Hello all,
I'm not really sure where to go with this but I am an E6 MMN in the Navy and developed a severe allergies to epoxy and other chemicals directly relating to my job. My first reaction was documented in April of 2021 and the allergies subsequently worsened until I was referred to a specialist. The allergic reactions were so frequent that in order for the allergy testing to be performed in an unbiased way I had to be removed from the ship so that I could heal and the results from the testing could clearly reflect exactly what I was allergic to. The specialist found that I was in fact allergic to epoxy and other chemicals in paints, adhesives, greases, rubbers, and other commonly used items that I use on a regular basis onboard ships and in my job. I was then referred to a MEB where I was found unfit and referred to a PEB. I just got the results back from the IPEB and was found unfit but was given a 0% rating. All of my medical visits for allergic reactions deem that I was suffering from Urticaria(hives) but I have reason to believe that the medical team omitted documenting some of my visits and prescriptions used to combat my allergic reactions. The PEB ruled also that my referred condition is contact dermatitis rather than urticaria even though my medical documents say differently. I am nervous and I think I have a case to upgrade my disability rating but I'm not overly confident and don't know if I should hire a lawyer or not. Does anyone have any similar experiences or advice?
I'm not really sure where to go with this but I am an E6 MMN in the Navy and developed a severe allergies to epoxy and other chemicals directly relating to my job. My first reaction was documented in April of 2021 and the allergies subsequently worsened until I was referred to a specialist. The allergic reactions were so frequent that in order for the allergy testing to be performed in an unbiased way I had to be removed from the ship so that I could heal and the results from the testing could clearly reflect exactly what I was allergic to. The specialist found that I was in fact allergic to epoxy and other chemicals in paints, adhesives, greases, rubbers, and other commonly used items that I use on a regular basis onboard ships and in my job. I was then referred to a MEB where I was found unfit and referred to a PEB. I just got the results back from the IPEB and was found unfit but was given a 0% rating. All of my medical visits for allergic reactions deem that I was suffering from Urticaria(hives) but I have reason to believe that the medical team omitted documenting some of my visits and prescriptions used to combat my allergic reactions. The PEB ruled also that my referred condition is contact dermatitis rather than urticaria even though my medical documents say differently. I am nervous and I think I have a case to upgrade my disability rating but I'm not overly confident and don't know if I should hire a lawyer or not. Does anyone have any similar experiences or advice?