I’m new to this, but since there aren’t many threads for Japan/Misawa, I wanted to contribute my timeline so far. Hopefully, this helps others track expectations, delays, and milestones.
Additionally, if anyone has experience with the Air Force process in Misawa (or Japan in general), please share any suggestions or expectations that could help me plan more effectively. This process feels so long that my family and I are essentially on hold for life planning.
Timeline:
Jan 8, 2025 – AF 469 Code 37 applied (AAC 37/DAV 42).
Jan 9, 2025 – ASIMS flagged “MEB Required.”
Jan 13, 2025 – Contacted PEBLO, package being built.
Jan 30, 2025 – AMRO board assigned PCM for NARSUM.
Feb 7, 2025 – CC received Impact Statement.
Feb 18, 2025 – CC signed and returned Impact Statement.
Feb 24, 2025 – PEBLO confirmed CC letter received, pending SGP signature.
Mar 25, 2025 – AFPC directed DES processing.
Mar 27, 2025 – Official IDES intake briefing and FL-4 signed.
Apr 18, 2025 – VA Intake Brief.
Apr 21, 2025 – Submitted VA Form 21-526EZ (claimed conditions).
May 8, 2025 – VA notified exams will be scheduled (QTC/Leidos).
May 13, 2025 – First C&P (PTSD) scheduled.
Jun 19–20, 2025 – In-person C&P exams in Tokyo (Dental, Audiology, TBI, General Med, Ophthalmology).
Jul 11–23, 2025 – Multiple delays with QTC; labs and addendums required, translation issues.
Jul 25, 2025 – CBC submitted, QTC confirmed all info received.
Aug 25, 2025 – QTC portal showed all exams completed, QA in progress.
Aug 26, 2025 – PEBLO confirmed DBQs received, will send to PCM for NARSUM.
Sep 3, 2025 – Received DBQs from PEBLO (DoD SAFE).
These timelines are total BS. Mine has been totally on the long side the entire time, mostly due to the military side of the process. The VA was the fastest.
Sep 17, 2025 – VA ratings uploaded (100% disability). PCM is still working on NARSUM.
Sep 18, 2025 – PEBLO confirmed MH addendum being written.
Sep 30, 2025 – Still waiting on PCM to finalize NARSUM.
Nov 7, 2025 – NARSUM transmitted to AFPC.
Dec 3, 2025 – First FSS email received.
Jan 22, 2026 – PEBLO contacted me to review DAF FORM 356 (Determination).
Jan 23, 2026 – Signed the DAF FORM 356 (Determination).
Jan 29, 2026 – Orders
Feb 20, 2026 – Final out
Feb 24, 2026 – Officially Retired.
My only hurdle now is getting these orders amended. AFPC is having difficulty identifying the origin of the orders. Also, my proposed VA letter only lists conditions related to my referred MEB condition. All other conditions were not listed. I hope my final VA letter lists a comprehensive list of conditions.
