MEB rebuttal denied: is it over?

[smartggo]

I received the following from the MEB on my rebuttal:

"1. I have reviewed your rebuttal memorandum. I do not discount your valuable contribution to the Air Force, but you have experienced a schizophreniform disorder while serving on active duty. Thus, my recommendation for medical separation remains unchanged.
2. While you may no longer be experiencing hallucinations or delusions, and while you may be very productive in your current role, there exists a substantial risk for recurrence. Deciding who is fit to serve and who must be medically separated does not depend on your performance in garrison, but on projected performance in an austere environment. Austere environment means limited access to medications, food, water, and sleep along with long, stressful work hours potentially under enemy fire. These circumstances significantly increase the likelihood of a psychotic break even in individuals who are not predisposed to experiencing one.
3. Unfortunately, we know you are predisposed to suffering a psychotic break in an austere environment and are thus medically unfit for continued service.
4. This does not preclude you from working with any of the armed services in a civilian capacity."

Is there any way to still appeal this? I feel like I did alright on my exams and I improved my health gradually after that incident. Plus I'm still looking forward to finishing college courses while (still) in active duty.

 

[Provis]

I received the following from the MEB on my rebuttal:

"1. I have reviewed your rebuttal memorandum. I do not discount your valuable contribution to the Air Force, but you have experienced a schizophreniform disorder while serving on active duty. Thus, my recommendation for medical separation remains unchanged.
2. While you may no longer be experiencing hallucinations or delusions, and while you may be very productive in your current role, there exists a substantial risk for recurrence. Deciding who is fit to serve and who must be medically separated does not depend on your performance in garrison, but on projected performance in an austere environment. Austere environment means limited access to medications, food, water, and sleep along with long, stressful work hours potentially under enemy fire. These circumstances significantly increase the likelihood of a psychotic break even in individuals who are not predisposed to experiencing one.
3. Unfortunately, we know you are predisposed to suffering a psychotic break in an austere environment and are thus medically unfit for continued service.
4. This does not preclude you from working with any of the armed services in a civilian capacity."

Is there any way to still appeal this? I feel like I did alright on my exams and I improved my health gradually after that incident. Plus I'm still looking forward to finishing college courses while (still) in active duty.

This is the NARSUM. Its not the final say. There is nothing else to do at this point. The PEB is the one that determines fit or unfit. That condition is 100% found unfit. I wish your assigned legal would have told you that. Fighting for the condition to be found fit will result in a lower disability rating which could get you medically discharged with severance instead of being medically retired. I would consult a private attorney to see if your situation is still salvageable. I will send you you some references via direct message. Good Luck!

 

[tony292]

You can ask for an IMR, independent medical review, but as Provis said, you trying to minimize your symptoms in order to stay in will actually hurt your ratings in the long run. It is extremely unlikely that anything schizophrenic related with psychotic breaks from reality will ever be found fit. You trying to minimize things could mean you’re found unfit but with a very low rating. Seek counsel immediately.

 

[happysailor]

Unfortunately I learned the hard way some medical conditions are just going to be a no-go for the military no matter how much I wanted to stay in. My medical condition was unfortunately also in that category. Even before my med board started my PCM told me to start applying for GS jobs because there was no way in her opinion I was staying in.

By the way, my orthopedic surgeon wrote similar things in my medical record, such as “no matter how many civilian orthopedic surgeons you see my administrative recommendation for medical separation remains unchanged”.

 

[beckynbach]

This is the NARSUM. Its not the final say. There is nothing else to do at this point. The PEB is the one that determines fit or unfit. That condition is 100% found unfit. I wish your assigned legal would have told you that. Fighting for the condition to be found fit will result in a lower disability rating which could get you medically discharged with severance instead of being medically retired. I would consult a private attorney to see if your situation is still salvageable. I will send you you some references via direct message. Good Luck!

I received the following from the MEB on my rebuttal:

"1. I have reviewed your rebuttal memorandum. I do not discount your valuable contribution to the Air Force, but you have experienced a schizophreniform disorder while serving on active duty. Thus, my recommendation for medical separation remains unchanged.
2. While you may no longer be experiencing hallucinations or delusions, and while you may be very productive in your current role, there exists a substantial risk for recurrence. Deciding who is fit to serve and who must be medically separated does not depend on your performance in garrison, but on projected performance in an austere environment. Austere environment means limited access to medications, food, water, and sleep along with long, stressful work hours potentially under enemy fire. These circumstances significantly increase the likelihood of a psychotic break even in individuals who are not predisposed to experiencing one.
3. Unfortunately, we know you are predisposed to suffering a psychotic break in an austere environment and are thus medically unfit for continued service.
4. This does not preclude you from working with any of the armed services in a civilian capacity."

Is there any way to still appeal this? I feel like I did alright on my exams and I improved my health gradually after that incident. Plus I'm still looking forward to finishing college courses while (still) in active duty.

How long after your P3 profile did you get the NARSUM? Were you able to fight and get a retirement?