I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in my back, ankles, knees, and elbows. My doctor recommended separation, however my commander recommended that I be retained. Has anyone ever had a split decision before and how did it ultimately go out does anyone have any insight on how the board at AFPC weighs the recommendations? I am an USAF E-7 with almost 15 years in.
Commander vs Doctor's Recommendation
- Thread starter Str8-Ays
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I have had two MEBs. Both times the CC recommended retained. First time through, I was retained. Second tine, I was retired. I think the medical evidence rules, but when the diagnosis is on the border, the CC letter has significant influence in the AF PEB process.
I assume that the diagnosis is clear because the military doc agrees w/the rheumatologist and based on his assessment, he specifically states that I should be retired. From your experience is that clear or would the board be looking for something else from the NARSUM? Thanks in advance for your help.
Arthritis per se will not result in a finding of unfitness. I urge you to look in the Medical Standards Directory (MSD) in the reference section of this website. Pay particular attention to section K. K 13 says retention for arthritis if only an issue for those on flying duty. However there are many artifacts of severe arthritis that could result in a finding of unfitness. For example standard K 18, "Chronic back or neck pain, regardless of cause, which requires ongoing duty or deployment restrictions for over a year, or ongoing specialist follow-up more than annually, or frequent duty absences, or chronic/recurrent use of narcotics."
Read the whole thing and then take an honest assessment of your know diagnosis and limitations. Then fight for what you want.
Read the whole thing and then take an honest assessment of your know diagnosis and limitations. Then fight for what you want.
Jason Perry
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When it is cut and dried that you fail retention standards, the medical evidence and opinion will prevail for getting referred to PEB (not always, but, in the vast majority of cases). When it is not clear, the Commander's input may tip the scales one way or another. Commander's input generally is more important with the fitness finding at the PEB. However, many factors also impact the weight given to any piece of evidence. A cursory statement without support (or worse that is contradicted by the great weight of other evidence) will likely be rejected/ignored.
Quality of evidence is more important than quantity.
Quality of evidence is more important than quantity.
The bolded part is key....I have seen way too many disastrous outcomes because folks skip this part and jump to the below in fighting for "what you want."
This ties into my above statement. Cannot tell you how many times- because they are too numerous to count- where folks decide to fight for what they want without having taken a realistic look at their situation and disaster follows.
Chaplin Charlie,
Thanks for the response, it was very helpful. I just received a notice from AFPC and they have deferred on making the decision until I have a follow-up w/the rheumatologist. I don't think that I am getting better, I feel more stiffness than ever before, so that will be my message to the rheumatologist and we shall see. Thanks again.
This may work in your favor. One of the issue that rears its head from time to time if the failure of the system to compensate the systemic illnesses properly. I see two advantages: 1) your treatment may improve with a rheumatologist on board 2) a diagnosis from the specialist may help you get rated properly on the systemic side of the C&P evaluation.
Best wishes
Mike
Best wishes
Mike
I just received a notice that I must meet a full MEB. I have a meeting set up w/my PEBLO on Monday. Is it possible that I could be returned to duty and if so, what are the chances or how often does this occur? I need to make that break in my mind and move further towards life post-USAF, which I have already begun to do. Also, if there is a post somewhere else here that I can make sure I understand what it means to go through a "full MEB" that would greatly be appreciated.
I just received a notice that I must meet a full MEB. I have a meeting set up w/my PEBLO on Monday. Is it possible that I could be returned to duty and if so, what are the chances or how often does this occur? I need to make that break in my mind and move further towards life post-USAF, which I have already begun to do. Also, if there is a post somewhere else here that I can make sure I understand what it means to go through a "full MEB" that would greatly be appreciated.
It is possible that you could be returned to duty. It is also possible that you will be found unfit. At 15 YOS you have a tough decision to make. One of the critical errors members make in the MEB process is trying to play both ends against the middle. Getting to 20 years makes lots of financial sense, but only you know what that will entail in terms of a toll on your overall health.
I believe it is critical to make an honest self assessment of your health. Not just what you want, but what can you really manage. Can you manage 5 more years in the AF health-wise? Can you contribute your fair share? Then decide what you will pursue; RTD, medical retirement, separation. Once you decided pursue only one choice. Trying to pursue two things can result in separation which is usually the least desirable outcome.
Best wishes
Mike