All,
I am looking for advice and opinions on people that have been through an Air Force FPEB at Randolph AFB in the last few months….or at least the last year or two.
Here is what is going on:
I am active duty AF amd hit 18 years next month. In 2009 I had an MRI done and it showed that I had degenerative disc disease (DDD). The doctor at the time asked me how many years I had in and I said 10 years. He said he advised me to bury the MRI and not mention it to anyone. I said no problem. Now, fast forward 5 years and my back was really starting to bother me as it was extremely sore after pounding the pavement and aging. I had my first and only PT failure in October of 2014…I passed every component minimum, but it added up to 73.5. I began going to physical therapy and was placed on two types of medication. My PCM put me on Ultracet (contains Tylenol and 37.5 mg of Tramadol) for pain and Robaxin which is a muscle relaxer. I was told to get a walk profile for my PT tests to avoid aggravating my spine. Two years of walk tests (passed every single one) and quarterly epidural steroid injections (ESI) along with the same medication regime with the dosage never changing. A year and a half into this regime I deployed for six months, so I merely paused the ESI's and took a 3 month supply of medication with me and had my wife send me the other 3 months when I was half-way through the tour. I want to stress that I was always worldwide qualified even when on a walk profile and receiving ESI's and my medication.
Upon my return from the deployment I find myself once again sitting across from a different PCM. This PCM suggests that I should just seek a permanent walk profile so that I didn't have to go to the doctors before a fitness assessment every six months. In hindsight I should have said, "NO THANK YOU". The reason being is that she stated that it could possibly trigger a MEB, but not to worry because I would be RTD because physically I was in good shape.
Well an IRLO was conducted at my local MDG and then my medical record was sent to the Deployment Action Working Group (DAWG) and AFPC/DP2NP (some medical department) at Randolph AFB. A Form 4 was generated which stated that the DAWG recommended me for RTD, however, on the same form DP2NP non-concurred with the DAWG’s recommendation and instead stated that I had to undergo a full MEB. I was shocked. However, as diligent Airman, I went to my VA medical appointments while obtaining the required Commander's Letter that the base Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) sent to me. This letter would ultimately end up sitting in front of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). My commander recommended that I be returned to duty and stated that my medical condition had no impact on my in-garrison or deployed job requirements. I work in Manpower and we are basically "desk jockeys" who crunch data all day. The CC letter also stated that there were no schedule "work-arounds" and I didn't miss work because of the DDD. I had complete faith that the IPEB would RTD me. Wrong! They came back saying my back was 10% unfitting and to discharge me with severance pay (DWSP). I was at 17 years and 8 months. Reason stated was that I could not physically meet the demands of my primary AFSC and that I was worldwide disqualified so I couldn’t deploy. Holy crap! As you all know as soon as you are tagged for an MEB you are automatically code 37 which means no TDY’s or deployments until the MEB is completed. So they were using the code 37 that the PEBLO placed against me…against me. Furthermore, my career field requires that I be able to lift 40 pounds. I can do this with one arm. It was obvious that the person who reviewed my medical record had no clue what Manpower did. Furthermore, my CC letter did nothing to sway their opinion. The statement was that when I bent over my range of motion (ROM) was only 80 degrees instead of 90 degrees because I couldn’t essentially touch my toes. Let me tell you now, I’ve never been able to touch my toes as I am not a flexible person. Even when younger I couldn’t do so and can reach past my knees to my shins. Well looking at the VA rating calculations if you do not hit 90 degrees you are automatically rated at 10%. The crazy thing is…they never used a goniometer (medical device that is basically a glorified protractor used to capture the precise angle of a bend your joints). They “eye balled” me and made the determination of my ROM. Once again I was shocked. I obviously non-concurred and requested the FPEB.
Here is what I've done in preparation for the board on May 2nd.
Over the 9 months this process has taken I obtained a 92% and in January of 2017 a 100% on my fitness assessments (still walking though). I obtained character references from the Air Force Career Field Manager for Manpower who is a CMSgt in charge of the entire career field. I obtained a letter from a GS-15 who is the top person in Manpower for the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) that I am part of. I obtained a letter from the Mission Support Group commander (O-6 Colonel). I obtained another letter from my squadron commander and finally a letter from my direct supervisor (GS-12 civilian). I also obtained a letter from the doctor off base who has been treating me since 2015 and he stated that the ESI's were helping to improve my physical fitness. So much so, that I asked to have my Ultracet reduced by half in January since my back wasn’t bothering me as much as I got stronger. The doctor stated that my DDD did not require surgery (never had any surgery) and that I was weaning off my pain medicine. Apparently Tramadol is a schedule IV drug and deemed a narcotic (laws changed in late 2014, of course no one in the medical community informed me that this could be used against me. Anyways, I’ll get to that later.
Well I trained hard physically after my January PT test even though I scored a 100%. I knew that they (FPEB) would use the walk against me. On Monday I completed a full component PT test and scored a 90.7% (excellent). It hurt, but I was motivated because my career and 4 dependents depend on me (one dependent is enrolled in the exceptional family member program (EFMP).
I thought I was set, so did my lawyer. He told me to send him all the stuff I compiled and the fitness score. On Tuesday through my lawyer appointed to me by the Office of Airmen Council (OAC we asked the FPEB for a summary judgement (basically they review everything and make a decision without me physically being there). Well it took the FPEB exactly one day to deny the summary judgement and state that I had to come down to the FPEB.
Great, now I played all my cards, gave them all my evidence and reasons for being RTD and I am denied. Now I have to stand in front of the FPEB next week and look at the people that already told me they were not going to RTD me. The only questions they had asked my lawyer prior to making their decision was what my dosage of Ultracet was (2 tablets every other night about 3 times a week). I specified I never take it before work and remember after almost 3 years on this stuff it is equivalent to me taking aspirin.
That was it…the FPEB focused on the Ultracet. So now, regardless of what I’ve done, the medication given to me by my military PCM and continued by my civilian doctor is now THE issue. The IPEB only mentioned my ROM, the fact that I was non-deployable (code 37 for the MEB), and my walk profile.
However, the FPEB saw I took care of the restrictions through a full component PT test and that I had solid character reference letters. So they instead are now focusing on the low dose of Ultracet that I recently had reduced by half with a letter from my doctor stating that my goal was to be completely off all medication in the next several months as I continue to strengthen my core.
My perception is that the FPEB now trying to find anything to NOT RTD me. My CC is appearing by telephone to testify on my behalf.
So administratively my first 15 years are nothing but 5 EPRS, my 2015 EPR was a 4 (AC) under the new system (I marked myself down because of the PT failure in October of 2014). My 2016 EPR was a 5 (LC) under the new system with my EPR closing at the group and receiving the promote statement. I have checked every box by completing 3 CCAF’s and obtaining my bachelor’s degree two months ago. No administrative paperwork in my PIF.
That is where I am at…I meet the board in a few days and it seems they’ve made up their mind on me. I am beyond disenfranchised. I would literally start my terminal in 659 days if I am allowed to stay (1.8 years). No medical retirement, nothing for my 18 years but a check.
So…what do you think the FPEB is going to do? I know I can appeal one more time to the office of the SECAF...but I am so over the stress of all of this.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I am looking for advice and opinions on people that have been through an Air Force FPEB at Randolph AFB in the last few months….or at least the last year or two.
Here is what is going on:
I am active duty AF amd hit 18 years next month. In 2009 I had an MRI done and it showed that I had degenerative disc disease (DDD). The doctor at the time asked me how many years I had in and I said 10 years. He said he advised me to bury the MRI and not mention it to anyone. I said no problem. Now, fast forward 5 years and my back was really starting to bother me as it was extremely sore after pounding the pavement and aging. I had my first and only PT failure in October of 2014…I passed every component minimum, but it added up to 73.5. I began going to physical therapy and was placed on two types of medication. My PCM put me on Ultracet (contains Tylenol and 37.5 mg of Tramadol) for pain and Robaxin which is a muscle relaxer. I was told to get a walk profile for my PT tests to avoid aggravating my spine. Two years of walk tests (passed every single one) and quarterly epidural steroid injections (ESI) along with the same medication regime with the dosage never changing. A year and a half into this regime I deployed for six months, so I merely paused the ESI's and took a 3 month supply of medication with me and had my wife send me the other 3 months when I was half-way through the tour. I want to stress that I was always worldwide qualified even when on a walk profile and receiving ESI's and my medication.
Upon my return from the deployment I find myself once again sitting across from a different PCM. This PCM suggests that I should just seek a permanent walk profile so that I didn't have to go to the doctors before a fitness assessment every six months. In hindsight I should have said, "NO THANK YOU". The reason being is that she stated that it could possibly trigger a MEB, but not to worry because I would be RTD because physically I was in good shape.
Well an IRLO was conducted at my local MDG and then my medical record was sent to the Deployment Action Working Group (DAWG) and AFPC/DP2NP (some medical department) at Randolph AFB. A Form 4 was generated which stated that the DAWG recommended me for RTD, however, on the same form DP2NP non-concurred with the DAWG’s recommendation and instead stated that I had to undergo a full MEB. I was shocked. However, as diligent Airman, I went to my VA medical appointments while obtaining the required Commander's Letter that the base Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) sent to me. This letter would ultimately end up sitting in front of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). My commander recommended that I be returned to duty and stated that my medical condition had no impact on my in-garrison or deployed job requirements. I work in Manpower and we are basically "desk jockeys" who crunch data all day. The CC letter also stated that there were no schedule "work-arounds" and I didn't miss work because of the DDD. I had complete faith that the IPEB would RTD me. Wrong! They came back saying my back was 10% unfitting and to discharge me with severance pay (DWSP). I was at 17 years and 8 months. Reason stated was that I could not physically meet the demands of my primary AFSC and that I was worldwide disqualified so I couldn’t deploy. Holy crap! As you all know as soon as you are tagged for an MEB you are automatically code 37 which means no TDY’s or deployments until the MEB is completed. So they were using the code 37 that the PEBLO placed against me…against me. Furthermore, my career field requires that I be able to lift 40 pounds. I can do this with one arm. It was obvious that the person who reviewed my medical record had no clue what Manpower did. Furthermore, my CC letter did nothing to sway their opinion. The statement was that when I bent over my range of motion (ROM) was only 80 degrees instead of 90 degrees because I couldn’t essentially touch my toes. Let me tell you now, I’ve never been able to touch my toes as I am not a flexible person. Even when younger I couldn’t do so and can reach past my knees to my shins. Well looking at the VA rating calculations if you do not hit 90 degrees you are automatically rated at 10%. The crazy thing is…they never used a goniometer (medical device that is basically a glorified protractor used to capture the precise angle of a bend your joints). They “eye balled” me and made the determination of my ROM. Once again I was shocked. I obviously non-concurred and requested the FPEB.
Here is what I've done in preparation for the board on May 2nd.
Over the 9 months this process has taken I obtained a 92% and in January of 2017 a 100% on my fitness assessments (still walking though). I obtained character references from the Air Force Career Field Manager for Manpower who is a CMSgt in charge of the entire career field. I obtained a letter from a GS-15 who is the top person in Manpower for the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) that I am part of. I obtained a letter from the Mission Support Group commander (O-6 Colonel). I obtained another letter from my squadron commander and finally a letter from my direct supervisor (GS-12 civilian). I also obtained a letter from the doctor off base who has been treating me since 2015 and he stated that the ESI's were helping to improve my physical fitness. So much so, that I asked to have my Ultracet reduced by half in January since my back wasn’t bothering me as much as I got stronger. The doctor stated that my DDD did not require surgery (never had any surgery) and that I was weaning off my pain medicine. Apparently Tramadol is a schedule IV drug and deemed a narcotic (laws changed in late 2014, of course no one in the medical community informed me that this could be used against me. Anyways, I’ll get to that later.
Well I trained hard physically after my January PT test even though I scored a 100%. I knew that they (FPEB) would use the walk against me. On Monday I completed a full component PT test and scored a 90.7% (excellent). It hurt, but I was motivated because my career and 4 dependents depend on me (one dependent is enrolled in the exceptional family member program (EFMP).
I thought I was set, so did my lawyer. He told me to send him all the stuff I compiled and the fitness score. On Tuesday through my lawyer appointed to me by the Office of Airmen Council (OAC we asked the FPEB for a summary judgement (basically they review everything and make a decision without me physically being there). Well it took the FPEB exactly one day to deny the summary judgement and state that I had to come down to the FPEB.
Great, now I played all my cards, gave them all my evidence and reasons for being RTD and I am denied. Now I have to stand in front of the FPEB next week and look at the people that already told me they were not going to RTD me. The only questions they had asked my lawyer prior to making their decision was what my dosage of Ultracet was (2 tablets every other night about 3 times a week). I specified I never take it before work and remember after almost 3 years on this stuff it is equivalent to me taking aspirin.
That was it…the FPEB focused on the Ultracet. So now, regardless of what I’ve done, the medication given to me by my military PCM and continued by my civilian doctor is now THE issue. The IPEB only mentioned my ROM, the fact that I was non-deployable (code 37 for the MEB), and my walk profile.
However, the FPEB saw I took care of the restrictions through a full component PT test and that I had solid character reference letters. So they instead are now focusing on the low dose of Ultracet that I recently had reduced by half with a letter from my doctor stating that my goal was to be completely off all medication in the next several months as I continue to strengthen my core.
My perception is that the FPEB now trying to find anything to NOT RTD me. My CC is appearing by telephone to testify on my behalf.
So administratively my first 15 years are nothing but 5 EPRS, my 2015 EPR was a 4 (AC) under the new system (I marked myself down because of the PT failure in October of 2014). My 2016 EPR was a 5 (LC) under the new system with my EPR closing at the group and receiving the promote statement. I have checked every box by completing 3 CCAF’s and obtaining my bachelor’s degree two months ago. No administrative paperwork in my PIF.
That is where I am at…I meet the board in a few days and it seems they’ve made up their mind on me. I am beyond disenfranchised. I would literally start my terminal in 659 days if I am allowed to stay (1.8 years). No medical retirement, nothing for my 18 years but a check.
So…what do you think the FPEB is going to do? I know I can appeal one more time to the office of the SECAF...but I am so over the stress of all of this.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.