I turned down back fusement surgery and up for MEB now. Has anyone else denied a surgery after exhausting all other procedures? I was told that I pretty much screwed myself by denying the surgery.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Beginning stages of MEB
- Thread starter 3E3Cripple
- Start date
I guess it depends by what you see as "screwing" yourself. You are well within your rights to not want a surgery done by your branch since you essentially have very little recourse should there be error. There's pros and cons to any surgery and denying it is your choice to make: the decision lies in the fact that once surgery is offered that is the end of care usually. Barring mental health treatments, there's not much else to jump on in the ladder of care for back issues after surgery is passed up.
Was it your angle to stay in? Is that why you see this as screwing yourself? I'm a little bit confused by your motivations here.
I refused back injections after my peer got injections in the wrong nerve. Didn't want any part of that, especially when they initially ruled me out for it but turned back on that sentiment and said I was a candidate. I've had no roadblocks for refusing that treatment pathway in my medboard. I wasn't a candidate for surgery as the risk was far too high for any potential gain. My lawyer still expects me to medically retire solely for my back being the referred condition.
Was it your angle to stay in? Is that why you see this as screwing yourself? I'm a little bit confused by your motivations here.
I refused back injections after my peer got injections in the wrong nerve. Didn't want any part of that, especially when they initially ruled me out for it but turned back on that sentiment and said I was a candidate. I've had no roadblocks for refusing that treatment pathway in my medboard. I wasn't a candidate for surgery as the risk was far too high for any potential gain. My lawyer still expects me to medically retire solely for my back being the referred condition.
I suppose “screwed” is not the right term. No angle to stay in. I’ve been taken off tasking due to back injury. I’m CE so I’ve accumulated several injuries and endured a significant surgery already so I’m ok with getting out to have some physical movement left. I suppose I’m worried that turning g down the surgery affects the medical retirement possibility and or VA ratings down the roadI guess it depends by what you see as "screwing" yourself. You are well within your rights to not want a surgery done by your branch since you essentially have very little recourse should there be error. There's pros and cons to any surgery and denying it is your choice to make: the decision lies in the fact that once surgery is offered that is the end of care usually. Barring mental health treatments, there's not much else to jump on in the ladder of care for back issues after surgery is passed up.
Was it your angle to stay in? Is that why you see this as screwing yourself? I'm a little bit confused by your motivations here.
I refused back injections after my peer got injections in the wrong nerve. Didn't want any part of that, especially when they initially ruled me out for it but turned back on that sentiment and said I was a candidate. I've had no roadblocks for refusing that treatment pathway in my medboard. I wasn't a candidate for surgery as the risk was far too high for any potential gain. My lawyer still expects me to medically retire solely for my back being the referred condition.
It shouldn't. I doubt the VA raters would be looking at your 10 degrees of motion and think to themselves "but he refused surgery!" It's not how the game works.I suppose “screwed” is not the right term. No angle to stay in. I’ve been taken off tasking due to back injury. I’m CE so I’ve accumulated several injuries and endured a significant surgery already so I’m ok with getting out to have some physical movement left. I suppose I’m worried that turning g down the surgery affects the medical retirement possibility and or VA ratings down the road
Assuming you go down this path, you'll be referred, your referral will be accepted, then also assuming you do IDES you'll be seen for C&P exams where your potential disabilities will be examined. Any rating that the VA issues will be taken at face value by your respective branch.
In order to medically retire you will need to be measured at less than 30 degrees of forward flexion in your thoracolumbar spine, or favorable ankylosis which would be rated at 40%. Less than 15 degrees for your neck would yield a 30% rating.
You will likely be coached before your C&P exams, but feel free to come on here to ask about exams significantly before or right before you have them.
Aw
awesome, thanks for replying. I’m glad I found this site, because there is so little info out there and it’s a little nerve racking. This site is definitely a gold mine of resources and informationIt shouldn't. I doubt the VA raters would be looking at your 10 degrees of motion and think to themselves "but he refused surgery!" It's not how the game works.
Assuming you go down this path, you'll be referred, your referral will be accepted, then also assuming you do IDES you'll be seen for C&P exams where your potential disabilities will be examined. Any rating that the VA issues will be taken at face value by your respective branch.
In order to medically retire you will need to be measured at less than 30 degrees of forward flexion in your thoracolumbar spine, or favorable ankylosis which would be rated at 40%. Less than 15 degrees for your neck would yield a 30% rating.
You will likely be coached before your C&P exams, but feel free to come on here to ask about exams significantly before or right before you have them.
**At worst your referral to IDES would get kicked back on grounds that there are more treatment options that you need to explore first, but given you refused surgery I highly doubt they would attempt to do this. Ultimately it's in the branch's best interest to get you on the first plane off base so that someone else can fill your boots. Marine Corps IDES representatives have told me that 99% of people who get referred get accepted, but I'm not sure if that would change at all in the Air Force.