Am I crazy to even consider a 5-17 chapter at around 15 years and 5 months of active Federal service?

SSG Dennis Mendoza — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:04:52 -0400

In October I want to see a PA about my achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis how it's worsening and to request a 5-17 chapter. The PA said that I must see podiatry, I mentioned to him that I have seen a podiatrist before. He still refer me to see podiatry. When I attended my appointment the podiatrist said that have a lot going on medically and if I've ever thought of an meb. I told her that I would take a 5-17 chapter so I can stop being an inconvenience and a nuisance to my unit and the Army. 2 days later I went to physical medicine and met with that doctor, after this cussing what's been going on in the last two months since last time I seen her. And how my back is worsening after NTC, because it was discovered that I have over a dozen bulging and diffused disc and a pinched nerve in my neck and my right arm goes numb. Also I have sleep apnea and I have to carry a battery pack to try to use it in a rocket launcher, which that was proven to be impossible because I have nowhere to recharge the battery pack.
So my question is should I just request a 5-17 chapter or go with the MEB?
That's also point out that the unit and the clinic will prolong it because of my current MOS.

Response by SSG Dennis Mendoza made Nov 6 at 2021 7:10 PM

SSG Dennis Mendoza — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:10:11 -0400

I mean to say (I went)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2021 7:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:16:41 -0400

Your health, mush like your career, is more important to you than it is the Army or any other employer. You have to do what you think is best for you. Do you have another 4.5 years to give without crippling yourself? What good is 20 years if you can’t enjoy the benefits of retirement? I would suggest the MEB route and see where that takes you. That’s just my opinion. You have to make the best decision for you.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 6 at 2021 7:24 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:24:05 -0400

I retired at active duty 20 years (half pay) and have 65% (of my total active duty pay)
tax-free medical disability due 3 major incidents that involved physical impairment.
Do the math.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2021 7:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 19:41:01 -0400

Why take the 5-17 and possibly miss out on disability? Dude, if you have 12 bulging disks...that's just under half of your entire spine. I recommend the MEB...but, does your PCP you will need one? Have you been given a perm profile with a 3 in any of the categories?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2021 11:56 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 23:56:02 -0400

Take the MEB!!!! You’ll get medically retired possibly at this point. Even if not you’ll get 100% disability through VA. Do what is best for you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2021 4:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 04:36:17 -0500

Technically, you can't request a 5-17 chapter, your Commander has to initiate it. Contrary to popular belief, it's not a medical chapter, it's a chapter for medical issues that can't really be pinpointed. Your issues don't fall into that category.

Second, yes you would be absolutely idiotic to push for a separation that offers no medical benefits when you clearly have medical issues.

Would you tell one of your Soldiers to do that? Would you tell them to forfeit tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in future benefits to their selves and families over the next 50 years? I seriously doubt it. So stop entertaining the idea for yourself. You're not a burden, the medical system is there to support you when you're broken.

Third, I realize that you're feeling broken and believe this may be the end of the line for you. However, ask about a medical reclass, a MAR2. The difference in pay between being medically retired retiring with disability is literally over double. If you can just hold out five more years the difference in pay is huge. If you receive a medical retirement right now you would receive about $1,500 month, max. That's retired base pay x multiplier of your rating which can only max at 75% for pay. That's good, but not great. There's other perks like tricare as well.
If you get to 20 years you'll have 50% of your base pay, a little over $2,000 plus your disability payments - up to $3,400 (tax free) depending on your rating. You have enough stuff wrong with you that you could reasonably get a 100% P&T rating.

So, think about your future self, your spouse and kids. Do what you have to do to take care of them

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2021 10:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:29:37 -0500

Take the MEB. I have been fighting for mine, don't accept anything less than a MEB

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 7 at 2021 5:25 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 17:25:48 -0500

Short answer, yes. That would be a ludicrous decision.

It’s also not realistic considering a 5-17 chapter isn’t self initiated.

If you have medical issues that are preventing you from doing your job you need to discuss this with your primary medical provider and discuss a Med Board. Med board is the logical choice and will also ensure you get retiree benefits. Plus it’s easier for you to get filed through the VA because they do all the evaluations

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 7 at 2021 6:48 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 18:48:11 -0500

Yes, you are nuts brother! You can't start any kind of chapter, it is in the hands of your commander. Know with all your documented problems, you need to talk to your doctor and explain that you do not have a China man's chance of doing your job. If they are willing to give you a permanent profile, they can recommend a MED, which can lead to retirement with benefits and VA services as well. Do not give up nor sell yourself short, While under going the MEB, get a vet advocate, DAV, Legion, etc.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2021 9:22 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 21:22:18 -0500

Surprised they haven't shuffled you off to the WTB so they can get a new troop on their books who "ain't broke" At least now they have the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. That means your VA rating packet will be finalized before you even depart the active ranks.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Nov 7 at 2021 11:48 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 23:48:45 -0500

Document all of your alleged ailments, request medical retirement, enroll in the VA. $4063 a month is not bad to live off of; however remember no BAH, no BAS, no COLA. You have to many ailments to be taken seriously. You may have them; if so, why are you seeing a PA? The PA should have referred to specialist months or even years ago. You are deployable with a CPAP machine? Your back is a total disaster but they want to MEB you for plantar fasciitis? OK.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Nov 8 at 2021 6:29 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:29:14 -0500

NO....NO NO NO.....
Get this stuff treated and fixed if possible BEFORE you get out. IF it is bad enough to end your career then let the Army take care of it and medically RETIRE you...
As hard as it will be for you to understand, there is LIFE AFTER THE ARMY (Took forever to get this through my Kevlar reinforced head, but it is very true. A wise NCO told me get what you can fixed, and what can't be fixed get documented for the VA.
Your 15 years, the best years of your youth you gave the Army along with the lifetime of pain you just inherited justify you being a bit of an inconvenience to someone.
Listen to SFC Private RallyPoint Member he is on it doggone it! I think he will be SMA one day