MEB/PEB: NG with Existing VA Rating - FT Sill - Timeline

[Buck Nasty]

I'll start off by stating I'm in the PEB phase of the "MEB" as we speak. My unit and state medical personnel have been amazing to work with the entire time. I do see not everyone is that lucky so my timelines may differ from your future experience.

Demographics
National Guard, 21 guard years, points totaling approx. 6 years AD. *Note: when MEB process talks 20 years, they're talking active duty points = 7200, not 20 guard years. If you don't have 20 AD years, consider the calculations for your pay and such to be less than 20 years.

Timeline
Reported all injuries during deployment ending in 2020. No LODs given at the time. Unit applied for LOD after deployment once they realized they should have caught it sooner. Went to formal LOD investigation. LOD investigation ended favorably for me. NGB denied LOD request stating outside 180 days from deployment and to submit memo asking for MEB instead (I believe this was a policy starting to be more strictly enforced during my LOD battle). LOD fight was about a year, but memo got the MEB started immediately. Would have been fun to know that during the LOD fight, but posting here so others can learn from my uphill climb. LODs are important for guard folks in that it is harder for us to prove service connection without them so when you're injured while on Title 10/32 Active Duty, get an LOD ASAP.

VA
Started the VA process in September 2021. All conditions finally rated April 2023; 100% P&T.

DOD
Referred to MEB by home unit: 31 MAR 2023

3 MAY 2023 - PEBLO initially reaches out for introductions and sets up initial counseling for 10 MAY 2023. Sends paperwork for me to sign.

MEB Initiated: 9 MAY 2023 - Unit Command Notified
10 May - Signed waiver stating I would like to use existing DBQs for my MEB packet instead of getting new ones through C&P. As I was already pleased with my VA ratings, I didn't want any variability to occur so the MEB offered me this which I am grateful for. I also thought this was what the LDES was for, but I was wrong. Very pleased with how the IDES is setup currently.

Assigned to Ft Sill
PEBLO Counseling: 10 MAY 2023
MSC and Legal Counseling: 10 MAY 2023

Medical Exam and C&P: 12 JUNE 2023
Audiology Exam: 13 JUNE 2023

Medical and C&P Results to MSC Providers: 3 JULY 2023
PEBLO sends MSC results and on Form 3947 which included NARSUM: 13 JULY 2023
Signed Form 3947 and Sent to PEBLO: 13 JULY 2023

MEB Ends and Case sent to PEB: 14 JULY 2023
Fitness Decision: 20 JULY 2023
Note: Not sure if other people are alerted to the fitness decision or not, but I was not. This is not a critique, merely a fact of my case.

Interesting thing happened 20 JULY 2023, I was erroneously disenrolled from PEB.
On 21 JULY 2023 my PEBLO noticed it and re-enrolled me.
24 JULY 2023 My unit saw this and asked what had happened and said they'd never seen anyone disenrolled before.
PEBLO states as far as he can tell it was a system issue as he'd never seen it before either.

As of 27 JULY 2023: awaiting results of PEB Disposition on ratings/fit vs unfit.

Given what I've read so far on these forums, my timeline is very quick and smooth.

 

[Buck Nasty]

VA Initial Review of Conditions: 01 AUG 2023
VA moved case to Evidence Gathering: 01 AUG 2023

 

[Buck Nasty]

VA Initial Review of Conditions: 01 AUG 2023
VA moved case to Evidence Gathering: 01 AUG 2023
VA moved case to Decision: 07 AUG 2023
Here we are on 8/15/2023 and my VA claim is still in the "Decision" phase.

The following IDES timeline is helpful as a general rule, but is clearly not accurate. If my case went from MEB to PEB July 14th, and IPEB concluded July 20th, then I should have had my proposed ratings by August 4th. 11 days later and my case hasn't moved, and I'm only claiming 1 new thing so this seems like the decision maker went on vacation for 2 weeks and didn't pass it off to someone in the office.

When I went through the VA for my other conditions before the MEB, the decision phase lasted only a couple days, and the evidence gathering and review portion lasted the longest. It's interesting that we are given 6 days to make an election, but there is no standard for the VA/DOD for how long they can take at each phase.

 

[Buck Nasty]

Small update / condensed timeline of my case:

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case in "Preparation for Notification" - Means decisions are made, they just need to print and send me my decision letter. I assume at this point the ratings are then forwarded to the PEB.

 

[Buck Nasty]

Small update

2023:

Aug 30 - VA Closed Case (DOD proposed ratings for each condition match what VA rated me at already which is a great)

I see some people asking where folks are seeing their proposed ratings and the status of their VA cases. Go to VA.gov or download the VA app and create an account. The VA updates the status of your case as soon as it changes. My case went to the preparation for notification stage Aug 29 and was closed by that evening so check it often!

 

[Buck Nasty]

Small Update

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case closed
Sep 25 - Received DA 199
Sep 27 - Review with JAG

 

[Buck Nasty]

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case closed
Sep 25 - Received DA 199
Sep 27 - Review with JAG
Oct 4 - DA199 submitted to PEB with Rebuttal (Appeal to PEB Decision)

 

[JakeTrilla]

I'll start off by stating I'm in the PEB phase of the "MEB" as we speak. My unit and state medical personnel have been amazing to work with the entire time. I do see not everyone is that lucky so my timelines may differ from your future experience.

Demographics
National Guard, 21 guard years, points totaling approx. 6 years AD. *Note: when MEB process talks 20 years, they're talking active duty points = 7200, not 20 guard years. If you don't have 20 AD years, consider the calculations for your pay and such to be less than 20 years.

Timeline
Reported all injuries during deployment ending in 2020. No LODs given at the time. Unit applied for LOD after deployment once they realized they should have caught it sooner. Went to formal LOD investigation. LOD investigation ended favorably for me. NGB denied LOD request stating outside 180 days from deployment and to submit memo asking for MEB instead (I believe this was a policy starting to be more strictly enforced during my LOD battle). LOD fight was about a year, but memo got the MEB started immediately. Would have been fun to know that during the LOD fight, but posting here so others can learn from my uphill climb. LODs are important for guard folks in that it is harder for us to prove service connection without them so when you're injured while on Title 10/32 Active Duty, get an LOD ASAP.

VA
Started the VA process in September 2021. All conditions finally rated April 2023; 100% P&T.

DOD
Referred to MEB by home unit: 31 MAR 2023

3 MAY 2023 - PEBLO initially reaches out for introductions and sets up initial counseling for 10 MAY 2023. Sends paperwork for me to sign.

MEB Initiated: 9 MAY 2023 - Unit Command Notified
10 May - Signed waiver stating I would like to use existing DBQs for my MEB packet instead of getting new ones through C&P. As I was already pleased with my VA ratings, I didn't want any variability to occur so the MEB offered me this which I am grateful for. I also thought this was what the LDES was for, but I was wrong. Very pleased with how the IDES is setup currently.

Assigned to Ft Sill
PEBLO Counseling: 10 MAY 2023
MSC and Legal Counseling: 10 MAY 2023

Medical Exam and C&P: 12 JUNE 2023
Audiology Exam: 13 JUNE 2023

Medical and C&P Results to MSC Providers: 3 JULY 2023
PEBLO sends MSC results and on Form 3947 which included NARSUM: 13 JULY 2023
Signed Form 3947 and Sent to PEBLO: 13 JULY 2023

MEB Ends and Case sent to PEB: 14 JULY 2023
Fitness Decision: 20 JULY 2023
Note: Not sure if other people are alerted to the fitness decision or not, but I was not. This is not a critique, merely a fact of my case.

Interesting thing happened 20 JULY 2023, I was erroneously disenrolled from PEB.
On 21 JULY 2023 my PEBLO noticed it and re-enrolled me.
24 JULY 2023 My unit saw this and asked what had happened and said they'd never seen anyone disenrolled before.
PEBLO states as far as he can tell it was a system issue as he'd never seen it before either.

As of 27 JULY 2023: awaiting results of PEB Disposition on ratings/fit vs unfit.

Given what I've read so far on these forums, my timeline is very quick and smooth.

Mostly concerning your LOD fight... I was also hurt during deployment. I filed LODs, and very few actually withstood the transition from the deployment environment to the current day. I Emailed the case manager in my state and was told the following

"As for the LODs, it would be best to check with either your readiness NCO or with the health systems specialties to determine if those issues were included in a LOD. Many times, there is talk about LODs during deployments though not created and have to initiated upon return. Even if a LOD was not complete, it does not preclude current or future VA compensation nor duty related medical boards as long as there is sufficient documentation demonstrating that the issues either occurred or were exacerbated during deployment."

Is it accurate information that "Even if a LOD was not complete, it does not preclude current or future VA compensation nor duty related medical boards"?

I too already have a VA rating. I'm looking at initiating the MEB process, and would be very interested in knowing more about your recent experiences with LODs and how you were dealt with at the VA during the MEB process.

 

[Buck Nasty]

Great question. A new process rolled out in the middle of my trying to obtain an LOD after the fact. I have 1 LOD and it's for a fracture I incurred on deployment and the Dr. just wrote one up immediately. My medical staff tried to get me an LOD after deployment, something they certainly can do if there's substantiating evidence (Dr. visits with notes and such). They gave me a profile form to have a civilian Dr. fill out and when I returned it to my medical staff they said this will require an MEB. That's why they attempted to write the LOD, but NGB kicked it back for being outside the 180 day window from returning from a deployment.

They wrote a Integrated Disability Referral Memorandum (IDRM) and submitted that and that initiated my MEB. The following link will show you what the Army changed to allow MEB through IDRM instead of just the LOD: https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN31950-ARMY_DIR_2021-05-000-WEB-1.pdf

Also checkout this thread on the PEB forums. There, fortunately and unfortunately, others in our exact same boat: What exactly is an IDRM?

 

[TK341]

In regard to the waiver to use existing DBQs. Is there a time limit? My unit is still processing my LODs and I'm on pre-MEDCON. I did a BDD claim after coming of T10 after a few years and just got my ratings today. Needless to say that put the VA way ahead of my unit. I don't think my unit will start any process anytime soon. However, I do not want to do any more exams and put my rating in jeopardy when they finally get around to it.

 

[DaveK]

In regard to the waiver to use existing DBQs. Is there a time limit? My unit is still processing my LODs and I'm on pre-MEDCON. I did a BDD claim after coming of T10 after a few years and just got my ratings today. Needless to say that put the VA way ahead of my unit. I don't think my unit will start any process anytime soon. However, I do not want to do any more exams and put my rating in jeopardy when they finally get around to it.

The DBQs are good for one calendar year from the date completed. Sadly, even if there is a standing DBQ the VA can still ask for review if they find more information is needed.

I paid out of pocket for 2 DBQs to protect my existing ratings. Thus far the VA MSC has stated the raters are accepting my submissions. They even cancelled an appointment stating that the DBQ was already completed.

To protect my existing VA rating percentage I did file "for DoD rating purposes only" with the MSC. When you get that call just inform them of this and ensure they print it on the page you sign stating you do not want to make any new VA claims. Note that while this stops them from reviewing your ratings, if new evidence is discovered it could still open it up for review as per my MSC....while unlikely.

 

[Buck Nasty]

In regard to the waiver to use existing DBQs. Is there a time limit? My unit is still processing my LODs and I'm on pre-MEDCON. I did a BDD claim after coming of T10 after a few years and just got my ratings today. Needless to say that put the VA way ahead of my unit. I don't think my unit will start any process anytime soon. However, I do not want to do any more exams and put my rating in jeopardy when they finally get around to it.

My team wrote up on a VA Form 21-4138 the following:
I.A.W. M21-1,X.i.6.F.2.c. The IDES Participant requests consideration of previous C&P Exams
for his Condition X dated DDMMMYY and Condition Y dated DDMMMYY, both being part of the IDES Referred
conditions, for DOD Rating purposes. I confirm that the nature and severity of my IDES
REFERRED conditions have not changed since those prior examinations. The above mentioned
DBQs still accurately reflect the severity of my REFERRED Conditions. I request that the VA
utilize the mentioned DBQs for all Referred conditions for evaluation for this IDES Process
and for DOD Purposes only. I understand that VA compensation will not be awarded or changed
as part of his/her participation in IDES for the service departments Referred Conditions.

 

[Buck Nasty]

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case closed
Sep 25 - Received DA 199
Sep 27 - Review with JAG
Oct 4 - DA199 submitted to PEB with Rebuttal (Appeal to PEB Decision)
Dec 13 - Rebuttal received, request formal board

2024:
Mar 14 - Formal Board, New DA199 sent, Signed Concur and am now waiting for retirement orders!

This process started much earlier than that when I reported my conditions to my unit in 2020. It took a year for them to recognize that something was up, monitor it for a year and a few months to write the profile and start the MEB.

This was such an incredibly long road and I'm blessed the formal board reconsidered my DA199.

It's worth the wait. Be patient, do your homework and it will be fair.

After reading through so many of these boards, I see that the process used to be much harder on soldiers. We are lucky to have IDES and so many knowledgeable people to learn from and walk us through this process.

I'll update after my orders come through.

 

[Buck Nasty]

2020:
Sep - Reported my injuries during Post Deployment Health Assessment

2021:
Feb - With injuries reported, given an upslip by aviation medical.

2022:
Feb - With injuries again reported, initially given upslip, then medical folks caught the injuries and put me on a downslip (took me off flight duties).

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case closed
Sep 25 - Received DA 199
Sep 27 - Review with JAG
Oct 4 - DA199 submitted to PEB with Rebuttal (Appeal to PEB Decision)
Dec 13 - Rebuttal received, request formal board

2024:
Mar 14 - Formal Board, New DA199 sent, Signed Concur and am now waiting for retirement orders!
Mar 15 - Retirement orders posted into iPerms.
April 14 - RETIRE!!!
- 22.5 years (for pay purposes)
- It feels amazing finally being through the fire and seeing the calm on the other side.
- Leaving the military is going to be bittersweet. The bad times broke my body, but the good times outweighed the bad and the friendships will last forever.

This was such a long process, and I fought all the way through to the formal board, but it worked out for me in the end. If there is something you think you're entitled to, or you feel your ratings are too low, there's hope. Provide the best evidence you can and trust the process.

I ended up having the best PEBLO and JAG team you could ask for. They were super responsive and JAG knew the process inside and out and gave me the pros and cons at every decision point. This forum is amazing at mentoring those going through the process. I turn everyone going through MEB to these discussion forums. The moderators are patient and exceptionally knowledgeable. I started on Reddit and that was a HUGE mistake. Never will I take these forums for granted.

Reach out with questions. I've learned a ton along the way but am nowhere near the knowledge of the moderators. If my story seems similar to yours, let me know your questions. I'll be honest if I don't know the answer.

Good luck everyone!

 

[amsgll11]

2020:
Sep - Reported my injuries during Post Deployment Health Assessment

2021:
Feb - With injuries reported, given an upslip by aviation medical.

2022:
Feb - With injuries again reported, initially given upslip, then medical folks caught the injuries and put me on a downslip (took me off flight duties).

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case closed
Sep 25 - Received DA 199
Sep 27 - Review with JAG
Oct 4 - DA199 submitted to PEB with Rebuttal (Appeal to PEB Decision)
Dec 13 - Rebuttal received, request formal board

2024:
Mar 14 - Formal Board, New DA199 sent, Signed Concur and am now waiting for retirement orders!
Mar 15 - Retirement orders posted into iPerms.
April 14 - RETIRE!!!
- 22.5 years (for pay purposes)
- It feels amazing finally being through the fire and seeing the calm on the other side.
- Leaving the military is going to be bittersweet. The bad times broke my body, but the good times outweighed the bad and the friendships will last forever.

This was such a long process, and I fought all the way through to the formal board, but it worked out for me in the end. If there is something you think you're entitled to, or you feel your ratings are too low, there's hope. Provide the best evidence you can and trust the process.

I ended up having the best PEBLO and JAG team you could ask for. They were super responsive and JAG knew the process inside and out and gave me the pros and cons at every decision point. This forum is amazing at mentoring those going through the process. I turn everyone going through MEB to these discussion forums. The moderators are patient and exceptionally knowledgeable. I started on Reddit and that was a HUGE mistake. Never will I take these forums for granted.

Reach out with questions. I've learned a ton along the way but am nowhere near the knowledge of the moderators. If my story seems similar to yours, let me know your questions. I'll be honest if I don't know the answer.

Good luck everyone!

Sending you a msg!

 

[Wilfredo11]

I'm in the PEB process now and I ready have 100 VA PT, PEB determine if PTSD crónica and Deppression with panik attack are unfit. Quedtion if already have 100VA I Just 11yrs reserve, the process will be more fast or take long, also my ETS is in november.

 

[luiga3]

DId you use your already existing DBQs?
i am also rated by the VA and i’ve started my MEB process, how do i use my existing DBQs??
please help me and thank you

 

[Buck Nasty]

I'm in the PEB process now and I ready have 100 VA PT, PEB determine if PTSD crónica and Deppression with panik attack are unfit. Quedtion if already have 100VA I Just 11yrs reserve, the process will be more fast or take long, also my ETS is in november.

I'm not sure how long the process would be for anyone, but, having the DBQs already seemed to save time in not having additional C&P exams.

 

[Buck Nasty]

DId you use your already existing DBQs?
i am also rated by the VA and i’ve started my MEB process, how do i use my existing DBQs??
please help me and thank you

You bring it up to your MSC. They will have to write a memo asking to use the existing DBQs.

 

[thizzle29]

2020:
Sep - Reported my injuries during Post Deployment Health Assessment

2021:
Feb - With injuries reported, given an upslip by aviation medical.

2022:
Feb - With injuries again reported, initially given upslip, then medical folks caught the injuries and put me on a downslip (took me off flight duties).

2023:
Jan 31 - P3 Profile created by unit
Feb 15 - Unit referral to MEB
May 3 - First contact with PEBLO
- Signed various documents and returned to PEBLO
May 9 - Officially started MEB
May 10 - Briefing with PEBLO, MSC and JAG
Jun 12 - First VA appointment
Jun 13 - Last VA appointment
Jul 13 - NARSUM received and signed
Jul 14 - Case forwarded to PEB
Jul 20 - Fitness decision (Unfit) / Accidentally withdrawn from PEB
Jul 21 - Re-Enrolled in PEB
Aug 1 - VA receives case
Aug 29 - VA case closed
Sep 25 - Received DA 199
Sep 27 - Review with JAG
Oct 4 - DA199 submitted to PEB with Rebuttal (Appeal to PEB Decision)
Dec 13 - Rebuttal received, request formal board

2024:
Mar 14 - Formal Board, New DA199 sent, Signed Concur and am now waiting for retirement orders!
Mar 15 - Retirement orders posted into iPerms.
April 14 - RETIRE!!!
- 22.5 years (for pay purposes)
- It feels amazing finally being through the fire and seeing the calm on the other side.
- Leaving the military is going to be bittersweet. The bad times broke my body, but the good times outweighed the bad and the friendships will last forever.

This was such a long process, and I fought all the way through to the formal board, but it worked out for me in the end. If there is something you think you're entitled to, or you feel your ratings are too low, there's hope. Provide the best evidence you can and trust the process.

I ended up having the best PEBLO and JAG team you could ask for. They were super responsive and JAG knew the process inside and out and gave me the pros and cons at every decision point. This forum is amazing at mentoring those going through the process. I turn everyone going through MEB to these discussion forums. The moderators are patient and exceptionally knowledgeable. I started on Reddit and that was a HUGE mistake. Never will I take these forums for granted.

Reach out with questions. I've learned a ton along the way but am nowhere near the knowledge of the moderators. If my story seems similar to yours, let me know your questions. I'll be honest if I don't know the answer.

Good luck everyone!

Brother, first off, thank you for posting your plight here. I am an Air National Guard with 29 years of service (all Air Guard) with several deployments to include Iraq and Afghanistan. I started the medical retirement process back around March of 2023 and finally received an FL4 11 March 2024 showing my process officially began 2 Jan 2024 asking for additional information. I submitted what I thought were relevant documents to my Medical (they have NOT been helpful) to submit to NGB and haven't heard anything since. Today, I called around America and got the PEBLO's office in my area and I called and left messages to their voicemail as well.

I'm also 100% P&T rated with the VA (since Oct 2019) and I haven't had any guidance besides my own ignorant, shot-in-the-dark, amateur tactics.

I'm being patient as I know nothing happens in the Guard overnight, but I also know that squeaky wheels get greased, too. I'm afraid that my file may sit on someone's desk collecting dust. I also wish to pursue a federal disability retirement since I'm a dual-status technician.

Again, thank you for showing us your route and congrats on retirement, brother! I'll be behind you shortly (hopefully)!!