Possible medical chapter 5-17 due to chronic knee/back pain

portnergm

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hello I am specialist in the US Army and I've been in the service about 3 years now and I'm seeking some advice.

My pain started in my left knee almost 2 years ago, not long after arrival at my unit. The pain feels like it is inside my knee. I went and got seen for it and have been put on medications and physical therapy for it but nothing seems to help. After about 6 months of continued repeated treatment they decided to write me a permanent profile and call it a day, the profile limited me to run only 2 miles with a 48 hour recovery period and I was not to run on the PT Test. The goal was to hope that I would "get better" due to the lack of high impact on my knee.

Months down the road my limp and my pain has risen and only gotten worse over time, I have been escalated from basic pain killers to Mobic and muscle relaxers sometimes. I have also been having lower back and hip pain due to the fact that I limp so much and so badly, they sent me to a chiropractor about my lower back and hip and I have to see them once ever week or 2 weeks. I've reached the point I can maybe run a few minutes without worsening it and most days I can't even go up stairs without excruciating pain, I had to quit trying to do leg workouts because it only made it worse, I've fallen out of ruck marches and other strenuous events due to the issue.

I recently started going back due to the worsening condition and they found a fibrous lesion on my femur in my knee and my doctor says "that isn't the cause of your pain, and that I'm going to give you another month to recover and if you don't you're getting medically chaptered"

I'm not saying the fibrous is the cause of my pain but can it be ruled out so easily if I've had these problems worsening for so long?

I've done some research on chapter 5-17 (the code he would chapter me under) and from what I have seen it seems to relate to a lot of issues that aren't caused by the military but I never had these problems before in my life. I know it isn't mental because it hurts worse doing high impact/strenuous activity.

I'm looking to speak to a legal representative and ask for a referral to see a orthopedic specialist and I wanted some advice on what to do/say or who I should talk to about my options.
 
Did he specifically say he would recommend a 5-17? That's not how the IDES process works.
 
Yes it says on my Temporary profile "To return if 4 weeks, possible chapter 5-17"
 
5-17 is an admin medical chapter it lets you know that he thinks your full of shit you have to contact the patient advocate ASAP they are located at every hospital and clinic and demand to see the orthopedic specialist.
 
I'll have to look into finding them, thanks for the info. I just don't want to get screwed over because Ive been dealing with this for too long not to get the actual help I need.
 
Figure I'd give an update on my situation.

I went and seen the patient advocate but he sent me back to the clinic saying I had to speak with the NCOIC first. I explained to him what was going on and asked to see a specialist. A captain decided to but in on the conversation and said somethings to me I'd never say to another human being in my life. I ended up just leaving because of what the doctor had said to me, I had a scanagram done recently and they found my left leg is shorter than my right. I'm still going to go back and fight to see a specialist but I'm going to report what that doctor had said to me. I hope no one ever has to be talked to like that by him again.
 
To give an update on my situation:

I am no longer receiving a 5-17, after a referral to a PT they found out my left leg is shorter than my right. Specifically my left femur. They have given me inserts but still don't think I am going to recover, I am also getting tested for a possible TBI from my last car accident due to memory issues and blackouts. I was asked if anyone had started a MEB yet but said no, they made me get a appointment for the next available time/date after stating that so I don't know what the plan is right now. I appreciate all the help so far.
 
Hello so I again, under the same form am seeking further advice.

So as you can see above my PA (at the time) wanted to initiate a Ch 5-17 for "undiagnosable chronic knee pain"

However they have found that my issue was diagnosable, leg is shorter than the other, the condition has been treated but has not progressed my overall recovery at all (IE severe pain in both knee and lower back) I was also told I have scoliosis and his response was "that shouldn't be causing you any pain" and he flat out told me "your issues does not meet standards to be a disability, the inserts have not helped you improve so I'm recommending your chain issues a 5-17"

During that time it was found that I am having memory deficiency and random blackouts (sometimes caused by stress, other times not) occuring from my previous car accident, my Therapist at BH told me I should be getting referred for a MEB and to go to OMBUDSMAN to fight a possible 5-17, because of both my mental and physical state. I was sent to a TBI clinic and was also told at the TBI clinic that I needed to be referred to the IDES process.

Despite their suggestions my PA still had recommended I get out on a Administrative seperation. My PA PCS'd/ETS'd, I'm going to have to start seeing a new PA as of this month and the Case Manager is saying that I am reaching the point of MRDP.

My COC has already stated that a "CH 5-17 is not an option, and to continue my treatment until I either ETS or they initiate a MEB."

What should I say/do when I go back to my PA? I want to ask for a MEB but not certain how to go about it? I've reached the point with my pain where I can no longer do most of my daily activities, the PT said it will take years for my body to adjust, BH/TBI is saying I will have to find a way to cope and continue getting treatment for the rest of my life (possibly).

Any help will be appreciated thank you.
 
You might consider visiting with an attorney.

Ron
 
If you are recommended for chapter and it seems that you may benefit from meb- an meb will always be considered. Medical provider is not the final authority. They simply make a rec.
 
Thanks for the advice, I went back and received the same talking to I always get. That I'm not actually in pain, that my issues aren't enough for me to be in pain. He said he was surprised I'm still alive because of how my mental health is. I'm definitely going to legal about it now.
 
Top