Need help preparing for FPEB board

Hello,

I have received a 10% DOD evaluation for neuralgia and neuritis unspecified (stable) diagnostic code 8526, but this is not the case. This rating also comes with pelvic and perennial pain as a secondary it also says stable. This rating was given to me through the DOD through the IDES process, but my doctor does not agree with this rating, nor do I. The doctor that completed my NARSUM (also my doctor who has seen me over the last year who is an active duty doctor at a Naval hospital) has reviewed my records, and stated that my pelvic and perennial pain is uncontrollable and not stable, which warrants a 30% rating under diagnostic code 7629. I elected for a FPEB board to challenge this DOD rating and my doctor has written an IDES Addendum for the FPEB board. What are the chances of my rating being changed from 10% -> 30% and is there anything else I can do to potentially make sure I am medically retired instead of the currently proposed medical separation? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[Provis]

Hello,

I have received a 10% DOD evaluation for neuralgia and neuritis unspecified (stable) diagnostic code 8526, but this is not the case. This rating also comes with pelvic and perennial pain as a secondary it also says stable. This rating was given to me through the DOD through the IDES process, but my doctor does not agree with this rating, nor do I. The doctor that completed my NARSUM (also my doctor who has seen me over the last year who is an active duty doctor at a Naval hospital) has reviewed my records, and stated that my pelvic and perennial pain is uncontrollable and not stable, which warrants a 30% rating under diagnostic code 7629. I elected for a FPEB board to challenge this DOD rating and my doctor has written an IDES Addendum for the FPEB board. What are the chances of my rating being changed from 10% -> 30% and is there anything else I can do to potentially make sure I am medically retired instead of the currently proposed medical separation? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Yes. You would need to request a VARR. That is an appeal to the VA that the condition's rating is not correct. Your doctor can also write a letter for you to include with the VARR. You can also, hire a private attorney to help you if you aren't getting the help you need from JAG. I will send you references.

The other option is to request FPEB. You can do both. FPEB can't change percentages. That is what a VARR is for. However, you can argue that another condition should be unfit. If that condition is found to be unfit by the PEB then using VA math you can combine the percentages from the 2 unfitting conditions.