Like most new here, I'm in need of some help/guidance. Normally I'd do a search for my answers (I've been a lurker for a while), but I'm a little unraveled at the moment and can't focus. I apologize in advance for not doing searches. On to my issue.
I was diagnosed with server sleep apnea in fall of 2012. It was initially just obstructive, but was "upgraded" to complex later. I had a "Fast Track" MEB that I don't think was done 100% correctly - no sleep data was provided from my machine and I didn't have much time on the machine to see if I was even responding to treatment. Then in the fall of 2013, I was DNIF'd for sleep apnea - previous med people had never gotten me a waiver and I had stopped responding to treatment. By stopped responding it is two things. 1 - I frequently rip my mask off in my sleep after ~4 hours of wearing it. 2 - still chronically fatigued; for that matter, the longer I wear the mask, the more tired I am.
Just recently a RILO was held to see if I need a full MEB. The doctor's NARSUM and my commander's letter both made it clear I was unable to perform my flying duties. Basically I am unable to perform my job. The doctor also said this was unlikely to improve and they will be submitting for a medical DQ with MAJCOM.
That said the RILO somehow came back "Return to Duty". How am I supposed to return to duty? My understanding is that I am now going to be DQ'd, have no primary AFSC as a result, and then face a RIF board (currently in an exempt AFSC). Not a good place to be. I have 10.5 years in.
My questions:
1 - This seems to be a pretty clear case (and my PCM and other doc's I've talked to expected this) for a Full MEB. How do I rebuttal the RILO? The answers I'm getting from my PEBLO is only that the doc has to do a new NARSUM with significant new information. Is this the only way? I don't know what else can be said.
2 - On the surface this looks like they are trying to use the force reduction measures to avoid the MEB. Is this legal?
3 - Should I lawyer up? I'm planning on stopping by the ADC tomorrow, but I don't know how much good/help they can or will be.
My mind is going a 100 mph and not doing so well at the moment. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I was diagnosed with server sleep apnea in fall of 2012. It was initially just obstructive, but was "upgraded" to complex later. I had a "Fast Track" MEB that I don't think was done 100% correctly - no sleep data was provided from my machine and I didn't have much time on the machine to see if I was even responding to treatment. Then in the fall of 2013, I was DNIF'd for sleep apnea - previous med people had never gotten me a waiver and I had stopped responding to treatment. By stopped responding it is two things. 1 - I frequently rip my mask off in my sleep after ~4 hours of wearing it. 2 - still chronically fatigued; for that matter, the longer I wear the mask, the more tired I am.
Just recently a RILO was held to see if I need a full MEB. The doctor's NARSUM and my commander's letter both made it clear I was unable to perform my flying duties. Basically I am unable to perform my job. The doctor also said this was unlikely to improve and they will be submitting for a medical DQ with MAJCOM.
That said the RILO somehow came back "Return to Duty". How am I supposed to return to duty? My understanding is that I am now going to be DQ'd, have no primary AFSC as a result, and then face a RIF board (currently in an exempt AFSC). Not a good place to be. I have 10.5 years in.
My questions:
1 - This seems to be a pretty clear case (and my PCM and other doc's I've talked to expected this) for a Full MEB. How do I rebuttal the RILO? The answers I'm getting from my PEBLO is only that the doc has to do a new NARSUM with significant new information. Is this the only way? I don't know what else can be said.
2 - On the surface this looks like they are trying to use the force reduction measures to avoid the MEB. Is this legal?
3 - Should I lawyer up? I'm planning on stopping by the ADC tomorrow, but I don't know how much good/help they can or will be.
My mind is going a 100 mph and not doing so well at the moment. Any input would be greatly appreciated.