PEB/MEB advice — confused and lost

(please let me know if this was not the correct forum to post, and if there is where I should do so)

Where can I find out more about how my case is going? My PCM started my MEB about one month ago and I’ve heard nothing from anyone. From perusing here, it seems that I either should have heard something from someone or that I should attempt to contact someone.

What should my current goals look like? I’ve already been requesting all my records from off base places to be sent here. I’m still seeking treatment from all my providers. Etc.

Should I be getting help from the VA, any lawyers or case managers, etc?

My MEB was started for back pain (joints and nerves), migraines, sleep apnea/insomnia. My other issues are depression/SI/anxiety, ED, L shoulder issue, R knee issue, and a few things that I’m forgetting at the moment/are undiagnosed.

Due the primary issues, migraines and back pain, I miss a lot of work. I am very much expecting and planning for medical retirement and as high of a rating as I can get, because in my current state I will not be able to maintain employment.

What can I do to make it most likely that I can attain those goals and advocate my case?

Thank you for your time and help.
 
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chronicLBP said:
(please let me know if this was not the correct forum to post, and if there is where I should do so)

Where can I find out more about how my case is going? My PCM started my MEB about one month ago and I’ve heard nothing from anyone. From perusing here, it seems that I either should have heard something from someone or that I should attempt to contact someone.

What should my current goals look like? I’ve already been requesting all my records from off base places to be sent here. I’m still seeking treatment from all my providers. Etc.

Should I be getting help from the VA, any lawyers or case managers, etc?

My MEB was started for back pain (joints and nerves), migraines, sleep apnea/insomnia. My other issues are depression/SI/anxiety, ED, L shoulder issue, R knee issue, and a few things that I’m forgetting at the moment/are undiagnosed.

Due the primary issues, migraines and back pain, I miss a lot of work. I am very much expecting and planning for medical retirement and as high of a rating as I can get, because in my current state I will not be able to maintain employment.

What can I do to make it most likely that I can attain those goals and advocate my case?

Thank you for your time and help.
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There is not a lot you can do at this point. Follow up with PCM about where you are at. Eventually you should get a P3 profile and be contacted by your assigned PEBLO and MSC but it doesn't get to that point until they get the paperwork submitted and a P3 profile assigned.
 
Provis said:
There is not a lot you can do at this point. Follow up with PCM about where you are at. Eventually you should get a P3 profile and be contacted by your assigned PEBLO and MSC but it doesn't get to that point until they get the paperwork submitted and a P3 profile assigned.
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Understood. Thank you.

You helped me figure out some good words to say to help this process! Thank you again.

When it kicks off and gets going, do you know any things I can do to advocate for the retirement rather than just the separation?
 
chronicLBP said:
Understood. Thank you.

You helped me figure out some good words to say to help this process! Thank you again.

When it kicks off and gets going, do you know any things I can do to advocate for the retirement rather than just the separation?
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I always recommend talking to a private attorney especially if you are just about to start the process. They are pricey but here's the thing no one tells you... It's much easier to get the results you want when you plan from the beginning. Also, after talking it over with a dedicated IDES attorney you will now how strong your case is and what percentages can be achieved. With a dedicated private attorney they can help you gather evidence and help you be ready for the VA exams. They can can advise you and draft rebuttals and its a lot less stressful. The assigned IDES attorney has many cases and they are reactive so if you made some poor choices then its hard to overcome at that point when they go to help you with a rebuttal, appeal or VARR.
 
Provis said:
I always recommend talking to a private attorney especially if you are just about to start the process. They are pricey but here's the thing no one tells you... It's much easier to get the results you want when you plan from the beginning. Also, after talking it over with a dedicated IDES attorney you will now how strong your case is and what percentages can be achieved. With a dedicated private attorney they can help you gather evidence and help you be ready for the VA exams. They can can advise you and draft rebuttals and its a lot less stressful. The assigned IDES attorney has many cases and they are reactive so if you made some poor choices then its hard to overcome at that point when they go to help you with a rebuttal, appeal or VARR.
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Great. I really appreciate that. Any you’d recommend? I saw one mentioned in here: Jason Perry?
 
chronicLBP said:
Great. I really appreciate that. Any you’d recommend? I saw one mentioned in here: Jason Perry?
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He is definitely a great option! I will send you the ones I have dealt with that are dedicated to IDES.
 
is “bumping” a thing here? Update and need advice.

Today, my PCM told me (through patient portal messaging) that it was decided to not go through with my MEB. So, don’t know what to do now… I’m pretty upset/disappointed. I am still getting out this year, and I know I’ll still be able to get disability and whatnot, but I just don’t know why this happened. He didn’t even say why, just, “it was decided to not go through with the MEB.”

I don’t understand. It was his idea after he said “if you’re not better by x, we’ll start it.” I’m clearly not better, I’m actually getting worse. I miss work at least once a week lately and every single day I’m there is a struggle to get through. I sometimes feel like I won’t make it to my sep date.
 
chronicLBP said:
is “bumping” a thing here? Update and need advice.

Today, my PCM told me (through patient portal messaging) that it was decided to not go through with my MEB. So, don’t know what to do now… I’m pretty upset/disappointed. I am still getting out this year, and I know I’ll still be able to get disability and whatnot, but I just don’t know why this happened. He didn’t even say why, just, “it was decided to not go through with the MEB.”

I don’t understand. It was his idea after he said “if you’re not better by x, we’ll start it.” I’m clearly not better, I’m actually getting worse. I miss work at least once a week lately and every single day I’m there is a struggle to get through. I sometimes feel like I won’t make it to my sep date.
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If you are ETS'ing this year then I would just focus on your health. Most Soldiers that get out qualify for VA disability and a lot of times its more than what a medical retirement pension would be for you. Unless you do 20 years you can't get both and so by getting VA disability you will have your pension reduced to zero. How long have you been in the military?
 
chronicLBP said:
is “bumping” a thing here? Update and need advice.

Today, my PCM told me (through patient portal messaging) that it was decided to not go through with my MEB. So, don’t know what to do now… I’m pretty upset/disappointed. I am still getting out this year, and I know I’ll still be able to get disability and whatnot, but I just don’t know why this happened. He didn’t even say why, just, “it was decided to not go through with the MEB.”

I don’t understand. It was his idea after he said “if you’re not better by x, we’ll start it.” I’m clearly not better, I’m actually getting worse. I miss work at least once a week lately and every single day I’m there is a struggle to get through. I sometimes feel like I won’t make it to my sep date.
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No advice here, just wishing you healing. I'm sorry you're going through this.
 
Provis said:
If you are ETS'ing this year then I would just focus on your health. Most Soldiers that get out qualify for VA disability and a lot of times its more than what a medical retirement pension would be for you. Unless you do 20 years you can't get both and so by getting VA disability you will have your pension reduced to zero. How long have you been in the military?
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I gotcha. When I get out it’ll be 4 years. I’m also under the Blended Retirement System.
 
chronicLBP said:
I gotcha. When I get out it’ll be 4 years. I’m also under the Blended Retirement System.
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So your longevity is 8%. It would be very unlikely that your pension would exceed VA disability compensation amount. The only real benefit for a medical retirement is Tricare. However, you will qualify for VA medical care. So I would just focus on health and ETS if I were in your boots. The difference can a be lot more if you are officer with 12+ years etc.
 
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