Fibromyalgia Timeline - AD Air Force

[sxkuraa]

Hello there!

Just a quick background of everything going on... I've been active duty since 2021, and while in BMT I tore my left meniscus during the final PT Test. With some guidance from my MTI's, I ultimately decided to push through the rest of BMT without going to medical to avoid med hold. After 4 months of tech school, I finally went to my PCM after arriving to my first duty station. This is where everything went downhill, I started off by getting x-rays, MRI's, and then finally surgery. It was around a 6 month long process from first appointment to end of convalescent leave. However, the moment I stepped foot into my flight, I was constantly being called a 'dirtbag' and that 'I only joined for disability' by my very own senior leadership. Unsurprisingly, this took a major toll on my mental health and I dreaded the idea of waking up every morning and having to be in an environment that did not support people who couldn't just "tuff it out". While in physical therapy for my knee surgery, I started to hurt everywhere. My back, my hips, my neck, my ankles, my wrists would swell, and my fingers would as well. I told my PCM about this and have also been seeing MH for a few months by this time. I had an MRI of my lower back done, which revealed arthritis in my L1-L5 as well as some deteriorating discs. So, I saw a neurologist and rheumatologist which led to inconclusive results. After some time trying pain management and an various medications, I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and MDD with Anxiety. So its been 2 years and 7 months, and I have been on profile since arriving here and now I am actually getting Med Boarded.

Now for the timeline...

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Expecting AFPC decision today

So I understand that I basically just started this process, but it has already been very stressful with having to wait forever and having no guidance whatsoever. From what I read, I am expecting to move onto IDES from the AFPC decision, but I do not want to have to be here for another 6 months. I know after this I sign the FL4 and then start C&P exams, but is there anyway I can expect a faster outcome after my AFPC decision? Nothing has changed from the day I got here, if anything it got worse since I am actually getting out now, but I believe the reason all this happened is because of them.

I will update the timeline as it moves forward.

 

[Shad12]

Any updates?

 

[sxkuraa]

Any updates?

Its been 3 months since posting this thread, and as of today I am currently waiting on my proposed VA ratings.

My current timeline is as follows,

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Signed FL4 and entered into IDES
5 Feb 2024 - General & Bloodwork C&P
19 Feb 2024 - Psych C&P
27 Feb 2024 - Audio C&P
29 Mar 2024 - Found Unfit by local MEB, entered into IPEB
15 Apr 2024 - Awaiting Proposed VA Ratings

I found out that I am only being Med Boarded for Fibromyalgia, but have claimed many other problems on the VA side. To include; MDD w/ Anxiety, Tinnitus, Bilateral Joint Problems in all major joints, Chronic Back Pain, Chronic Neck Pain, IBS, and Migraines.

I have read all my DBQs from my QTC exams and they worry me. I was very honest in ever question that was asked, but what they wrote does not seem to reflect any of what I said. For example, I have been seeing a therapist for quite some time who has documented my anxiety attacks and etc., but on my Psych DBQ she only marked the box for depression and sleep problems. She also marked the box corresponding to 10%. For my General exam, she asked how often I felt pains in my joints, to which I answered that I am in constant pain with multiple different joints being swollen everyday. However, on my DBQ she marked my pain as intermittent.

This is all slightly frustrating, but it is not as annoying as having to wait. Hopefully if the Fibromyalgia is not rated to what I think I deserve, it will be an easy fix. I understand that no matter what I get rated or the VA side I can not change it until after.

Will Update as I get more news.

 

[sxkuraa]

My current timeline is as follows,

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Signed FL4 and entered into IDES
5 Feb 2024 - General & Bloodwork C&P
19 Feb 2024 - Psych C&P
27 Feb 2024 - Audio C&P
29 Mar 2024 - Found Unfit by local MEB, entered into IPEB
22 Apr 2024 - VA website shows closed case with decision letter

The letter says, "total combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 100%." I have not received a call or email from the PEBLO yet, but hoping it is soon. I am unsure of how much of the 100% is DOD side, but assuming its either 20 or 40% is scary. The deciding factor between sep or retirement..

Will Update as I get more news.

 

[Shad12]

This is great news!

 

[Shad12]

I do hope you get a medical retirement!

 

[aviationeast]

Can I ask how bad is your pain or how long you had fibro before getting medboarded? I have fibromyalgia from the military but some how as a guardsmen my medical group have decided not to medboard me.

 

[sxkuraa]

Can I ask how bad is your pain or how long you had fibro before getting medboarded? I have fibromyalgia from the military but some how as a guardsmen my medical group have decided not to medboard me.

I was experiencing pain in most of my joints for about a year, but once all possibilities were ruled out I was diagnosed and started MEB.

As for how severe my Fibro is, I would say that I have pain in most if not all of my joints. The pain is constant, and everyday I wake up I have at least two fingers swollen. On some days, I can't even bend my wrists, shoulder, back, or neck without pain. I have MDD, anxiety, migraines, and IBS. I am always super exhausted especially being on Amitriptyline, but cannot sleep properly still. I also have some sciatic nerve problems, as in my left leg will go completely numb sometimes randomly.

Although, as for not getting med boarded I think it depends on what you do with Fibro. Basically, is fibro stopping you from deploying, stopping you from PT testing, and is it hindering your ability to work at home station. For example, I have a supervisor that's been in for 18 years and is diagnosed fibro, but they wants to make it to 20. So they still take PT tests and deploy when tasked.

 

[aviationeast]

Thanks for the response. I just did my PT and got 90% but I really wish I didn't, it took two weeks to recover. I'll probably ask for a waiver for running and upper body. I think I can still do core.

Fibro impacts my ability to perform my military duties but currently I can do it just slower than I like. But I'm slipping, and keep on having to increase my meds, so far I've been on a no tdy profile for 6 months. I think I could hit 20, but every drill and AT its worse and I don't think I want to anymore. But I'm not going to malinger and need either a Dr. or a supervisor to state I can't do it.

 

[sxkuraa]

My current timeline is as follows,

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Signed FL4 and entered into IDES
5 Feb 2024 - General & Bloodwork C&P
19 Feb 2024 - Psych C&P
27 Feb 2024 - Audio C&P
29 Mar 2024 - Found Unfit by local MEB, entered into IPEB
22 Apr 2024 - VA website shows closed case with decision letter
23 Apr 2024 - MyFSS email PEB Findings
24 Apr 2024 -

I am hoping that my PEBLO calls me today. As soon as I saw the email my heart started pounding. Hopefully, today is the end of a long journey.

Will Update as I get more news.

 

[MrsG]

Thanks for the response. I just did my PT and got 90% but I really wish I didn't, it took two weeks to recover. I'll probably ask for a waiver for running and upper body. I think I can still do core.

Fibro impacts my ability to perform my military duties but currently I can do it just slower than I like. But I'm slipping, and keep on having to increase my meds, so far I've been on a no tdy profile for 6 months. I think I could hit 20, but every drill and AT its worse and I don't think I want to anymore. But I'm not going to malinger and need either a Dr. or a supervisor to state I can't do it.

Hi there!

I also have fibromyalgia and was diagnosed in Nov 2023, with my MEB initiated a month later. I was in the same position, waiting for someone else to state or ask if "I can't do it," but that was never going to happen. So, I had a doctor's appointment and told them I cannot work out, deploy, work, or live without constant pain. That is when something was finally done. If all else fails, go to the patient advocate and tell them you do not feel heard. I did this once because I was convinced I had a herniated disc, but my PCM refused any imaging. I went to the patient advocate, and immediately had an MRI scheduled, and lo and behold, I actually have arthritis, 2 bulging discs, and 1 herniated disc. All this to say, you know your body best, and scoring a 90% on a PT test should not be held against you.

 

[sxkuraa]

I have received my PEB Findings:

20% DOD / 100% VA.

I am honestly not very surprised given my QTC said my condition is 'episodic', but I feel as if I should try to appeal it. I have my family to think about when it comes to the benefits. I feel as if I am at 40% rating for Fibro, if only my words weren't misconstrued and messed up by my anxiousness. Most if not all of the symptoms of Fibro I experience daily, but the pain can be localized in different areas on different days. I think that is where the "episodic" description came from. Also, I claimed all the conditions as secondary to Fibro where I received high percentages. That is where I am confused. For example, if I received a 70 for mental, 30 for migraine, 30 for IBS, and so on. How come I am rated so poorly for the main condition that caused all of this? Does being rated low for the main condition, while simultaneously being rated high for its symptoms even make sense?

So, I sent a form to the ODC, just for legal advice on if fighting is even worth it. I wanted to take the answer and just leave this base, but that would have been selfish.

Now for the next journey.

 

[aviationeast]

I have received my PEB Findings:

20% DOD / 100% VA.

I am honestly not very surprised given my QTC said my condition is 'episodic', but I feel as if I should try to appeal it. I have my family to think about when it comes to the benefits. I feel as if I am at 40% rating for Fibro, if only my words weren't misconstrued and messed up by my anxiousness. Most if not all of the symptoms of Fibro I experience daily, but the pain can be localized in different areas on different days. I think that is where the "episodic" description came from. Also, I claimed all the conditions as secondary to Fibro where I received high percentages. That is where I am confused. For example, if I received a 70 for mental, 30 for migraine, 30 for IBS, and so on. How come I am rated so poorly for the main condition that caused all of this? Does being rated low for the main condition, while simultaneously being rated high for its symptoms even make sense?

So, I sent a form to the ODC, just for legal advice on if fighting is even worth it. I wanted to take the answer and just leave this base, but that would have been selfish.

Now for the next journ

You can ask for a 1 time reconsideration of your ratings. (dafi36-3212 dated 22 Feb 24 ; section 3.40)

 

[sxkuraa]

You can ask for a 1 time reconsideration of your ratings. (dafi36-3212 dated 22 Feb 24 ; section 3.40)

Maybe this is just my brain making up false conclusions, but I feel strongly that if my DBQ was looked at properly it would have been seen as contradictory. I feel as if the rater only looked at the box for "episodic". Also, in my medical records it would state that I have been on 5 different medications to try and help, but they all had no positive effects. I have also been seeing a pain management where I have tried multiple rounds of trigger point injections and nerve abrasions. Nothing helped my pain, which in turn ruined my mental health even more. So if my medical records were actually looked at, I feel strongly I should have gotten 40%.

My QTC examiner only asked if I am taking meds for it, not including past ones, and if I'm being treated for it. Where I stated am seeing pain management. She also refused to take my DBQ that I filled out.

Attached is my redacted DBQ for fibromyalgia.

 

[sxkuraa]

Maybe this is just my brain making up false conclusions, but I feel strongly that if my DBQ was looked at properly it would have been seen as contradictory. I feel as if the rater only looked at the box for "episodic". Also, in my medical records it would state that I have been on 5 different medications to try and help, but they all had no positive effects. I have also been seeing a pain management where I have tried multiple rounds of trigger point injections and nerve abrasions. Nothing helped my pain, which in turn ruined my mental health even more. So if my medical records were actually looked at, I feel strongly I should have gotten 40%.

My QTC examiner only asked if I am taking meds for it, not including past ones, and if I'm being treated for it. Where I stated am seeing pain management. She also refused to take my DBQ that I filled out.

Attached is my redacted DBQ for fibromyalgia.

I should add aswell, my profile that initiated my MEB states no lifting more than 40 lbs and no standing for more than 30 min without rest. That is the whole reason my CC signed for "do not retain". However, I was marked for not effecting my duties? I hope ODC calls me and says this can be fixed. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated..

 

[aviationeast]

You can ask for a 1 time reconsideration of your ratings. (dafi36-3212 dated 22 Feb 24 ; section 3.40)

I should add aswell, my profile that initiated my MEB states no lifting more than 40 lbs and no standing for more than 30 min without rest. That is the whole reason my CC signed for "do not retain". However, I was marked for not effecting my duties? I hope ODC calls me and says this can be fixed. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated..

Sounds like you have a good case to have your rating reconsidered. I think you have 6 duty days since the day you were notified.

Point out everything you've stated, contradictory DBQ, medical history is different. Restrictions are different. There's a form to do this make sure you get it done. If you were out, this would be a clear higher level review. But since this affects your DOD rating you gotta follow the MEB rules. ODC should be able to help you. But remember this is your case, you gotta push for it.

 

[sxkuraa]

Yesterday I received a call from ODC, and in short he explained I would be a "dumba**" to try and fight for retirement. Obviously, he did not say that exactly, but he migt as well have.

Anyways, he was explaining to me that since I am 100% on the VA side, I get virtually every benefit a retiree gets except for Tricare, so I will get CHAMPVA instead. He also explained I would be missing out on free money. Basically, if my referring condition, fibromyalgia, was taken away I would still be 100% VA. Therefore, I qualify for no recoupment of my severance pay. I am confused about though as I can not find that anywhere in any AFIs. I am not sure if we was just saying that, or if it is true where would I find the regulations for that?

In any case, if all the benefits are virtually the same I have no issues accepting what I have currently. Staying in this state of unknown is not worth fighting for something I may not even win.

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Signed FL4 and entered into IDES
5 Feb 2024 - General & Bloodwork C&P
19 Feb 2024 - Psych C&P
27 Feb 2024 - Audio C&P
29 Mar 2024 - Found Unfit by local MEB, entered into IPEB
22 Apr 2024 - VA website shows closed case with decision letter
23 Apr 2024 - MyFSS email PEB Findings
24 Apr 2024 - 20% DoD / 100% VA
26 Apr 2024 - Signed 1180 to accept

Will update.

 

[aviationeast]

Yesterday I received a call from ODC, and in short he explained I would be a "dumba**" to try and fight for retirement. Obviously, he did not say that exactly, but he migt as well have.

Anyways, he was explaining to me that since I am 100% on the VA side, I get virtually every benefit a retiree gets except for Tricare, so I will get CHAMPVA instead. He also explained I would be missing out on free money. Basically, if my referring condition, fibromyalgia, was taken away I would still be 100% VA. Therefore, I qualify for no recoupment of my severance pay. I am confused about though as I can not find that anywhere in any AFIs. I am not sure if we was just saying that, or if it is true where would I find the regulations for that?

In any case, if all the benefits are virtually the same I have no issues accepting what I have currently. Staying in this state of unknown is not worth fighting for something I may not even win.

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Signed FL4 and entered into IDES
5 Feb 2024 - General & Bloodwork C&P
19 Feb 2024 - Psych C&P
27 Feb 2024 - Audio C&P
29 Mar 2024 - Found Unfit by local MEB, entered into IPEB
22 Apr 2024 - VA website shows closed case with decision letter
23 Apr 2024 - MyFSS email PEB Findings
24 Apr 2024 - 20% DoD / 100% VA
26 Apr 2024 - Signed 1180 to accept

Will update.

You have to recoup any separation pay unless you are separated with a 0% rating for the disqualifying condition. I would ask them for the exact reference that says otherwise. But it is a interest free loan. And only you can decide what is better: champva or tricare. I would chose tricare as it means I can use it or go to the VA. Champva is only for your dependents, you go to the VA.

 

[sxkuraa]

This is the final timeline for my MEB. From a rocky start to a even rockier finish, waiting on my PEBLO to FW my orders since this new PRDA does not like to work. Thank you for everyone posting on this forum, being able to read everyone's stories helped more than any information I could have gotten from anyone around me. Good luck to everyone else in their journeys.

25 Aug 2023 - PCM initiated MEB.
18 Sep 2023 - AMRO accepts case, notified of I-RILO, and given a PEBLO
20 Sep 2023 - CIS is submitted to PEBLO
9 Jan 2024 - PCM finally submits NARSUM after I had to talk to Commander about wait time
10 Jan 2024 - CIS is recompleted due to NARSUM and is sent to AFPC
19 Jan 2024 - Signed FL4 and entered into IDES
5 Feb 2024 - General & Bloodwork C&P
19 Feb 2024 - Psych C&P
27 Feb 2024 - Audio C&P
29 Mar 2024 - Found Unfit by local MEB, entered into IPEB
22 Apr 2024 - VA website shows closed case with decision letter
23 Apr 2024 - MyFSS email PEB Findings
24 Apr 2024 - 20% DoD / 100% VA
26 Apr 2024 - Signed 1180 to accept
7 May 2024 - MyFSS Separation e-mail. DOS 2 Jun 2024

 

[sxkuraa]

Hello there,

In my timeline I stopped providing updates after I got my Separation notice. I failed to realize the process is just as annoying after you separate.

So, after separating on June 2nd, 2024, I uploaded my DD214 through quick submit to the VA on June 3rd, 2024. They now had all the documentation ready to start the finalization for my claim. Today is the 26th of July, almost 2 whole months and I have yet to move past the "decision phase". Now it's so late that I am past July's cut off date, so I won't be receiving payment on the 1st of August. I can't buy a house without verified income. I am sick and tired of the hurry up and wait BS. If anyone who recently got out, has their timeline in regards to when their claims were finalized it would be of great help.