Timeline for unusual case

Caitable

Caitable

PEB Forum Regular Member
Registered Member
Hi
I just came across this website and thought I would share a bit about my timeline. First off my illness began 23 March 2010, 9 days after receiving the H1N1 vaccine in Monterey, Ca. I was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and have had an "episode" of cardiac distress about once a month from then until 29 Oct 2011 when I had a pacemaker implanted. I still have many other symptoms that affect me on a daily basis and am on Convo leave which is renewed every month. I wish I could say that was a great thing but I barely have the energy to get out of bed let alone lead a normal life. So its great the AF is letting me not come to work but not so great that I have pretty much become a shut in. Anyway, back on point with my timeline...

23 March 2010 First Hospitalization
17 June 2010 Removed from duty
17 Feb 2011 Sent TDY to Walter Reed
28 Feb 2011 Diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy by specialist at VA (Finally)
17 May 2011 Force Gained to Andrews AFB Patient Squadron
26 July 2011 MEB Process Formally started
23 Aug 2011 Wrecked car
29 Oct 2011 Pacemaker Implanted
2 Nov 2011 Commander's Statement written
21 Nov 2011 Doctors Narrative written
21 Dec 2011 MEB results received (Autonomic Neuropathy only diagnosis listed, recommended to IPEB)


I am now in the wait game that is IPEB. I flip flop back and forth between wishing I was out already and being glad I have time to save money for an uncertain future. I am not certain I will ever be able to hold down a job again and the VA benefits leave doubt on living a fulfilling life on them. Esp. Since I live in D.C. (Yes I could move back to Indiana where I am from originally but I am not allowed to drive and it would force me to be at the mercy of others, the nearest grocery store from my hometown is a 30 min drive. So I am staying in D.C. to maintain some independence) I have my GI bill but am nervous about going back to school, my brain doesn't work as well as it once did, think permanent ditzy-ness. I am just hoping and praying whenever it comes back that they have a favorable decision, I don't think I have the energy to go through the appeal process.
 
You should apply for Voc Rehab you can also use the post-911 for an internship etc so there would not be any school involved I attend one online class and one elective college class and I get full BAH there is no need to take a lot of classes for its not needed.
 
Here is my case (National Guard):

My illness began in September 2006 while in Iraq. I was having numbness in my feet and legs after running. Initially thought maybe I was having shin splints or some other issue. However the numbness got worse to the point my feet hurt and my knees, back, hips, shoulders, etc. would ache constantly. The only thing I could think of that had changed was I had went through the CRC and was given shots, including Anthrax. November 2006, I filled out a VAERS form and did not take any more shots in the series. Upon DEMOB, I was given LOD for symptoms. Went to VA for treatment and they have denied anything is wrong or have explained away all symptoms. I have been appealing for 5 years. Dec 2011, collapsed at work (MIL TECH) and was rushed to hospital. 4 hours later, I had a pacemaker installed. While hooked up to medical monitors at a heart hospital, I had a recorded syncopal episode, bradycardia, and asystole for 6 seconds. My timeline:

June 2007 Demob from OIF
June 2007 to 19 Dec, 2011
Foot drop twice
Multiple MRIs of head, neck, back
70+ vials of blood donated
20+ xrays taken
2 EKGs
2009 received permanent profile for back pain/peripheral neuropathy
Started having gastro issues and pain after eating
Got worse and worse, with no answers
Dec 2011 Pacemaker Implanted
Mar 2012 Gallbladder removed (took care of pain, nothing else)
Apr 2012 Went to MAYO for 2 wks - Doctors Narrative written
diagnosis:
Mild length-dependent sensorimotor axonal peripheral neuropathy
Sinus node dysfunction with pacemaker
Functional Dyspepsia
Gastritis/duodenitis
GI dysmotility/IBS
GERD
Hypertriglceridemia - possible early metabolic syndrome
Diffuse Arthralgias
Was told I am going to be boarded for pacemaker (40-501 retention criteria) not in the line of duty. Since I had a Perm Profile for Neuropathy, that would not be included since it didn't affect retention. Hence no LOD MEB/PEB. Was told all other diagnosis not an issue. Go figure.

How many more of us are out there that have had a pacemaker implanted, multiple symptons with neuropathy.
 
I am very close with my Doctors here at Bethesda/ Fort Belvior (in the VHC), there have been SOOOO many cases coming in recently with these cases. Not all have gone to pacemaker status yet but they are in the beginning stages of where we both were. The Col. at the head of the VHC has told me they are going back over old cases with a fine tooth comb that were diagnosed as fibromyalgia and or CFS because they are finding they might have actually had Neuropathy. Its fairly new to diagnose and wasn't something commonly looked for in the past. Here's to hoping they find a way to diagnose it better in the future and people get the help they need. It can be not only frustrating but scary too.
 
Caitable,
Thanks for the quick answer back. Let me know how things progress.
I have sent timeline to VHC, waiting for response.
I think the only way to get answers on this is if everyone with symptoms, not necessarily to Pacemaker status yet, contacts VHC and gets counted.

Patriot Rebellion
 
I guess I should update my Timeline too.

so from 21 Dec 2011 the MEB was sent to the formal Review.
23 March 2012 I got the final decision back 100% TDRL (which I have a feeling is going to be a pain in the rear I am not even out yet and have been informed I have missed a VA appointment)
28 May 2012 Final out from AF for TDRL

We'll see what comes of it...
 
My take; I would appeal for Permanent. I would also look into SSDI based on what you wrote.
 
A bit of hillarity just occured. I just came back to work after my con leave for my pacemaker surgery. My doctor is in the process of submitting paperwork for yet another MEB and we are trying to get me into the CBWTU-VA.

I was just informed this morning that my brigade is trying to chapter me on "failure to qualify with my weapon". I was RTD on my last MEB in FEB which was totally crazy, even my JAG thought it was some type of "conspiracy" [in her own words], still the MEB DR left me with my permanent profile stating I am unable to fire my weapon.

I have not qualified with my weapon since MAR 2010, but I have been on a constant profile for possible loss of conciousness, deeming me unable to fire my weapon. This seems to be their MANTRA now, find a guy FIT and find him UNNATAINABLE at the same time to save the ARMY money. Sorry for the rant.

If the BAR is accomplished before 28 May than the commander will have full authority over my chapter, if it is done after 28 May I will have 10 years active duty and it will have to go to a board at HRC. My doctor is trying to coordinate to get me into the CBWTU-VA along with starting my MEB through Eustist this week. My JAG has fully supported me having my new board done through Eustis since I will most likely not have fair and equal treatment through Ft Meade since a opened a congressional inquiry on their actions on the last board. Tthe CBWTU commander has been very supportive, I hope this helps spurr that along. Its sad that a RED number on a QTB slide is more important that a Soldiers longterm health and welfare.
 
John Bittner said:
A bit of hillarity just occured. I just came back to work after my con leave for my pacemaker surgery. My doctor is in the process of submitting paperwork for yet another MEB and we are trying to get me into the CBWTU-VA.

I was just informed this morning that my brigade is trying to chapter me on "failure to qualify with my weapon". I was RTD on my last MEB in FEB which was totally crazy, even my JAG thought it was some type of "conspiracy" [in her own words], still the MEB DR left me with my permanent profile stating I am unable to fire my weapon.

I have not qualified with my weapon since MAR 2010, but I have been on a constant profile for possible loss of conciousness, deeming me unable to fire my weapon. This seems to be their MANTRA now, find a guy FIT and find him UNNATAINABLE at the same time to save the ARMY money. Sorry for the rant.

If the BAR is accomplished before 28 May than the commander will have full authority over my chapter, if it is done after 28 May I will have 10 years active duty and it will have to go to a board at HRC. My doctor is trying to coordinate to get me into the CBWTU-VA along with starting my MEB through Eustist this week. My JAG has fully supported me having my new board done through Eustis since I will most likely not have fair and equal treatment through Ft Meade since a opened a congressional inquiry on their actions on the last board. Tthe CBWTU commander has been very supportive, I hope this helps spurr that along. Its sad that a RED number on a QTB slide is more important that a Soldiers longterm health and welfare.
Click to expand...

Actually, to chapter you all you need is 6 years of total service to have the right to a board of officers. I think you're thinking about the authority to approve your bar to reenlistment. After the bar has been in place for 3 months, your commander can initiate action to separated you due to unsatisfactory performance or misconduct.
 
Your right, my mistep. But I have not been unsatisfactory, I have been on profile preventing me from doing this task. It is not my fault that the IDES system is so inept.
 
John Bittner said:
Your right, my mistep. But I have not been unsatisfactory, I have been on profile preventing me from doing this task. It is not my fault that the IDES system is so inept.
Click to expand...

Contest the bar by submitting your MEB profile, submit an IG complaint if its approved anyway, and if separation action is initiated against you, demand a board of officers. It'll NEVER get thru all of that. Commanders are used to soldiers who just accept what is being done to them.
 
Oh I agree, with my MEB back in Febuary I went to JAG, had a full appeal that was air tight, NOTHING. I went to ombudsman, NOTHING. I went to my Post IG, who sent me to the Northern Regional Medical Command IG, NOTHING. I went to my congressman, and sorta NOTHING, but more than anything else. So now I have gone back to my JAG, PCM, and congressional, hopefully it all works out.
 
Not advise, but if it were me I'd hand my commander my physical profile and ask him if he is ordering you to qualify with your weapon. In front of witnesses, of course. If he did, I'd obey the order. Then I'd file a formal complaint against him for deliberately violating a valid physical profile.
 
My command is working with me now to get into the CBWTU and my congressional is also formally requesting my acceptance into the CBWTU-VA, so hopefully this all will work out
 
Caitable said:
Hi
I just came across this website and thought I would share a bit about my timeline. First off my illness began 23 March 2010, 9 days after receiving the H1N1 vaccine in Monterey, Ca. I was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and have had an "episode" of cardiac distress about once a month from then until 29 Oct 2011 when I had a pacemaker implanted. I still have many other symptoms that affect me on a daily basis and am on Convo leave which is renewed every month. I wish I could say that was a great thing but I barely have the energy to get out of bed let alone lead a normal life. So its great the AF is letting me not come to work but not so great that I have pretty much become a shut in. Anyway, back on point with my timeline...

23 March 2010 First Hospitalization
17 June 2010 Removed from duty
17 Feb 2011 Sent TDY to Walter Reed
28 Feb 2011 Diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy by specialist at VA (Finally)
17 May 2011 Force Gained to Andrews AFB Patient Squadron
26 July 2011 MEB Process Formally started
23 Aug 2011 Wrecked car
29 Oct 2011 Pacemaker Implanted
2 Nov 2011 Commander's Statement written
21 Nov 2011 Doctors Narrative written
21 Dec 2011 MEB results received (Autonomic Neuropathy only diagnosis listed, recommended to IPEB)


I am now in the wait game that is IPEB. I flip flop back and forth between wishing I was out already and being glad I have time to save money for an uncertain future. I am not certain I will ever be able to hold down a job again and the VA benefits leave doubt on living a fulfilling life on them. Esp. Since I live in D.C. (Yes I could move back to Indiana where I am from originally but I am not allowed to drive and it would force me to be at the mercy of others, the nearest grocery store from my hometown is a 30 min drive. So I am staying in D.C. to maintain some independence) I have my GI bill but am nervous about going back to school, my brain doesn't work as well as it once did, think permanent ditzy-ness. I am just hoping and praying whenever it comes back that they have a favorable decision, I don't think I have the energy to go through the appeal process.
Click to expand...

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your condition. I also have a horrible neurological condition that does not allow me to drive and makes school very difficult. I know what it is like to fear whether or not you will be able to support yourself after discharge. In my opinion, it sounds like to me that you will more than likely get a high rating from the VA. In my case they were very generous. Also, if your condition is that bad you should be able to file for Individual Unempolyability through the VA and get an even better benefit amount. You may also be able to get Social Security. The GI Bill will help you also. Either the Post 9/11 of the Montgomery, which is best me me and online schools (AMU). I do not know your rank but if you get these things you are looking at about $5000 a month. This is not bad for not working. I do think remaining active and saving as long as possible is definitely a good thing. I also recomment you contact the Air Force Wounded Warriors, if you have not already. They have been of great help to me and know alot of extra benefits that you may be able to receive. Keep a possitive attitude. I know how hard that may be at times. I wish you all the best.
 
So This looks like the Place to be for POTS, Pacemakers and Pauses!

After reading close to 20 different appeals cases, this forum is the only thing that has remotely spoke on something close to what the rating(s) may look like. And it looks pretty grim.

So Does anyone have a rating for POTS of higher than 10%? Did anyone do the Chronic Fatigue Separate? Did my fellow asystole pause folks know that according to the FDA you are REQUIRED to have a pacemaker implanted if your pause is a certain length of time to be determined as Malignant? Now what is that number? I am not totally sure nor do I wish to speculate but the longest recorded time I was informed of was 70 seconds of flat line fun.

Another question this time for the VA Unemployability claim. Is it permissible to receive the post 9/11 GI Bill in Full as a full time student including on campus BAH while being considered unemployable, or does that defeat the purpose of being unemployable if you are full-time anything?

Finally, I am not sure how everyone is doing with their treatment but I love my doctors and all they have done (so far), both civilian and military and we have done some pretty experimental tests and treatment if anyone wants some ideas or directions to explore.
 
I wanted to update all of you. I just received my DA 199 and I am being medically retired 80% Army 90% VA.
time line:
passed out on multiple PT tests summer 2009
implanted cardiac loop recorder Jan 2010
emergency appendectomy July 2010
Catatonic seizure July 2010 while in hospital
20 days hospital/ICU/ sleep study/ diagnosed narcolepsy
Recommended for MEB/PEB #1 for Narcolepsy August 2010
PCS'd back to Maryland and to family Sep 2010
Walter Reed Dr. refuted narcolepsy diagnosis with no MSLT Jan 2011
Walter Reed stopped MEB/PEB #1 Feb 2011
MEB #2 started for OCD and Anxiety Disorder
VA C&P exams complete Jun 2011
waited from 8 Jul to 29 Nov for NARSUM
MEB physician was switched and new physician never examined me
New MEB physician cancelled my MEB #2 on 1 Dec 2011 finding no unfitting conditions
Went to John's Hopkins in March 2012 to be tested for myocardial infraction and after a cardiac MRI the techs wanted to check my cardiac loop recorder (had not been checked or tested in 18 months)
It showed a 9 second pause with no heart beat from July 2011, informed by 3 cardiac specialists at John's Hopkins that I needed a pacemaker immediately
Colonel in charge of MEB/PEB at Kimbrough Army Medical Center at Fort Meade MD called my cardiac surgeon the day prior to my pacemaker surgery as well as a follow up an hour before my surgery to "talk him out of it" insisting that I did not need the surgery or the pacemaker
MEB/PEB #3 started in Jun 2012
VA C&P exams completed in Sep 2012
PEB found me unfit for duty on 12 October 2012
VA was set to rate me in 30-90 days, it took the VA over 160 days to complete my rating
PEB completed my DA199 in 3 days
This road was long, but I walked it. It can be done. The system is broken and is not fair at times but truth can prevail.
 
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