Drowning in the sea of red tape

S

Swiper

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
I'm extremely frustrated with the lack of progress when it comes to my case. I informed my command in January that I needed to go through the MEB/PEB process due to multiple different health problems. Since then I have been facing enormous amount of red tape to get the process started. I have tons of medical appointments. I have been bounced back and forth between different health care providers. One day, I had three separate medical appointments at three different hospitals. My providers are supportive of me being referred to the MEB process. My command are supportive and want to transfer me to the local WTU.

Despite all that, I still haven't gotten my referral to an MEB approved by the medical channels. It has been over 9 months of waiting now. I can't PCS, I can't do my regular duties, and apparently I can't get into the MEB system. I have been stuck in a "ground hog day" of medical appointments and being an extra body at an office for most of the year. I can't understand why it taking so long when I see other Soldiers get enrolled almost immediately for much less serious health issues.

What can I do? File an IG complaint?
 
Swiper said:
What can I do? File an IG complaint?
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Yes, you could file an IG complaint. I think seeing either Patient Advocacy/Ombudsman might be a better first step. Do you have a P3 profile? What is your condition and have you compared it to the standards in AR 40-501, Chapter 3?
 
My neurologist was supposed to submit a P3 permanent profile in June, but didn't do it until late August. It has been kicked back twice now for admin errors and it's still pending approval.

I have almost too many conditions to mention, but I'm definitely considered unfit according to the retention standards.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Mood Disorder (Depression)
Complex PTSD
Insomnia
Executive Dysfunction
OCD traits
Motor Dyspraxia
Kyphosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Excessive curvature and athritis in neck
Chronic backpain
Bilateral carpel tunnel
Inoperable cyst in right wrist
Allergies (28+)
Pain in knees and ankles

Since June last year, I have had five ER visits due to accidental falls (sprained wrist x2, bruised ribs, sprained ankle, fractured fibula), I have been transported by ambulance twice (accidental OD on benzos anti-depressant, severe panic attack), I have been given IV twice for dehydration (not eating or drinking), I have received treatment at a TBI clinic for vestibular issues, I have struggled with suicidal ideations, I have seen behavioral health once a week for over a year, and I have had TONS of appointments with occupational therapy, physical therapy, neurologist, and other specialists.

Yet, I can't get a referral to MEB/PEB processed.
 
@Swiper

Given that your CC is supportive, an effective courses of action might be to ask your CC to call the medical CC.

I'm sorry your having so many difficulties. Best wishes. Mike
 
The senior enlisted leadership, all the way to the top at Pentagon, are aware of my issues. I have already missed my original PCS date six months ago and I will miss my next PCS date in November. I have missed two school dates because of profiles. I haven't been able to take the APFT for a year and a half. I have had considerable weight-gain because of the medication and inability to do PT. CoC want me into WTU/MEB/PEB and they have made attempts to help speed up the process with no visible results so far.
 
Basic info: 42 year old male. Married with 1 child. SFC since 2012. TIS: 16 years, 7 months (since Feb 99). Afghanistan 2004 - 05 (10 months). Iraq 2008 - 09 (15 months). On unaccompanied tour since 2011. Overdue to PCS since Jan 15.
 
Oh, I forgot: I also have chronic nerve pain/tingles in my hands (sometimes also my feet). At times, it's so bad that I can't do anything but just sit there and look at my hands in despair.
 
Ended up in the ER for the umpteenth time yesterday. I had abnormal pain in my knees and tremors in my legs when standing up. That's unusual, even for me, so I took no changes and had it checked out. I got a shot with anti-inflamatory pain killer and it gelt better afterwards. I have contacted Patient Advocacy, but I haven't received any response yet.

My hands looks horrible. I chew on my hands and fingers due to the constant stress and the skin dries out. I then pick on the dry skin and peel it off --- causing open sores. Looks awful, but I can't stop myself from doing it.
 
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