Change to the Change

Strangert said:
So I’m basically still at step 1. The NARSUM has been completed but this past week I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy which is believed to be causing my cardiomyopathy. They not want me to do genetic testing to see which form I have. I was told by the PEBLO that they would have to rewrite/update my NARSUM. She asked me if she should contact AFPC since I can and want to retire 1 Feb. I told her to ask the question but I think it’s my best interest to go ahead with the MEB. Thoughts?
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Sounds like your MEB is not near completion.

Given the new diagnosis, I would think your NARSUM and Commander's Impact Statement (AF Form 1185) would have to be substantially revised.

I just point out that if you do get an approved retirement (which I think would actually require the application/election, not just asking AFPC) then you would fall under the presumption of fitness rule. Consider this issue carefully. The impact on your potential total retirement income could be great (on both sides of the issue depending on the overall outcome).
Strangert said:
Had an appointment with the cardiologist and she’s leaning towards putting a defibrillator in because some forms of MD can cause sudden heart stop.
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This is a major issue that would seem to require more time to get a proper and accurate MEB.
Strangert said:
Should the MEB be to the point of where it is if they haven’t finished the diagnosis? I’m still seeing specialist to get to the bottom of my issues and the cardiologist doesn’t believe my synocope issues are related to my heart. She also wants to wait on the result of the genetic testing to decide if I need a defibrillator.
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The MEB should address all of your conditions that impact duty performance.

If your MEB is inaccurate, I would request an Impartial Review, then rebut the MEB to address any omissions or inaccuracies.
 
Jason Perry said:
Sounds like your MEB is not near completion.

Given the new diagnosis, I would think your NARSUM and Commander's Impact Statement (AF Form 1185) would have to be substantially revised.

I just point out that if you do get an approved retirement (which I think would actually require the application/election, not just asking AFPC) then you would fall under the presumption of fitness rule. Consider this issue carefully. The impact on your potential total retirement income could be great (on both sides of the issue depending on the overall outcome).

This is a major issue that would seem to require more time to get a proper and accurate MEB.

The MEB should address all of your conditions that impact duty performance.

If your MEB is inaccurate, I would request an Impartial Review, then rebut the MEB to address any omissions or inaccuracies.
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What do you mean by your retirement comments and the income difference? Thank you!
 
If they have you coded as a 37 already, there is no way for you to put in for a normal retirement, the system wont let you.


In my own case, I was still seeing multiple specialists when they pushed my IRILO through, luckily I was returned to duty via the IRILO process and was able to put in for normal retirement.

I was good with this, because I didn't want to stay past 20 any longer than I had too, and it seemed like at the pace things were moving I probably would have been stuck in Limbo well past my 20 year point.
 
Hello @Strangert ,

Elsewhere you asked of @Jason Perry , to expand his remarks of: “I just point out that if you do get an approved retirement (which I think would actually require the application/election, not just asking AFPC) then you would fall under the presumption of fitness rule. Consider this issue carefully. The impact on your potential total retirement income could be great (on both sides of the issue depending on the overall outcome). “

You mentioned a few months ago that, “So my retirement date was disapproved do to a clerical error. AFPC enough said. So my question is should I reapply for retirement or just ride it out until they MEB? I guess my question is there any benifet going through an MEB. I hit 20 in December. Thanks!”

If the “20” you speak of is active duty, you would be entitled to both retired pay and any VA compensation you are awarded.
That is with the assumption you qualify for a regular retirement and have a VA rating of 50% or more. That would allow CRDP to be paid.

If the “20” is reserve good years, you would not be entitled to CRDP until you meet the age requirement for RC retirement.

If you receive a CH 61 disability retirement and also qualify for another retirement such as the two described above, you could qualify for CRDP, but the limit is the longevity portion of your retirement pay. RC retirement has an age requirement.

If you receive a CH 61 retirement and do not qualify for another type retirement, your disability retired pay would be reduced by the amount of VA compensation but will not be restored by CRDP.

You might be eligible for CRSC which replaces some or all of waived retired pay. See A Supplement to CRSC Information <—-LINK

Recommend you read previous discussions about these matters; there are hundreds on this site.

Ron
 
Strangert said:
What do you mean by your retirement comments and the income difference? Thank you!
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Strangert said:
What do you mean by your retirement comments and the income difference? Thank you!
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If you make twenty years of service, your retirement income will be based on the minimum of 2.5% times years of service times retired base pay (which is the average of your high 36 months of basic pay). Additionally, you will likely qualify for dual receipt under CRDP if you make 20 years of service.

On the other hand, if disability retired, your maximum rate of retired pay is 75% of your retired base pay (again, the average of your high 36 months of basic pay). If you break 20, you still get CRDP.

So, applying for a length of service retirement that is approved may put you in the presumption of fitness rule, and you may have a hard time getting more than your length of service retirement.

The differences in the outcomes could be substantial. You should weigh those issues in making any statements/elections. Also, understand that you may be able to extend the timelines if you appeal and take the maximum time to make any elections.
 
I will hit my 20 years of active duty time in December of this year. I have over 50 days of leave saved up. I just reviewed the NARSUM and had my initial appointment with the VA rep to go over my claimed items. There were 27 claims.
 
Strangert said:
I will hit my 20 years of active duty time in December of this year. I have over 50 days of leave saved up. I just reviewed the NARSUM and had my initial appointment with the VA rep to go over my claimed items. There were 27 claims.
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Hello @Strangert

Reaching the 20 year AD mark seems to be within your grasp; congratulations!

Jayson mentioned, "If you make twenty years of service, your retirement income will be based on the minimum of 2.5% times years of service times retired base pay (which is the average of your high 36 months of basic pay). Additionally, you will likely qualify for dual receipt under CRDP if you make 20 years of service."
and
"On the other hand, if disability retired, your maximum rate of retired pay is 75% of your retired base pay (again, the average of your high 36 months of basic pay). If you break 20, you still get CRDP."

Comments.

Jason's remarks are accurate of course.

With a disability retirement (CH 61) and qualification for another retirement (e.g., regular-20 yr AD) plus a VA rating of 50% or more, the following will occur:
--Your retired pay will be computed with the higher of your longevity multiplier (mentioned by Jason, see 2.5%) or the DoD disability percentage (75% max) x high three average base pay.
--Your retired pay will be reduced by the amount of VA compensation received. There could be residual (left over) retired pay remaining that you keep.
--Since you qualify for CRDP in this scenario, you will receive CRDP which restores longevity portion of the waived retired pay;
--The combination of residual retired pay and CRDP cannot exceed the longevity portion of retired pay (i.e., AD years and mo x 2.5% x high three)

Ron
 
Timeline:
18 Sep 20 - Met with the PEBLO to review the NARSUM and basically get my initial briefing. Additionally, met with the VA Rep to go over my claims. I was told it would be 2-3 months before I started hearing about my C&P exams.
 
Have my first QTC exam tomorrow for mental health. Does anybody have the checklist that examiner will use? I think I’ve seen it posted before but I can’t find it.
 
Strangert said:
Have my first QTC exam tomorrow for mental health. Does anybody have the checklist that examiner will use? I think I’ve seen it posted before but I can’t find it.
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Hello @Strangert ,

The VA no longer provides access to the DBQs to veterans (I have read).

However, copies can be found here: VA DBQ Forms <---LINK

Excerpt: "2020/06/02 ---- Category: General Knowledge
The VA discontinued public facing DBQ (Disability Benefit Questionnaire) forms online. We believe this to be a great disservice to all Veterans....

Download your own DBQ form(s) now for your private doctor to complete."

Let us know if this works for you (i.e., the linked info).

Ron
 
So my VA appointments are done. Have a question though. PEBLO says it will take three weeks for those to come back and then we will review the NARSUM. If I have a problem with the NARSUM does it even matter because I’m over 20 and I’m sure I’ll get 90%-100% VA disability? I don’t want to slow down the process. Thank you in advance.
 
Strangert said:
So my VA appointments are done. Have a question though. PEBLO says it will take three weeks for those to come back and then we will review the NARSUM. If I have a problem with the NARSUM does it even matter because I’m over 20 and I’m sure I’ll get 90%-100% VA disability? I don’t want to slow down the process. Thank you in advance.
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@chaplaincharlie can probably answer your question.

Ron
 
Often a NARSUM doesn't matter. When disabilities clearly are nor within retention standards is a great example.
 
Thanks for the info, I just want the process to hurry and I’m not worried about my DOD rating. I know I’ll be found unfit and I had already planned on retiring.
 
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