Air Force Timeline (Bipolar 1)

RuffBader

Well-Known Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
Hello all, here is my timeline:
6 Feb: IRILO submitted
27 Feb:full MEB directed
6 Mar: VA Claims
20-24 Mar: VA exams

My question is:
1. How common is it for a PEB to overturn an MEB decision (both commander, VA examiner and treatment team say I am unfit). Bipolar 1 is completely unfitting based on retention criteria from what I have seen and I have been bad enough to be admitted. I’m a physician though and I’ve heard that makes them more likely to try to keep you. I have heard from PEBLO, SGH and others that they would have tried to keep me at the IRILO phase so I should be ok now. any input welcome, thank you!
 
I’ve heard the army and navy is more likely to return to duty at the PEB level than Air Force is, but I don’t know of any Air Force doc cases personally. Good luck. Hopefully you find out soon.
 
Thanks. That’s what I’ve heard too. They say he highest hurdle is the IRILO which thankfully directed full MEB.
 
Updated timeline:
12 Oct: diagnosis
6 Feb: IRILO submitted
27 Feb:full MEB directed
6 Mar: VA Claims
20-24 Mar: VA exams
30 Mar: DBQ uploaded into TOL
14 Apr: additional diagnosis added (EoE)
21 April: local MEB found unfit, 618 signed, IPEB recommended. I included additional medical evidence not in my file in letter of exception.
 
UPDATE:
1 May: Contacted MSC who says that my package has been sent to the VA for ratings. THIS MEANS THAT I AM UNFIT!

Huge win for me since this is my second MEB attempt because I am a physician and they tried retaining me despite an unfitting condition. I feel much safer now!
 
Nice! I am AD Army with the same diagnosis. I am waiting on my NARSUM still and my las C&P Exam was March 17th. They are taking FOREVER writing this. I am just ready to get out at this point.
 
From my understanding, packages being sent to VA for rating are in parallel with the PEB deeming you are fit for service or not. I could be wrong here, but I don't think that it means you are unfit just yet.

My particular case was sent to the Peb in early April, with a confirmation email on 4 April from MyFSS. The last I heard from my Peblo, was that the process was delayed a bit and could take 3 months to get ratings. So here I sit and wait.
 
From my understanding, packages being sent to VA for rating are in parallel with the PEB deeming you are fit for service or not. I could be wrong here, but I don't think that it means you are unfit just yet.

My particular case was sent to the Peb in early April, with a confirmation email on 4 April from MyFSS. The last I heard from my Peblo, was that the process was delayed a bit and could take 3 months to get ratings. So here I sit and wait.
Everything I’ve seen/heard says that if the VA gets your package you were found unfit.
 
@RuffBader I stand corrected. It's more than likely you are correct. This document refers to "DRASs", who are the VA point of contact for the PEB. Here is what it says... "When a PEB informally decides that an IDES participant is unfit for duty, it sends a request to the DRAS of jurisdiction for a proposed rating decision."

Therefore, the informal decision is made before it goes to the VA for a proposed rating.
 

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Ok so VA ratings are in for my unfitting conditions:
Bipolar 1: 50%
Eosinophilic esophagitis: 50%

I’ve heard the DOD often shaves down EoE. Does anyone know by how much they usually take off?

Also, I think 50% is not enough given that I’ve been hospitalized for SI and been out of work for over 6 months. The VA rater didn’t check the SI box which I think may have contributed.
 
Everything I’ve seen/heard says that if the VA gets your package you were found unfit.
I can say this isn't the case, I was told by my MSC that ratings are done but I am not allowed to see them until after the IPEB is completed. My package is at the local MEB. Just a coincidence in this case.
 
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