3rd ACL surgery - Possible MEB??

A

aavila5

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
I’m an Air Force Reservist on Active Duty MPA orders. I’m hoping someone here knows the process a little more or can shed some light on the situation. I re-tore my ACL during a PT test while on AD orders. The surgeon did a two-part surgery; first surgery back in August 2019 to remove my first ACL reconstruction’s hardware, and I just got my second ACL reconstruction in early February. My MPA orders technically go out until October 2020, but how would it work if my physical therapy is going to be 9-12 months, going past my MPA orders? Would I have to extend no matter what on MEDCON orders since I was injured on AD orders?

My surgeon said I won’t return to full, unrestricted activities for at least 9 months. I was also told that with this being a re-tear and my joints show high laxity, I can recover fully but I am still very susceptible to constant re-tear of my ACL. With that being said, are these grounds for a possible MEB? Would I have to go through all 9-12 months of physical therapy before being looked at for an MEB even though the doctor stated I could still tear it even if I fully recover? I obviously don’t want to possibly re-tear it again every PT test I have to do.

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
If treatment is ongoing medical hold can be issues to keep you on AD. Obviously no one on this forum can predict a future with/without another ACL tear. What is your goal? Medical hold/no hold? MEB, no MEB? PT test can be amended, but that means PT test every 6 months regardless of score. You can be medically assigned walk vice run.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
If treatment is ongoing medical hold can be issues to keep you on AD. Obviously no one on this forum can predict a future with/without another ACL tear. What is your goal? Medical hold/no hold? MEB, no MEB? PT test can be amended, but that means PT test every 6 months regardless of score. You can be medically assigned walk vice run.
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Thank you for the quick response. So at this point, I would rather just go through an MEB if possible. My other leg is compensating and is also starting to give out. However would you happen to know that process? Would I have to fully go through and complete physical therapy or am I able to let my surgeon know I’d rather opt for the MEB? How far into therapy would I let him know? Thank you again for your help!
 
Typically ratings are not started while in the usual date range of physical therapy. They would like people to be as stable medically when rated. If stability would take years, then they usually proceed and find TDRL vice PDRL.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
Typically ratings are not started while in the usual date range of physical therapy. They would like people to be as stable medically when rated. If stability would take years, then they usually proceed and find TDRL vice PDRL.
Click to expand...

I see, makes sense. So being on MPA orders that go up Oct 2020 and therapy going past that, would I need to get on MEDCON orders until my condition gets better? And if I’m not able to do a PT test (walk or run) or be deployable even after my physical therapy, would they then ping me for an MEB?
 
If after the normal PT period for an ACL surgery, you remain unable to be deployable it is likely that you would be MEB'd. You may need to ask a patient advocate to help get you placed on Med Hold to finish your PT.
 
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