I’m looking for advice from anyone who’s been through a similar situation. Some background on me: I’m a NG soldier, just a few months away from 20 years of service, currently 100% VA rated, and in the MEB due to back and neck injuries.
NGB denied my Line of Duty (LOD) determination, so I went to the NDR-PEB and received an LOD for both conditions from HRC. I subsequently moved to the MEB. I specifically requested a DOD rating only.
The MSC informed me that I would receive a “head-to-toe exam,” but that never happened. When I asked the C&P examiner during my appointment, I was told, “The VA isn’t going to go looking for things wrong with you.”
My MEB NARSUM came back:
Neck: listed as EPTS, not PABS. The DBQ stated the neck condition was recommended as service-connected “likely as not.” The NARSUM also states that I saw the VA a few years back for my neck while I was not on active duty orders. However, I had argued this during the NDR formal board, and they agreed it occurred during my Army career and issued an LOD. I feel like I’m back at square one, having to argue the same point again.
Back: listed as NO EPTS. No contentions on this
Radiculopathy is listed as meeting retention standards, but I believe it does not meet retention standards since I can no longer perform my MOS.
Separation Health Assessment (SHA): it is clear the examiner did not properly fill this out—everything was marked normal, including my neck and back.
I’ve requested OSC’s assistance, but I’m also looking to this group for guidance. Specifically, I’m hoping for advice on how to challenge the SHA, address the radiculopathy retention determination, and navigate the neck denial and LOD issue effectively.
From my perspective, this MEB process has been a disaster. I was contacted by the VA before even having my IDES briefing, my PEBLO has been unhelpful, and when I contacted the MSC about the SHA, I was simply told to talk to my lawyer. I feel this is unacceptable.
Any insight from those who have successfully worked through similar MEB challenges would be greatly appreciated.
NGB denied my Line of Duty (LOD) determination, so I went to the NDR-PEB and received an LOD for both conditions from HRC. I subsequently moved to the MEB. I specifically requested a DOD rating only.
The MSC informed me that I would receive a “head-to-toe exam,” but that never happened. When I asked the C&P examiner during my appointment, I was told, “The VA isn’t going to go looking for things wrong with you.”
My MEB NARSUM came back:
Neck: listed as EPTS, not PABS. The DBQ stated the neck condition was recommended as service-connected “likely as not.” The NARSUM also states that I saw the VA a few years back for my neck while I was not on active duty orders. However, I had argued this during the NDR formal board, and they agreed it occurred during my Army career and issued an LOD. I feel like I’m back at square one, having to argue the same point again.
Back: listed as NO EPTS. No contentions on this
Radiculopathy is listed as meeting retention standards, but I believe it does not meet retention standards since I can no longer perform my MOS.
Separation Health Assessment (SHA): it is clear the examiner did not properly fill this out—everything was marked normal, including my neck and back.
I’ve requested OSC’s assistance, but I’m also looking to this group for guidance. Specifically, I’m hoping for advice on how to challenge the SHA, address the radiculopathy retention determination, and navigate the neck denial and LOD issue effectively.
From my perspective, this MEB process has been a disaster. I was contacted by the VA before even having my IDES briefing, my PEBLO has been unhelpful, and when I contacted the MSC about the SHA, I was simply told to talk to my lawyer. I feel this is unacceptable.
Any insight from those who have successfully worked through similar MEB challenges would be greatly appreciated.