IDES vs LDES NG/Fed Tech with VA rating

I've been asked to make a choice between IDES and LDES. I have been looking through the forums and reddit and nothing really answers my questions. I ask this in hopes someone has already been through the process, and it reaches other in the same situation I'm in. I think we all have a general understanding of the difference between IDES and LDES at this point.

The situation:
injured knee while on A/T had surgery in June 22' was put on orders for surgery and recovery period ended up using all of my RCMC orders of roughly 6 months. Still in pain and the knee is still and never will be 100%
Was given the option to have another surgery or process through MEB. I selected MEB for life and family reasons and just not a guarantee fix for my knee at this point.
I currently have 70% va rating and just went through more C&P exams in January 23' and those are still pending approval at this time. I am anticipating 100% VA by the time everything is said an done. One of the C&P exams was for my knee.
Going with IDES it opens another claim within the VA. I don't need to open another claim as I've already done this on my own.

If I go through with IDES will they look at all my VA claims and make me go through the entire VA process again for things I've already have a percentage for, or will they only look at my knee again? Will they only rate the knee for the DOD side of it or will they encompass everything that's already on the VA side for a full rating.

Either way accepting the VA check over the military retirement check is just the smart thing to do with it being Tax free.

LDES I believe they would only look at my knee but also a lot of talk about the DOD messing things up or taking advantage of a soldier going this route.

Here is the kicker I've been a fed tech now for going on 9 years. I have to be in the Guard to keep my job as a tech
After 5 years you considered "invested" and if your separated for medical reasons from the guard you will get a severance package.
Within this package I've been told I would receive 60% of my current base pay for the 1st year and 40% until retirement age (taxable). Along with keeping the medical benefits the job offers as long as im signed up for health care or any other care before I get out.
Also, would be able to get a job outside of this but could only make up to 80% of my current base salary.

So either way i think ill be okay if I don't get the magical 30% to receive military retirement status. Just really need advice on what route I should take.

 

[peter123]

Following. I'm probably not far behind you, as a Fed-Tech.

 

[Provis]

I've been asked to make a choice between IDES and LDES. I have been looking through the forums and reddit and nothing really answers my questions. I ask this in hopes someone has already been through the process, and it reaches other in the same situation I'm in. I think we all have a general understanding of the difference between IDES and LDES at this point.

The situation:
injured knee while on A/T had surgery in June 22' was put on orders for surgery and recovery period ended up using all of my RCMC orders of roughly 6 months. Still in pain and the knee is still and never will be 100%
Was given the option to have another surgery or process through MEB. I selected MEB for life and family reasons and just not a guarantee fix for my knee at this point.
I currently have 70% va rating and just went through more C&P exams in January 23' and those are still pending approval at this time. I am anticipating 100% VA by the time everything is said an done. One of the C&P exams was for my knee.
Going with IDES it opens another claim within the VA. I don't need to open another claim as I've already done this on my own.

If I go through with IDES will they look at all my VA claims and make me go through the entire VA process again for things I've already have a percentage for, or will they only look at my knee again? Will they only rate the knee for the DOD side of it or will they encompass everything that's already on the VA side for a full rating.

Either way accepting the VA check over the military retirement check is just the smart thing to do with it being Tax free.

LDES I believe they would only look at my knee but also a lot of talk about the DOD messing things up or taking advantage of a soldier going this route.

Here is the kicker I've been a fed tech now for going on 9 years. I have to be in the Guard to keep my job as a tech
After 5 years you considered "invested" and if your separated for medical reasons from the guard you will get a severance package.
Within this package I've been told I would receive 60% of my current base pay for the 1st year and 40% until retirement age (taxable). Along with keeping the medical benefits the job offers as long as im signed up for health care or any other care before I get out.
Also, would be able to get a job outside of this but could only make up to 80% of my current base salary.

So either way i think ill be okay if I don't get the magical 30% to receive military retirement status. Just really need advice on what route I should take.

LDES is simple and removes the VA looking at it. The DOD % is done by service and they typically review your VA documents. LDES is the old way. IDES is the new way which has better protections. Unless you expect conditions to be rated lower this time I don't see why you would choose LDES. IDES the military is bound by the VA ratings. LDES the military can rate a condition what they want and aren't bound by a 3rd party (The VA). I am sure there are situations where LDES makes sense but in my opinion there is more risk doing LDES than IDES. Also, for IDES with preparation you may be able to have better outcomes on your previously VA rated conditions.

 

[SSGJW]

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LDES is simple and removes the VA looking at it. The DOD % is done by service and they typically review your VA documents. LDES is the old way. IDES is the new way which has better protections. Unless you expect conditions to be rated lower this time I don't see why you would choose LDES. IDES the military is bound by the VA ratings. LDES the military can rate a condition what they want and aren't bound by a 3rd party (The VA). I am sure there are situations where LDES makes sense but in my opinion there is more risk doing LDES than IDES. Also, for IDES with preparation you may be able to have better outcomes on your previously VA rated conditions.

Thank you for the replay
I'm just curious would i have to go back through all m y C&P exams for the VA side of things, I just don't want to at this point. If IDES is my option, would they only be reevaluating my knee or all of my conditions? I already have a rating on my knee (the reason the military says im unfit) so would the DOD just take that rating or would they still come up with their own rating. I understand LDES takes the VA out of the equation but again still reserved on going this route just due to things ive read and how it could screw some out of being retired or separated. Im personally have been told to go with LDES because I already have a VA rating and no reason to put that at risk if something was to come up, but all of my issues are real and have been due to service related activates. I tried to call the number that was provided to me for a more informed decion but was unable to get through to anyone so currently looking for just a Stright answer on what i should do and why.

 

[Provis]

Yes you do have to go back and do the C&P exams. However, you choose what to list. So if you want you can just be seen for the unfitting conditions that you are being referred for.

 

[Provis]

Also, I HIGHLY recommend hiring a dedicated private attorney. The choice on whether to do IDES or opt for LDES is one of many things they can help you with. Your PEBLO is a paper pusher so don't rely on your PEBLO for advice.

 

[beckynbach]

LDES is simple and removes the VA looking at it. The DOD % is done by service and they typically review your VA documents. LDES is the old way. IDES is the new way which has better protections. Unless you expect conditions to be rated lower this time I don't see why you would choose LDES. IDES the military is bound by the VA ratings. LDES the military can rate a condition what they want and aren't bound by a 3rd party (The VA). I am sure there are situations where LDES makes sense but in my opinion there is more risk doing LDES than IDES. Also, for IDES with preparation you may be able to have better outcomes on your previously VA rated conditions.

What did you end up choosing? I just started the process june 1st. My p3 profile, under the Board Status says ND-PEB

 

[New Member]

What did you end up choosing? I just started the process june 1st. My p3 profile, under the Board Status says ND-PEB

Yours is going to be a lot harder. Your ND PEB, appeals and higher might grant you connection but you’re in for a wait. Then if you do get it, you have to go through medboard process all over again

 

[beckynbach]

The crazy thing is I have an LOD, which shows the symptoms but the diagnoses didnt come to years later. Also the condition im being med boarded for is currently rated 40% by the VA. I have a claim in right now for the autoimmune disease that causes the lower back issue. Im curious to see if the dont service connect something thats already rated service connected. Stressful roads ahead I guess.

 

[New Member]

The crazy thing is I have an LOD, which shows the symptoms but the diagnoses didnt come to years later. Also the condition im being med boarded for is currently rated 40% by the VA. I have a claim in right now for the autoimmune disease that causes the lower back issue. Im curious to see if the dont service connect something thats already rated service connected. Stressful roads ahead I guess.

If that exam to get you 40 was done within the last year, they’ll use that exam. Otherwise you have to be reseen for that exam and re-rated. Having an LOD helps immensely. I’ve had 40 for my back and luckily I went for an increase about 3 months before the medboard started sending me to exams, so they just used and continued that rating. I still have to fight though because Ft. Gordon decided that they outweighs army HRC (they don’t). Lol. Good luck!!

 

[beckynbach]

If that exam to get you 40 was done within the last year, they’ll use that exam. Otherwise you have to be reseen for that exam and re-rated. Having an LOD helps immensely. I’ve had 40 for my back and luckily I went for an increase about 3 months before the medboard started sending me to exams, so they just used and continued that rating. I still have to fight though because Ft. Gordon decided that they outweighs army HRC (they don’t). Lol. Good luck!!

Thank you. I have my c&p exam in 2 weeks for the autoimmune disease im being med boarded for, and degenerative arthritis secondary to that. Im at 80% right now for lyme arthritis and back but that claim was back in 2021. Fingers crossed for my c&p exam to be over 30% and the board accepts that. I've been doing a lot of reading, I know if they do a ND-PEB I go straight to the PEB Phase and if im found unfit, not serious connected I can appeal/rebut.

 

[beckynbach]

I just checked my email from medcom. They said depending on what the diagnoses is on my LOD it may or may not be enough to service connect it and its too early to tell what option i will have to go with. So we'll see. Im also a Fed-Tech but my supervisors are being proactive and finding out if my position can go to title 5, if not im totally screwed for work and my ARNG Retirement.

 

[New Member]

Thank you. I have my c&p exam in 2 weeks for the autoimmune disease im being med boarded for, and degenerative arthritis secondary to that. Im at 80% right now for lyme arthritis and back but that claim was back in 2021. Fingers crossed for my c&p exam to be over 30% and the board accepts that. I've been doing a lot of reading, I know if they do a ND-PEB I go straight to the PEB Phase and if im found unfit, not serious connected I can appeal/rebut.

That’s exactly what I had to do. Best of luck!