NMA vs Narsum

Goodafternoon everyone,

So my NMA is saying that my immediate supervisors are recommending me to be found fit to continue military services, But clearly my Doctors stated in my NARSUM that my 3 unfitting conditions are not expected to improve over the next several years. Those supervisor are also the people that don’t give a damn about me and made my conditions worst and NEVER adhere my limitations. What should i expect? Would they found me fit because my supervisors said so? Or doctors recommendation is stronger? I am really stressed right now and i don’t know what to do. Thank you so much.
 
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It is my understanding that the NMA does not hold that much weight. In the end, the board will most likely see that you are not deployable, as it is a medical determination in the end. My NMA states I am not deployable, I am not capable of serving more, but that I want to continue service. In some ways I do but honestly this med board process has made me want to leave more than ever.
 
My OIC filled my NMA in place of my CO, and put that I am deployable which is factually incorrect. Whether my CO corrects this or not shouldn't have much baring on the outcomes of the board's findings.

I'm guessing you're Navy or Marines given your use of NMA.

While it does throw some concern into the mix, remember what the NMA stands for: non medical assessment. If your MOS/rate duties can be fulfilled satisfactorily in one way or another for your unit, chances are they're going to say what they need to say to give the best shot of keeping you. Ultimately if your findings deem you unfit to continue service, your NMA holds very little reason to fight against that. I'm not allowed to lift above 15 pounds, stand for longer than 30 minutes, walk more than half a mile, or go on any field or shipboard duties and I'm marked as deployable? Fat chance.

You will be able to "reply" with your personal statement made through your DES attorney, stating your struggles with being in service. Both these statements will be reviewed in tandem.

I get your concern and it's definitely something to keep on the radar, I'm concerned about it too given inaccuracy, but from what I've read on here about disagreeable NMA's it's in no uncertain terms that this does not decide the fate of your findings. Medical findings are medical findings - if you are found to be disabled by your exams especially in any significant way, there's not much that can be said to retain you unless you are seeking permanent limdu for retirement.

I'm not a professional, just another guy going through this process. Those are my two cents.
 
@itsmejustin18

Full disclosure: I was a Marine JAG (Deputy SJA for Camp Lejeune), Active Duty and Reserve IPEB & FPEB attorney, federal government civilian FPEB & TDRL-focused attorney at the Navy PEB, and now a private attorney focused solely on IDES cases.

Both @thanks4urhelp and @Octopus_man are on the right track. The PEB sees plenty of NMAs that are totally incorrect. That said, the NMA is extremely important for Marines who want to be found both fit and unfit. If your NMA is silent about a condition's impact, it can really throw a wrench into your case. It is true that both medical and functional impact are weighed at the PEB. You just have to find a way to highlight your limitations in a way that they can't deny.

Also, try to remember the PEB is not on a mission to keep anyone in or kick anyone out for the sake of doing so. The stronger side of the case can win, you just need to focus on what you can improve and do so. The worst thing you can do is bang your head against a wall for nothing. Engage with your government or private counsel, figure out a strategy, and execute! The best part of working with Marines is they're never afraid to get their hands dirty.

IDES cases can sometimes be draining and all about grinding out the evidence to overcome something as infuriating as a poorly drafted NMA. Stick to the facts and know your case inside and out.

S/F,

Joel
 
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