Pilot Program MEBs Not Covering all Conditions?(Update+problem...need HELP!!)
Hello,
I have another thread going on my long drawn out MEB for combat injuries in Iraq: PTSD, TBI, ear damage, vertigo, migraines, etc. I was successful in getting the AF to put all these in the NARSUM and some other conditions I listed the VA took a look at (deviated septum, acne, scars, etc.) which the AF is NOT boarding me for because it does not effect my job. I understand all this and had no problems.
While I was right in the middle of the MEB process my right wrist began to hurt. (I'm right handed). Initially I thought I had just overdone it on the pushups one day, so I took the next few days off and iced it. I became more of a chronic problem...where it would just "hurt"--never did I think it was injured or did I get the feeling it was serious. This started sometime after I returned from Iraq in Spring of 08. I was on profile for a lot of aerobic activity because of the TBI/Vertigo, so I was doing a lot more of the machines/weight/push ups.
One of my claims on my VA was for "residuals from a right wrist fracture". I fractured this same wrist inm a motorcycle accident when I was in ROTC in 1999. It has always been kinda stiff and felt old, but the AF knew about it and it never posed a problem in 10 yrs of service and 2 combat deplyments (and 1000s of pushups!). During the VA exam of my wrist the wrist was a little sore (but it wasn't during one of the flare ups after PT) and I did have decreased ROM, so it was noted on the VA narrative as a residual. Just to be safe, he ordered an x-ray of my wrist. He called me a few hrs later (after I had left the VA) to tell me I had a bone chip fracture of the rt wrist. A visit to the ER confirmed this. Being the military...the ER would not treat the chip fracture...just splint as a precaution...and follow up with your PCM.
My PCM referred me to Bethesda hand specialist who said the bone chip was indeed in there but was not the source of my pain....they believed I had a torn TFCC ligament. An MRI confirmed this. They suggested conservative therapy first (for 6 wks) then surgery if that doesn't work.
Over the next few weeks the pain gets much worse. Can't use rt hand for anything anymore. Can't grip anything--can't even hold a pencil anymore so surgery becomes necessary. PEBLO "flips out" that I'm having surgery in the middle of an MEB....
Surgery on 15 Jan 10. Repair of a huge tear in my TFCC. Also, Surgeon sees that my scaphodlunate(sp?) ligament is completely torn and will probably have to be surgically repaired later. 3 wks conv leave. 4 weeks in a full arm cast with my rt hand useless. 4 weeks in a short arm cast. Just got my cast off (arm is in a splint) and I start PT next week.
So here's my problem.....
My package is ready to go the IPEB. The narrative summary is done, CC letter, etc. Yet there is no mention of my wrist injury. I consider this to be a serious issue. Right now, post surgery...I can barely move my wrist maybe 1cm up/down side/side...that's it. And I probably will have to have a second surgery to correct it. I asked my PCM and the hospital commander to hold off a few weeks until I at least get some PT done so we could get an indication on how I was progressing. His response was my wrist injury is not "boardable".
Not boardable? I can't even lift a briefcase with my right wrist. Right now it is swollen to the size of an orange and I can barely move it. And don't forget the other torn ligament in there. My other conditions outstanding, there is no way I could ever shoot a weapon, carry a pack or even function in a deployed environment. They denied my request for a delay and refuse to put it in as a boardable condition. My PCM did sneak a lengthy paragraph in the previous medical history and suggest I write a letter to the board.
It seems like I am a victim of bad timing. If they had found the wrist injury earlier, I would have been pushing the 1 yr mark and I would have had a stronger case to push to include it. We have no idea when this injury occured. It could have occured with the blast injury, and then made worse. It could be subsequent to the blast. Who knows. It just seems I'm being penalized here.
So here's where I stand...
1. Major wrist injury not included in IPEB(prognosis unknown)
2. Will I have enough time left in the AF to complete 2nd surgery + full recovery (PT) before my sep/ret date?
3. Wrist injury NOT truly/completely covered by VA pilot program exam. It simply says residuals from fracture. Does not mention anything about the problems I'm having with pain, ROM, and nothing at all abouty torn ligaments, surguries, etc.
Question: Should I write a letter to the IPEB about my wrist? What would I say? I don't want to assume the worst. All I really wanted was a delay....I don't want $$ that doesn't belong to me, but I don't want to end up 12 months from now with a wrist that doesn't work and no compensation either....
Can anyone help??
Nate