100% VA Disabled now going for "Fit for Duty" evaluation from Reserves

D

derthringer

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Background: I Palace Chased from Active Duty July 21 immediately to Air Force Reserves. I was given initial VA rating of 90% in Oct 21 followed by an increase to 100% in May 22.

During my annual PHA I flagged for a profile due to my VA records. I am now going to a "fit for duty" eval from a mental health provider in which, I believe I will be deemed unfit.
I Palace Chased because of the stress and anxiety and thought the Reserve lifestyle would help. It hasn't. I prefer to get medically retired if possible and will state that I do not want to continue in my Air Force career.
What am I to expect from the "fit for duty" eval and what will happen if I am deemed "unfit"?

I have 2 VA ratings of over 30% (70% for MH/30% for migraines). I intend to show that evidence as well as my psychiatry records. I have just over 3 years Active Duty time and less than 1 year of Reservist.
 
Fit for Duty or Medboard? I had to get a few guys to go to an eval for a fit for duty. You go in they ask questions about the condition, they probably have access to your VA ratings and what was entered as I believe the two systems talk now. When I took someone there, it was generic questions about their condition and a sealed letter to the commander. Here would be my concern, a fit for duty is going to go into your medical records for the DOD. I would personally give same information you gave the VA provided it's accurate, otherwise, because the system talk if you blow it out the water and lie and say everything is great and that gets back to the VA you may be screwed on that end but maybe not.

Alternatively, if found unfit, I would imagine a profile, typically one year permanent triggers the MEB, but not certain.

I am 100% P&T and having to go through the MEB/PEB and it is the biggest cluster you have seen. Nothing is clear cut or well defined. Process is understaffed. The "integrated" process is not integrated and they all contradict eachother and themselves. It's a nightmare. To what a extent the MEB will have on my VA benefits is unknown. I was referred for pysch and told this was the only thing that DOD was concerned with and could effect VA ratings, but then they scheduled physical exams which say I am healthy as a horse, despite my orthopedic surgeons (plural) stating otherwise. On the psych it looks like an increase.

I would avoid IDES at all costs.
 
Interesting. Thanks for the input. I was told it was all psych as well and hopefully doesn't include physical exams.
I am learning this system is like you say, not well defined or clear cut. I was put on profile over 6 mos ago already and that initiated the "fit for duty" eval. Hoping this doesn't drag on much more longer...
I will update when I get more info This process is ridiculous.
 
rburke said:
Fit for Duty or Medboard? I had to get a few guys to go to an eval for a fit for duty. You go in they ask questions about the condition, they probably have access to your VA ratings and what was entered as I believe the two systems talk now. When I took someone there, it was generic questions about their condition and a sealed letter to the commander. Here would be my concern, a fit for duty is going to go into your medical records for the DOD. I would personally give same information you gave the VA provided it's accurate, otherwise, because the system talk if you blow it out the water and lie and say everything is great and that gets back to the VA you may be screwed on that end but maybe not.

Alternatively, if found unfit, I would imagine a profile, typically one year permanent triggers the MEB, but not certain.

I am 100% P&T and having to go through the MEB/PEB and it is the biggest cluster you have seen. Nothing is clear cut or well defined. Process is understaffed. The "integrated" process is not integrated and they all contradict eachother and themselves. It's a nightmare. To what a extent the MEB will have on my VA benefits is unknown. I was referred for pysch and told this was the only thing that DOD was concerned with and could effect VA ratings, but then they scheduled physical exams which say I am healthy as a horse, despite my orthopedic surgeons (plural) stating otherwise. On the psych it looks like an increase.

I would avoid IDES at all costs.
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I am in the same boat as you just got my 100% P&T and I am going to get referred to MEB. Judging by your comment I knew it was going to be a cluster of red tape
 
Hello, I have a question that might be worth asking here. I'm a traditional reservist who will likely be going through an MEB in the near future. Since I am a part-timer, will my unit put me on full-time orders for the duration of the MEB, or are all of the appointments and exams handled during UTAs and AT? Or does it depend on the unit? If anyone has experience with this situation, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
 
KalKal31 said:
Hello, I have a question that might be worth asking here. I'm a traditional reservist who will likely be going through an MEB in the near future. Since I am a part-timer, will my unit put me on full-time orders for the duration of the MEB, or are all of the appointments and exams handled during UTAs and AT? Or does it depend on the unit? If anyone has experience with this situation, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
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They are supposed to put you on INCAP pay if you got hurt while in orders but it's rarely done. In my case, since it was federal active duty orders I got hurt in. i just
submitted a VA Claim and it was granted within three months but I had medical evidence while in active duty.
 
Gonzo28 said:
They are supposed to put you on INCAP pay if you got hurt while in orders but it's rarely done.
Click to expand...
Just a point of order, and I know it’s off topic, but that’s not how INCAP pay works. Don’t want to detract from the main post, but don’t spread disinformation.
 
Gonzo28 said:
They are supposed to put you on INCAP pay if you got hurt while in orders but it's rarely done. In my case, since it was federal active duty orders I got hurt in. i just
submitted a VA Claim and it was granted within three months but I had medical evidence while in active duty.
Click to expand...
Hello @Gonzo28

Here is the financial regulation that includes Continuation Pay: DoD 7000.14-R Financial Management Regulation Volume 7A, Chapter 57

570604. Incapacitation Pay/Disability Entitlements for RC Service Members


https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/archive/07aarch/07a_57_Oct12.pdf <---LINK

Ron
 
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