Currently an E-7 with 15 years active service and was recently informed that a med board will be initiated for me as I'm no longer fit for sea duty. Multiple X-rays and MRIs came back with 50 degree kyphosis, 73 degree hyper lordosis, mild scoliosis, multiple bulging discs, short leg on one side and osteophytes with chronic back pain. I have multiple documented visits for my back since 2002. I initially went to a chiropractor in 02 and paid out of pocket just to get an idea of what I was dealing with. With the 2002 X-rays, the chiropractor pretty much told me what more recent 2009 and 2012 MRI's and X-rays show. When I approached my PCM in 02 he completely disregarded my concerns about my back, told me there was nothing wrong with my spine and gave me Motrin. This was after looking at the x-rays I provided from the chiropractor. I requested a second opinion at the time and he refused (documented in my record). I had an impact injury directly to my back in 2009 while on a boat and also had to recently disenroll from a resident training course due to blunt back trauma associated with the training program. I'm in the early stages of researching the process and was hoping for input, good bad or otherwise. I'm considering hiring a civilian attorney to help me with a solid narrative for the initial package. By presenting as much info as possible up front to the board, I'm hoping to avoid having to appeal at a later date. One of my concerns is that the board will try to say the major back issues were pre-existing. Hopefully, with as much documentation I have in my record it will be apparent that these issues were aggravated while on active duty. I'm hoping for disability retirement and will only appeal if they attempt to show me the door with severance pay. Anyone have any words of wisdom for my specific case? I appreciate the help and the insight.
Thanks!
James
Thanks!
James