Recieving NARSUM soon but have already seen my updated profile and have questions

Anjdemorte

Anjdemorte

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I have been a lurker on here quite a while but now I am running into my first issue and I am rather perplexed/nervous about the situation.

So here is my situation. I started the MEB process late September/early October for exercised induced asthma. I met my MSC for the first time in early March and finished all of my VA exams to include my C&P on 16 April. I needed a copy of my profile so I went to AKO and that is when I noticed that I have a new permanent profile. This is where I am confused so I called my PEBLO and she told me that the MEB found now that my asthma meets retention standards. I should be getting my NARSUM back within the next couple days hopefully but this is what I know so far.

Profile for asthma: P 311111 - I can't do the 2 mile run as I have the 2.5 mile walk and have to carry my inhaler on my person at all times.

Profile for my back (mild DDD, bulging disc of L2-L4 and anterolisthesis of L5 on S1 and lbp): T 113111 - No running, no sit-ups, no wearing gear, no wearing body armor, and no ruck marching. I was on my second temporary profile for this until my updated profile.

New profile ( Lumbar DDD (low back pain)L3, Sleep Apnea on CPAP P2): P 213111 - Run at own pace and distance and I must carry inhaler on my person at all times. No two mile run, no situps, can't evade direct/indirect fire, can't ride in a military vehicle for at least 12 hours a day, can't wear body armor/LBE equipment for at least 12 hours a day, I can't move 40 lbs with protective gear at least 100 yards, and I can't live in a austere environment.

As per AR 40-501 Section 3-27 Paragraph 2 this states the following in regards to the causes for referral to an MEB for asthma:

Paragraph 2(b): Requires repetitive use or oral corticosteroids to enable the Soldier to perform all military training and duties.
Paragarph 2(c): Results in inability to run outdoors at a pace that meets the standards for the timed 2-mile run despite medications.

Paragraph 4(a) in regards to a permanent P2 profile:
Chronic asthma meets retention standards, but is a cause for a permanent P-2 profile if it-
(a) requires regular medications including low dose inhaled corticosteroids and/or oral or inhaled bronchodilators; but
(b) Does not prevent the Soldier from otherwise performing all military training and duties including the 2 mile run within time standards.

If someone can tell me if I am on the right track or not would be great. I don't see how my asthma meets retention standards if I can't do the 2 mile run. I will post more once I get my NARSUM.
 
Sounds like your PEBLO might be mistaken. Or maybe it's a typo on your NARSUM that it meets retention standards. I would present to your PEBLO what you stated above and have him/her explain to you how your condition meets retention standards. Obviously, you PEBLO may have to contact the dictating physician for an explanation.

An MEB determination of 'does not meet retention standards' is not necessary for an unfit finding by the PEB, but not having that determination is not favorable to your case. If you are unable to get things squared away by my informal suggestion above, you may have to request IMR and rebuttal.

You may want to sit down with MEB Legal and discuss the situation.

Definitely keep us updated!
 
I agree, but check out ar 40-501 Standards of Medical Unfitness. Remember asthma can be found unfit any age that it is diagnosed, but not completing the 2 mile run does not make you unfit. You can always do an alternative event, but if you cannot perform your MOS, this is what makes you unfit. So think about how asthma affects your ability to do your job. Legal will be a help in determining these factors.
 
BTW...

Welcome to the PEB Forum! :)

Best Wishes!
 
Another question for the experts since I am still waiting on my NARSUM. I know that asthma is hard to diagnose in adults sometimes with just a PFT alone. If I do end up submitting a rebuttal can I ask for a Methacholine challenge test or to be tested by a civilian doctor? The only reason I ask and I am concerned about it is because I spent 16-17 months in Iraq for the invasion of Iraq/OIF I and I am hearing stories about people have tons of respiratory issues that Soldiers and veterans are having especially from the earlier deployments. I was around a ton of burn pits and all sorts of other environmental factors as well. Ever since that deployment I have had respiratory issues and I want to make sure that this isn't overlooked.
 
I started the MEB process on 7/24/2012, and it went relatively fast on the Army side. I completed all C and P exams by August and received Narsum by Nov. Also, I was found unfit by the PEB on Dec. 12. The hold up is at Seattle VA DRAS. According to my PEBLO, they were waiting on additional info. Patiently waiting.
 
Back to your MEB status. All you need to do is look at the upper portion of your profile. Section 5 lists basic soldier tasks and it clearly states that a "P3" on any of those REQUIRES a MEB
 

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Ranger,

The thing is my profile for my asthma was turned to a P3 back in Sep 2012 because I couldn't do the 2 mile run to standard with medication which as per AR 40-501 doesn't meet rentention standards. Yet my new profile has a PHULES of 213111 (The 3 is for my back). I had to go back to my provider today because of my asthma and I am now back on Advair 250/50 and Claritin every day. Even though I haven't seen my NARSUM yet my PEBLO told me that they said my asthma meets retention standards even though the profile says that I can't do the run for the PT test. This is why I am confused because they are contradicting themselves saying that my asthma meets rentention standards but as per AR 40-501 it doesn't. Still waiting to see my NARSUM by the way.
 
Most likley they are playing the lesser ratings game. They will find you not retainalble for your back because it is a lower percentage than the asthma. ROM for your spine probably came in at a less than 30% rating.

Wait until you see the DA3947 and request a IMR. Provide the documentation to get it fixed.
 
So I have uploaded my releveant profiles. The one titled Asthma was my orginial P3. The one titled back was my second T3 for my back. The one titled new combined is the one supposedly from my NARSUM which I have yet to see. Like I said in my original post my asthma doesn't meet retention standards but yet on my new profile they don't mention but put my sleep apnea on there which is controlled by a CPAP which is a P2. Hopefully others can see why I am a little frustrated. I have been dealing with the asthma since 2006.
 

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You are just going to have to wait to see the DA3947. Try not to worry about it until presented.
 
He is right. The NARSUM is the heart of the MEB process. On my initial NARSUM, they changed it from a P3 to a P2 making me fit for duty in pulmonary, but I appealed it and it was changed back to a P3 and changed it back to unfit. The NARSUM is the key. Asthma is 30% under the VASRD just for the use of the inhaler.
 
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