.
 
Hi

Any update on your case?

My husband was sent to MEB for his severe flat foot by the flight doc. He has not been able to wear boots since last year and has been grounded since then. The command has him taking over chief's duty although he is E6. So the captain says he doesn't need may husband to fly and that he will wrote on the command report that he finds him fit to work. He will make 20 years in January 2023. and already have the retirement letter approved for May 1, 2023. We are not sure what to do with MEB. As far as the time goes, it really doesn't matter to him if he retires in May or keep going with MEB until its done. He was warned by the captain it can take 2 years. Just not sure which will be the best way to go.
It is by far the best thing for him to hit 20 years! Also, the VA rates flat foot very low percentage wise and the PEB uses that rating to determine how disabled he is. If he were to be MEB'd he could be kicked out with severance instead of retirement. Luckily if he isn't in a MEB now he could stretch it out to reach 20 years. However, I would just try reach 20 year retirement. Way less stress and he can get VA disability when he gets out as long as his total conditions are 50% or higher.
 
Top