Posted on Nov 6, 2021
Am I crazy to even consider a 5-17 chapter at around 15 years and 5 months of active Federal service?
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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.
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.
Posted in these groups: 
Medical
Medical
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 12
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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
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
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
SFC (Join to see) You're right just frustrating at times I just want to get back to how I was. It's been a long year and no-one can pinpoint completely one of the medical issues but literally just found out about my spine, i did bring up to the doctor about the MEB having me to reclass back to signal cause I was a 25B and definitely didn't do as much standing in a hatch of a launcher of course which seems to have assisted to worsen my legs, feet, and ankles. Will definitely take your advice, it's just going to be a long process, going through this. Thank you for the advice.
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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?
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
No I understand but the providers in my brigade are not any helpful. It's because I'm a 13m and they're needed cause they're always short. It's just I've been on temporary profile for about a year on and off and I feel like I'm an inconvenience in a nuisance to the unit. They've actually have taken me off the no gear temp profile so I can go to NTC which when I try to wear my gear i was in a lot of pain and then i did the rest of NTC refusing to wear my gear at the hatch of the launcher. The physical medicine doctor she's going to recommend for an MEB but I know that takes a very long time, so I'd rather just make it easy for them and requester 5 - 17
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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.
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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 (Join to see) he is on it doggone it! I think he will be SMA one day
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 (Join to see) he is on it doggone it! I think he will be SMA one day
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Take the MEB. I have been fighting for mine, don't accept anything less than a MEB
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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.
tax-free medical disability due 3 major incidents that involved physical impairment.
Do the math.
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
Understandable but I'm not getting any better and actually worsening and the unit doesn't care or let me get the treatment i need to recover at least.
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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.
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
Exactly what the physical medicine doctor say rather go the meb route instead of crippling myself. That I have a lot going on in my medical that it's just been piling up in there and I just been trying to suck it up. Every time I'm supposed to go see the doctor off post for the steroid injections in my spine something always happens with the unit and I'm unable to go and have to reschedule so that's where I keep seeing that the unit won't let me rehab so recent for me asking about the 5-17 it's because I feel like I'm a nuisance to this unit. And they'll probably try and dodge the meb packet cuz of the Korea rotation coming out next year in March
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SFC (Join to see)
Why isn’t your MedCom recommending an MEB? The unit is a nuisance to you’re health, right now. I get “mission first” but they’re ignoring the “Soldiers always” part of it, SSG Dennis Mendoza
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
SFC (Join to see) just because this mos I'm on is always short on NCOs that they do this a lot and many SSG's get out right before 10 years of service majority of the time. Just crazy how things are in this mos. I'm fairly new to it cause came back in al.ost 4 years ago.
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SFC (Join to see)
I get your dedication and I respect it but you have to take care of yourself. Your unit isn’t going to do it. I get your dilemma. I have had three back surgeries, a shoulder surgery, an elbow surgery, and a knee surgery. The numbness is a serious danger sign. Even after all the back surgery, I have no feeling in my right leg. Take care of your health, SSG Dennis Mendoza
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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.
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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.
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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.
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