Needless to say I was a bit distraught when I found out. I had just finished my Master's degree, made Chief, and was in the process of applying for Warrant when this came about. It's definitely been a humbling experience. I hope you get to feeling better and that your medboard goes faster than mine.
Help With CG MEB Timeline
- Thread starter ITOkie
- Start date
So you didn't request a Formal MEB?
If by Formal MEB you mean the Formal Physical Evaluation Board (FPEB), no I didn't. I accepted the findings of the Informal Physical Evaluation Board (IPEB). Now that I'm home, I kind of regret accepting and not going to the FPEB, but at the time, I was in a really bad situation and just needed out of there and the IPEB findings were fair, just not accurate, if that makes any sense.
Sorry, yes the Formal PEB (FPEB). Brand new to this and trying to give myself a crash course!
I am a CWO with 19 years (trying to make it to 20).
My paperwork listed 3 diagnoses (POTS, CFS/ME, and Thyroid Cancer). I just received notice that package was received at PSC (initial e-mail from Mr. Sisto). My POTS and CFS/ME diagnosis has been linked to the Anthrax Vaccine (causality assessment from VHC) and I'm working on filing a CICP Claim for that (fingers crossed).
CG doctor suggested re-evaluation in 6-9 months after cancer has been treated (Surgery and Radiation sked for Oct 14); however, not really sure if that will delay the IPEB finding or not. Just concerned about level and quality of care for ongoing treatment if they come back with findings before cancer treatment and other conditions have stabilized (I am pretty much wheelchair bound for the POTS).
Plus, pretty sure I'm going to be TRDL so worried about implications of not making it to 20.....
No worries, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. There is so much misinformation and outdated information on the USCG process.
I'm sorry to hear about your conditions and going through the PDES process. Our system just plain sucks and then you get to go through the whole thing again with the VA. I'm in the middle of my VA exams right now, even though I saw VA doctors to "confirm" my diagnosis' during my MEB. Remember, you are your own best advocate through this process. This forum and a few fellow Coasties that I've met going through the Legacy DES were/are a lifeline for me.
I'm really surprised that they went ahead with the MEB as opposed to just placing you on TLD and doing the MEB after a period of recovery from your scheduled treatment in October for the Thyroid cancer. Very surprised about that. I would really push the issue for them to pause the process. You making it to 20 and thus being eligible for Concurrent Receipt is a huge monetary difference for you over your lifetime. I would do everything possible to slow down the clock. Take the maximum amount of time before you sign and return things, appeal to the FPEB, appeal again, we are talking about "real money" with you hitting 20, especially since you're making the lobotomy money from going warrant. (j'k about the lobotomy)
Again, welcome to the Board Shipmate. If there's anything I can help with, answer or clarify, just ask. If you just need to vent as you're going through the process, send me a PM and vent away. I'm still shocked that they accepted your package with surgery and radiation still pending. All though they don't "assign" us PEB counsel until after we receive our IPEB findings, another assinine difference between us and the other services, don't hesitate to call the PDES lawyers and talk to them. I had questions and they helped me out earlier in the process than when the Guard assigns them. If you can't find their number, I have it somewhere, but it's on the CG JAG/HQ Legal's website under Defense Counsel/PDES Counsel. Somewhat ironic that they lump us with defense counsel, but they were helpful to me.
Tom
I'm sorry to hear about your conditions and going through the PDES process. Our system just plain sucks and then you get to go through the whole thing again with the VA. I'm in the middle of my VA exams right now, even though I saw VA doctors to "confirm" my diagnosis' during my MEB. Remember, you are your own best advocate through this process. This forum and a few fellow Coasties that I've met going through the Legacy DES were/are a lifeline for me.
I'm really surprised that they went ahead with the MEB as opposed to just placing you on TLD and doing the MEB after a period of recovery from your scheduled treatment in October for the Thyroid cancer. Very surprised about that. I would really push the issue for them to pause the process. You making it to 20 and thus being eligible for Concurrent Receipt is a huge monetary difference for you over your lifetime. I would do everything possible to slow down the clock. Take the maximum amount of time before you sign and return things, appeal to the FPEB, appeal again, we are talking about "real money" with you hitting 20, especially since you're making the lobotomy money from going warrant. (j'k about the lobotomy)
Again, welcome to the Board Shipmate. If there's anything I can help with, answer or clarify, just ask. If you just need to vent as you're going through the process, send me a PM and vent away. I'm still shocked that they accepted your package with surgery and radiation still pending. All though they don't "assign" us PEB counsel until after we receive our IPEB findings, another assinine difference between us and the other services, don't hesitate to call the PDES lawyers and talk to them. I had questions and they helped me out earlier in the process than when the Guard assigns them. If you can't find their number, I have it somewhere, but it's on the CG JAG/HQ Legal's website under Defense Counsel/PDES Counsel. Somewhat ironic that they lump us with defense counsel, but they were helpful to me.
Tom
Welcome to the PEB Forum!
Indeed, it saddens me to hear about your medical conditions albeit you are at an "uplifting" website which can potentially assist with the procedural matters of the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process and the Legacy DoD PDES! Take care and continue to get well soon!
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!