Hi everyone,
First time posting here, looking for a little guidance...
I was diagnosed with asthma almost a year ago, but not assigned limited duty until January of this year. My EAS is August, with the original intent being July for Terminal leave. What both my pulmonologist and my Battalion Medical Officer have both told me is that they think the best COA is to simply put my back onto a full-duty medical status a week before I check out on terminal so that I can get out normally, without waiting 8-12 months for a PEB to settle, and have assured me that this will not affect by VA benefits when I go to file claims.
So, I am here with the decision to make, do I go with their advice, and file my claims through the BDD (pre-discharge claims) as if I am not already in the IDES system, if that is even possible? Or do I do it the "right" way and just wait until this first limited duty cycle is complete in June, and let them submit for PEB and wait to get out that way... I know two Marines who last year got seperated medically (one retired, one med-sep) one of which was for asthma like me, and I know that the way their VA claims were handled was in some way different, and possible better, that going through the normal veins -but I can't really know for sure.
Does anyone else have any relevant thoughts of guidance on this? Perhaps any Camp Pendleton Marines in particular? Or just Dpt of Navy asthma cases who might have a good idea on timelines?
Also, should I be working with a VSO to help with my claims? I have many other issues besides my severe Asthma I intend to claim, but I am unsure of the process for BDD since I am already in IDES.
Thank you all for your time!
- Sgt C
First time posting here, looking for a little guidance...
I was diagnosed with asthma almost a year ago, but not assigned limited duty until January of this year. My EAS is August, with the original intent being July for Terminal leave. What both my pulmonologist and my Battalion Medical Officer have both told me is that they think the best COA is to simply put my back onto a full-duty medical status a week before I check out on terminal so that I can get out normally, without waiting 8-12 months for a PEB to settle, and have assured me that this will not affect by VA benefits when I go to file claims.
So, I am here with the decision to make, do I go with their advice, and file my claims through the BDD (pre-discharge claims) as if I am not already in the IDES system, if that is even possible? Or do I do it the "right" way and just wait until this first limited duty cycle is complete in June, and let them submit for PEB and wait to get out that way... I know two Marines who last year got seperated medically (one retired, one med-sep) one of which was for asthma like me, and I know that the way their VA claims were handled was in some way different, and possible better, that going through the normal veins -but I can't really know for sure.
Does anyone else have any relevant thoughts of guidance on this? Perhaps any Camp Pendleton Marines in particular? Or just Dpt of Navy asthma cases who might have a good idea on timelines?
Also, should I be working with a VSO to help with my claims? I have many other issues besides my severe Asthma I intend to claim, but I am unsure of the process for BDD since I am already in IDES.
Thank you all for your time!
- Sgt C