USAF MEB Initiated for Something Different

T

Tennessee4321

New Member
Registered Member
Hello,

I was curious if anyone has gone through a MEB for cavities. I have 7 cavities and my dentist initiated a MEB for this due to unfit for duty and being non-deployable because I do not plan on fixing them. I looked and could not find anyone that has gone through a MEB on this. Does anyone have any comments on how the process may go?
 
I suspect you will be separated with 0% DoD and 0% VA (unless you have other service connected contentions).

Dental health is crucial to overall health. I had 9 deployments, only 1 location had a dentist. So a toothache would mean a trip out of theater. That is a costly and largely preventable circumstance. Your dentist is spot on.
 
You are dental class IV, i would suggest fixing them they will cause more harm if you don't in the future.
chaplaincharlie said:
I suspect you will be separated with 0% DoD and 0% VA (unless you have other service connected contentions).

Dental health is crucial to overall health. I had 9 deployments, only 1 location had a dentist. So a toothache would mean a trip out of theater. That is a costly and largely preventable circumstance. Your dentist is spot on.
Click to expand...
Charlies response is accurate.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
I suspect you will be separated with 0% DoD and 0% VA (unless you have other service connected contentions).

Dental health is crucial to overall health. I had 9 deployments, only 1 location had a dentist. So a toothache would mean a trip out of theater. That is a costly and largely preventable circumstance. Your dentist is spot on.
Click to expand...
Thank you for this response. My only question to determining how I am unfit for duty. How do cavities prevent me from doing my job? I know that is a big part of the board.
 
Your teeth, as @sav_1107 explained are Class IV. Class IV makes you non deployable. Most deployments can not resolve a dental issue locally. DOD has mandated all non deployable personnel be MEB/PEB processes.

Dental health also affects mental health and physical health, long term. I’m not sure why you would decline dental procedures. Your current vector is toward a 0/0 rating, assuming no other health issues.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
Your teeth, as @sav_1107 explained are Class IV. Class IV makes you non deployable. Most deployments can not resolve a dental issue locally. DOD has mandated all non deployable personnel be MEB/PEB processes.

Dental health also affects mental health and physical health, long term. I’m not sure why you would decline dental procedures. Your current vector is toward a 0/0 rating, assuming no other health issues.
Click to expand...
Is there a high chance to get returned back to duty?
 
chaplaincharlie said:
If you get your cavities fixed now the MEB/PEB processes will likely stop.
Click to expand...
I know this is a very unusual reason for a MEB, but it is the best option for me in my specific situation and beliefs. In the IDES process, a VA claim would be submitted for my cavities, but I do not want that to be submitted and believe it would mess up what I would truly want to claim when the time comes. What do you think about the switching to the LDES system for this as I do not want a VA rating and don’t care if they end up separating me?
 
Tennessee4322 said:
I know this is a very unusual reason for a MEB, but it is the best option for me in my specific situation and beliefs. In the IDES process, a VA claim would be submitted for my cavities, but I do not want that to be submitted and believe it would mess up what I would truly want to claim when the time comes. What do you think about the switching to the LDES system for this as I do not want a VA rating and don’t care if they end up separating me?
Click to expand...
We all get to make and live with our own decisions. Best wishes.
 
I’m generally allergic to LDES. There are less checks and balances in the LDES process. LDES is great for those clearly 100% and in need of a quick decision.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
I’m generally allergic to LDES. There are less checks and balances in the LDES process. LDES is great for those clearly 100% and in need of a quick decision.
Click to expand...
Hey Chap, I just posted a long question, but this kind of answers mine. I'm already rated at 100% PT. I'm currently a chaplain candidate in the reserves and was informed of a MEB for UC. What can I expect? Should I opt for LDES since I'm already rated? All this makes my head spin. Never dreamed I'd be exiting after fighting for this job.
 
Only if you’re 1) in a hurry to separate AND 2) sure of your rating. I’m sorry to hear you’re ill. What is next? There are so many wonderful opportunities.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
Only if you’re 1) in a hurry to separate AND 2) sure of your rating. I’m sorry to hear you’re ill. What is next? There are so many wonderful opportunities.
Click to expand...
I'm thinking of finishing out my MDiv and getting a VA chaplain gig if I do get kicked out. Or some other chaplain job if the VA isn'thiring near me. I don't see myself working in a church. I've always been a "boots in the ground" kinda person.

How can I be sure of my ratings? Doesn't the DOD refer back to VA ratings?
 
That will be visible to the examiner. If your MDiv allows do CPE, that is a VA requirement.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
That will be visible to the examiner. If your MDiv allows do CPE, that is a VA requirement.
Click to expand...
My local VA doesn't do internships, but I'm hoping they will open it up soon. I know there are some VAs that do. I also just heard that Liberty has a hybrid CPE program. I'm going to look into that too. Do you know if VR&E will cover those expenses? I'm not technically switching careers, but if I get kicked out, I'll no longer have the financial benefits to continue my Mdiv or CPE. Used MGIB on undergrad.
 
I do not know, but a chaplain candidate is technically nota chalplain. On the VR&E list a Doctor of Ministry as your goal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top