MEB Possibility with Hip Pain & Potential Surgery

A

armyofone

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some insight from the community. I've been dealing with hip and back pain for over a year now. They initially did X-rays and MRIs, and the provider attributed it to normal wear and tear for my age, suggesting my back was the culprit.

Recently, I requested a permanent profile, but my new provider disagreed. He diagnosed a labral tear in my left hip and degeneration in the right. He's referring me to an orthopedic surgeon for potential surgery.

Here's the thing: I've been on a temporary profile for about 6 months out of the past year. I have 21 years of service and submitted my retirement packet for 2026.

My concern is, with the extended profile and potential upcoming surgeries, could they still push for an MEB even though I'm already on track to retire? An MEB might force an earlier retirement, which wouldn't be ideal.

Given your experiences, what's the most likely scenario in my situation? Anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
armyofone said:
Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some insight from the community. I've been dealing with hip and back pain for over a year now. They initially did X-rays and MRIs, and the provider attributed it to normal wear and tear for my age, suggesting my back was the culprit.

Recently, I requested a permanent profile, but my new provider disagreed. He diagnosed a labral tear in my left hip and degeneration in the right. He's referring me to an orthopedic surgeon for potential surgery.

Here's the thing: I've been on a temporary profile for about 6 months out of the past year. I have 21 years of service and submitted my retirement packet for 2026.

My concern is, with the extended profile and potential upcoming surgeries, could they still push for an MEB even though I'm already on track to retire? An MEB might force an earlier retirement, which wouldn't be ideal.

Given your experiences, what's the most likely scenario in my situation? Anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Docs take a very long time to go the MEB route for joints. Having your retirement packet approved helps too. Make sure your doc knows your plans. Some PCM's get it and will work with you. Referral to MEB is started by medical so if your PCM doesn't initiate one you should be good. The other time where it can get initiated is the separation health exam and that would be the worse case scenario if you wait to do that late in the game. I believe you can do it up to a year out so I would do your exam as early as possible within the time frame allowed before your retirement date.
 
Provis said:
Docs take a very long time to go the MEB route for joints. Having your retirement packet approved helps too. Make sure your doc knows your plans. Some PCM's get it and will work with you. Referral to MEB is started by medical so if your PCM doesn't initiate one you should be good. The other time where it can get initiated is the separation health exam and that would be the worse case scenario if you wait to do that late in the game. I believe you can do it up to a year out so I would do your exam as early as possible within the time frame allowed before your retirement date.
Click to expand...

Thanks a bunch
 
Provis said:
Docs take a very long time to go the MEB route for joints. Having your retirement packet approved helps too. Make sure your doc knows your plans. Some PCM's get it and will work with you. Referral to MEB is started by medical so if your PCM doesn't initiate one you should be good. The other time where it can get initiated is the separation health exam and that would be the worse case scenario if you wait to do that late in the game. I believe you can do it up to a year out so I would do your exam as early as possible within the time frame allowed before your retirement date.
Click to expand...


Thanks @Provis . Finally getting referred to MEB with a P3 profile, P3 is still in the approval process. Should I go knock out that SHPE ASAP?

Anyone know what the timeline for MEBs looking like at JBSA?
 
armyofone said:
Thanks @Provis . Finally getting referred to MEB with a P3 profile, P3 is still in the approval process. Should I go knock out that SHPE ASAP?

Anyone know what the timeline for MEBs looking like at JBSA?
Click to expand...
If going the medical route via IDES a SHPE isn't required. Your going to claim all your conditions with the VA and the general exam replaces the SHPE. Also, most units don't know that because its not very common for Soldiers to get out via IDES. If your unit tries to get you to schedule a SHPE just contact your PEBLO or IDES JAG and have them reach out to your leadership to explain it to them.
 
armyofone said:
Thanks @Provis . Finally getting referred to MEB with a P3 profile, P3 is still in the approval process. Should I go knock out that SHPE ASAP?

Anyone know what the timeline for MEBs looking like at JBSA?
Click to expand...
Hey you are in my neck of the woods! I live in Boerne:)
 
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