Good day forum,
I wanted to post my timeline and keep it updated as I feel like I am getting to the point where it may be beneficial to other people and I check on new posts for information multiple times a day.
My background is: 10 years Active Duty Air Force, currently at RAF Lakenheath, England. I was diagnosed with Psoriasis in 2012 while deployed and have basically been off and on topical steroids ever since. I was officially diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in 2016 after multiple physical therapy referrals and numerous Naproxen prescriptions. This took my new dermatologist after PCS'ing to England referring me off-base to a Rheumatologist instead of getting passed around the clinic. After a 2017 deployment, the topical ointments basically stopped working and I was getting 2-3 hours a sleep a night due to primarily back/hip pain. This lead to March of 2019 when my Derm said I would start Humira (was putting it off as long as I could) or start an MEB because my conditions were uncontrollable with just topical steroids and ibuprofen for pain. Initially, my PCM and Derm said I could be returned to duty with a limitation code, but after talking to the VA MSC and PEBLO, it seems the realistic shot of being found fit is extremely slim. Ultimately, I would like to be found fit for duty, but am expecting to be unfit and pushing for the highest ratings that my conditions should warrant. I claimed a few additional items with a total of 15 off the top of my head. I just read through my VA exams today and will probably be following up with some concerns with the exams (the podiatry/podiatrist was the worst doctor I dealt with there). They also sent me to the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center as the doctors doing the exams in England did not have their contracts renewed.
Here is the timeline with the projected goal dates I was given on a handout. I am honestly trying not to rush any of this process and the closer we can get to the summer for a potential separation the better. I'll be sure to continue updating it as everything progresses and hopefully helps people out in the future.
I wanted to post my timeline and keep it updated as I feel like I am getting to the point where it may be beneficial to other people and I check on new posts for information multiple times a day.
My background is: 10 years Active Duty Air Force, currently at RAF Lakenheath, England. I was diagnosed with Psoriasis in 2012 while deployed and have basically been off and on topical steroids ever since. I was officially diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in 2016 after multiple physical therapy referrals and numerous Naproxen prescriptions. This took my new dermatologist after PCS'ing to England referring me off-base to a Rheumatologist instead of getting passed around the clinic. After a 2017 deployment, the topical ointments basically stopped working and I was getting 2-3 hours a sleep a night due to primarily back/hip pain. This lead to March of 2019 when my Derm said I would start Humira (was putting it off as long as I could) or start an MEB because my conditions were uncontrollable with just topical steroids and ibuprofen for pain. Initially, my PCM and Derm said I could be returned to duty with a limitation code, but after talking to the VA MSC and PEBLO, it seems the realistic shot of being found fit is extremely slim. Ultimately, I would like to be found fit for duty, but am expecting to be unfit and pushing for the highest ratings that my conditions should warrant. I claimed a few additional items with a total of 15 off the top of my head. I just read through my VA exams today and will probably be following up with some concerns with the exams (the podiatry/podiatrist was the worst doctor I dealt with there). They also sent me to the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center as the doctors doing the exams in England did not have their contracts renewed.
Here is the timeline with the projected goal dates I was given on a handout. I am honestly trying not to rush any of this process and the closer we can get to the summer for a potential separation the better. I'll be sure to continue updating it as everything progresses and hopefully helps people out in the future.