Hey everyone. First post on this platform and I’m looking for some guidance and advice. My PA told me last week that if my back problems do not get better after the the referral to occupational therapy he will have to initiate an MEB. I currently have 10 years in the army and have had a great career and was planning on doing my full 20. So here we go.
History: In 2012 I incurred a back injury during a Level 2 combative course. Over the course of 4 years I was able to manage, even on a deployment and with typical physical training. But in 2016 the pain became unbearable between constant back spasms and nerve pain going down my left leg. I was treated at the Fort Bragg pain management clinic and had good success. At the time I was serving on Recruiting Duty and was able to work out how best suited me. Never wore kit, rucked, or field time. But after returning back to the regular army in 2019 everything came back. I can’t run at all, ruck more than 5-15 minutes, or wear a normal kit for more than 15 minutes without debilitating pain and more importantly drop in my left leg. I had an MRI and I have herniated my disc between L4-L5 and have a tear in my L5-S1. I have chronic pain that is normally a 3-4 daily but can spike 8+ for no reason. I have good ROM but it is still painful. And they do not want to do surgery and I want to avoid it at all cost as well.
Main Question: I have done plenty of research on the MEB and I know the difference in medical discharge and medical retirement. I also know how they rate back issues from a ROM test or how many days in the year you have debilitating episodes and have to be put on bed rest. My primary question is about the C&P exam. Firstly is the ROM test to see how far you can move at all or how far you can move before there is pain? Secondly, because of my job (Career Counselor) I have been able to work from home on days when I need, and there have been many, and not had to be placed on quarters or bed rest. If my spouse would write a letter detailing how many days I have not been able to leave the couch or bed would the VA consider that for the rating as well? I am not trying to milk the system but I am wanting to given a fair rating, with the end goal (if I do have to be MED boarded) to be medically retired.
Any advice or clarification you all can provide would be appreciated.
History: In 2012 I incurred a back injury during a Level 2 combative course. Over the course of 4 years I was able to manage, even on a deployment and with typical physical training. But in 2016 the pain became unbearable between constant back spasms and nerve pain going down my left leg. I was treated at the Fort Bragg pain management clinic and had good success. At the time I was serving on Recruiting Duty and was able to work out how best suited me. Never wore kit, rucked, or field time. But after returning back to the regular army in 2019 everything came back. I can’t run at all, ruck more than 5-15 minutes, or wear a normal kit for more than 15 minutes without debilitating pain and more importantly drop in my left leg. I had an MRI and I have herniated my disc between L4-L5 and have a tear in my L5-S1. I have chronic pain that is normally a 3-4 daily but can spike 8+ for no reason. I have good ROM but it is still painful. And they do not want to do surgery and I want to avoid it at all cost as well.
Main Question: I have done plenty of research on the MEB and I know the difference in medical discharge and medical retirement. I also know how they rate back issues from a ROM test or how many days in the year you have debilitating episodes and have to be put on bed rest. My primary question is about the C&P exam. Firstly is the ROM test to see how far you can move at all or how far you can move before there is pain? Secondly, because of my job (Career Counselor) I have been able to work from home on days when I need, and there have been many, and not had to be placed on quarters or bed rest. If my spouse would write a letter detailing how many days I have not been able to leave the couch or bed would the VA consider that for the rating as well? I am not trying to milk the system but I am wanting to given a fair rating, with the end goal (if I do have to be MED boarded) to be medically retired.
Any advice or clarification you all can provide would be appreciated.
