Help (looking for lessons learned), MEB for Psoriasis and immunosuppressive treatment

[Facepiece]

So I came into work this morning and was told I'm going to MEB. I'm active duty prior service Marine, now active duty Army Guard Reservist.

I have 16 1/2 years of active Federal Service.
I have 21 years of total service (Guard / Reserve Time).
Good evaluations / promising career. No bad paperwork.

Referred to Med board for "Psoriasis and immunosuppressive treatment."

I'm freaking out and trying to figure out what it will look like and if I even rate DoD disability. I heard you could claim everything from the forums when the process starts, but I'm skeptical and worried. I have a family to support.

I have a multitude of issues but taking Skyrzzi to treat psoriasis is what takes me to MEB. Should I bring all this to the table when I start? What can I do to protect myself? What can I expect if I qualify for DoD disability/VA and w/hope to apply for CRSC?

Can anyone give me some peace of mind, have been in a similar situation, or can speak to lessons learned and what I should be doing now?

 

[Provis]

So I came into work this morning and was told I'm going to MEB. I'm active duty prior service Marine, now active duty Army Guard Reservist.

I have 16 1/2 years of active Federal Service.
I have 21 years of total service (Guard / Reserve Time).
Good evaluations / promising career. No bad paperwork.

Referred to Med board for "Psoriasis and immunosuppressive treatment."

I'm freaking out and trying to figure out what it will look like and if I even rate DoD disability. I heard you could claim everything from the forums when the process starts, but I'm skeptical and worried. I have a family to support.

I have a multitude of issues but taking Skyrzzi to treat psoriasis is what takes me to MEB. Should I bring all this to the table when I start? What can I do to protect myself? What can I expect if I qualify for DoD disability/VA and w/hope to apply for CRSC?

Can anyone give me some peace of mind, have been in a similar situation, or can speak to lessons learned and what I should be doing now?

Greatest lesson is to not minimize any of your conditions and get a game plan in place for realistic results that you can have from the process and the financial implication if you meet your goals. If you want peace of mind and the best results hire a dedicated private IDES attorney at the very beginning of the process. It is way less stressful and you will have an upper hand on the process and very little stress. My wife hired an attorney right after being referred to IDES and it was amazing to have someone that is on your side and knows the process and unafraid to fight at each part of the process to ensure you get the best results possible.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

1. As stated by @Provis, minimizing is a poor strategy. You an end up separated asunfit and with <30% all you get for 16+ years is separation pay.

2. Private attorneys provide great service, but that comes at significant out of pocket expense. Your case may warrant that expense.

3. The USA provides free PEB counsel. If you chose to save the expense or can’t afford the expense of a private attorney, please make use of free counsel.

4. Do your homework. Study DoDI, USA regulations, and the CFR regarding VA compensation.

5. Additionally print out the VA’s DBQs for all your claims and fill them out in advance. There will be things the average GI doesn’t understand, so doing The DBQs while a search engine is handy will beof help.