1st thank you to all who have served in all branches and who are serving. So much respect for you. I'm not usually shy AT ALL and outgoing but not in this world because the Army stuff is confusing to me so that tends to make me a bit out of my element. Mostly when it comes to this MED Board stuff . 
My husband will be in 3 yrs in March. A little over a yr ago he was running during pt and his leg went numb and tried not to say anything but his SGT noticed and said something so he told her what was up. She sent him for an xray right away they sent him for an MRI cause they saw something . It's been tons of Drs, specialsists, physical therapy, meds, spinal blocks, epiderals, ,nerve burns, on an on, surgery has a iffie chance of working, it will prob get worse as he gets older and he is 27, it's on his spinal cord a little (myelopathy)and he is in constant pain and has felldown a few times and he can be sooo mean
They said he has a Hernaited disc and 2 more that have degenerative disc disease. While being checked they said he has bad sleep apnea and gave him a machine for it , he has calcium build up in 1 ear causing partial hearing loss, and mild carpal tunnel. (not sure if any of the things they found will affect his ratings?)
He says no one knows how long the whole MEB process will take to complete but says he is about half though it ? He also says he won't be surprised if his rating isn't good because a lot of people haven't been getting good ratings or if he will even be found unfit.
He said the Drs are typing up the papers to be sent off now is all I know. He went to the VA again last Wednesday.
Sorry this may seem vague but he has explained it to me but it seems like so many steps and to be honest it almost sounds like luck with the board ? Doe anyone have any suggestions or predictions of what may happen ? Does getting a lawyer help alot and how much does it usually cost ? Do they always come back with low rating the 1st time and how does it go with dependents getting medical insurance ? He is preparedto just accept what ever they give him the 1st timeand said they arent going to give either of us medical insurance so we should just go home and give up ? What do they usually offer the 1st time? then is it woth fighting alone and then worth paying a lawyer to help fight ?
Thank you sooo much
My husband will be in 3 yrs in March. A little over a yr ago he was running during pt and his leg went numb and tried not to say anything but his SGT noticed and said something so he told her what was up. She sent him for an xray right away they sent him for an MRI cause they saw something . It's been tons of Drs, specialsists, physical therapy, meds, spinal blocks, epiderals, ,nerve burns, on an on, surgery has a iffie chance of working, it will prob get worse as he gets older and he is 27, it's on his spinal cord a little (myelopathy)and he is in constant pain and has felldown a few times and he can be sooo mean
They said he has a Hernaited disc and 2 more that have degenerative disc disease. While being checked they said he has bad sleep apnea and gave him a machine for it , he has calcium build up in 1 ear causing partial hearing loss, and mild carpal tunnel. (not sure if any of the things they found will affect his ratings?)
He says no one knows how long the whole MEB process will take to complete but says he is about half though it ? He also says he won't be surprised if his rating isn't good because a lot of people haven't been getting good ratings or if he will even be found unfit.
He said the Drs are typing up the papers to be sent off now is all I know. He went to the VA again last Wednesday.
Sorry this may seem vague but he has explained it to me but it seems like so many steps and to be honest it almost sounds like luck with the board ? Doe anyone have any suggestions or predictions of what may happen ? Does getting a lawyer help alot and how much does it usually cost ? Do they always come back with low rating the 1st time and how does it go with dependents getting medical insurance ? He is preparedto just accept what ever they give him the 1st timeand said they arent going to give either of us medical insurance so we should just go home and give up ? What do they usually offer the 1st time? then is it woth fighting alone and then worth paying a lawyer to help fight ?
Thank you sooo much
They are located in Bldg 4617 (corner of 72nd St and Santa Fe) 254-287-9409 or 254-287-4904. If you would like to research (predict) what his rating will be, google VA WARMS and when you get to the site scroll to the bottom and click on "Book C Schedule of Ratings". Compare what his NARSUM (the paperwork that is being typed) says to the different rating criteria. The NARSUM is the key. Fort Hood is one of the best places to go through this process because they have alot of resources. The hard part is the waiting. In order to get the medical insurance he must get at least a 30% rating from the military. Also, when he meets with the VA Rep he needs to list EVERY chronic (ongoing) condition that he has. If he is being treated for it, list it. If he is taking meds for it, list it. If he is getting therapy for it, list. Etc. I hope this help a little. I can post the estimated timeline for you if you like.