Hi, I'm JT
I have been notified that my MTF will be initiating a PEB/MEB immediately. I have not been profiled with a P3 profile, only T3. A little background, I'm an Army Captain, Chinook helicopter pilot, with over 18 years in service (prior NCO and Warrant Officer). I have had three spinal surgeries, all resulting in a failed fusion of the lumbar spine. I have also had three knee surgeries and have quite a hard time getting around and standing. I use a cane since I have virtually no sensation in my left leg and have fallen as a result. The pain and numbness is still incredibly horrible and the neurosurgeon has stated he may want to attempt another fusion; what a nightmare! In addition, I have been diagnosed with hypertension, tachycardia, ulcers, urological issues, radiculopathy, neuropathy, onset scoliosis, stenosis, spondylosis, and now a possible disc herniation in my neck to complement the vast amount of screws and rods in my lumbar spine. I have also been experiencing locking and binding in my knee joints, as a result of the three surgeries and the cumulative arthritic effects of having little to no cartilage left in the knees. My doctors have me on a slew of medications for pain, radiculopathy, neuropathy, muscle tension, hypertension, tachycardia, urological disfunction, as well as various braces and walking supports. I am concerned regarding the med. board rocess and also have heard horror stories. I have a wife and four kids, two of which are EFMP. I would like to know when I should retain an attorney, if at all, and the best way to proceed to ensure I don't get screwed in the process. Any advice, wisdom, or encouragement would be much appreciated. Its discouraging to realize that I have given the best years of my life to the Army and in turn to be treated as a stigmatized cancer,now that I'm having some medical problems.