Posted on Jul 13, 2015
Can I add a new medical condition during the MEB/PEB process?
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So I am dead in the middle of my MEB/PEB and have noticed that since I am 3 hrs away from JBLM. I have done all of my appts via the phone minus the actual doctor appts with QTC
Now here is the question:
I had received my NARSUM and reveiwed it with the attorney and my peblo and everything seemed normal I ever spoke with my VA SVC officer and all was well now comes the fun part
I had been told to get a sleep study lo and behold I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea; the VA at first was very concerned it wasn't on the form to document all the claims ( because I had never had a sleep study or diagnosis before ) now that I have the machine they say they are going to add it to my claim ( hopefully by the end of the process) is it normal for them to be so hesitant to add stuff before the case even goes to the rating stage ?
Now here is the fun part after my case was revewied and looked at my the IMR and the attorney my packet with everything was sent to the PEB and as soon as that happened BAM three more appts for my referred condition. Everyone has told me that this is not very common but it does happen.
The estimated reticent date was December not it states unknown
Does any of this make sense to anyone or is there anything that I need to clarify?
Now here is the question:
I had received my NARSUM and reveiwed it with the attorney and my peblo and everything seemed normal I ever spoke with my VA SVC officer and all was well now comes the fun part
I had been told to get a sleep study lo and behold I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea; the VA at first was very concerned it wasn't on the form to document all the claims ( because I had never had a sleep study or diagnosis before ) now that I have the machine they say they are going to add it to my claim ( hopefully by the end of the process) is it normal for them to be so hesitant to add stuff before the case even goes to the rating stage ?
Now here is the fun part after my case was revewied and looked at my the IMR and the attorney my packet with everything was sent to the PEB and as soon as that happened BAM three more appts for my referred condition. Everyone has told me that this is not very common but it does happen.
The estimated reticent date was December not it states unknown
Does any of this make sense to anyone or is there anything that I need to clarify?
Medical Board
Warrior in Transition
AGR
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 36
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I went through a full MEB Board process before I retired at 20 1/2 years. If you are over 20 years TIS and going through a MEB...it will work out in your favor to have the process extended...don't think you will have much choice in the matter anyways. Just ride it out and try to be a fly on the wall...talk with the DAV and document and copy every piece of paper. Retirement was hard at first...but, we all have to hang it up at some point. You did your time. Medical retirement vs normal retirement is STILL retirement...you deserve everything coming your way...and everything will be fine SFC!!
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I would recommend that you attend a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) meeting near you and speak with their Chapter Service Officer an get the DAV on board as your representative. There have been a few changes to the VA Disability Compensation forms and the DAV can assist you in navigating through them. The important thing to remember is to make sure you get a written medical diagnosis from your doctor that states your sleep apnea is connected and caused by your service connected disability. If you would like assistance in locating a DAV Chapter near you, then go to my website at http://www.disabledvetassistance.org and fill out the VSO Locator form.
Disabled Vet Assistance - Home
Disabled Vet Assistance is dedicated to assisting fellow Disabled Veterans with their VA claims issues
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SPC Leisel Luman
He is right!! Do not attempt this alone. You need a service organization to navigate this. DAV is a good place to start and I had lots of valuable help from them. Then I moved and the DAV Chapter was very different. Initially I had a Purple Heart Veterans organization help me through the MEB/PEB process and he made me stay until all medical issues were noted and addressed.... Thank God!
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It actually is very reasonable, normal, and responsible that they would want you to see more doctors regarding your newly identified condition, and I would say it is in your best interest to have the appointments before your board is finalized.
Once you are retired, your Army rating would remain the same, regardless of the VA's findings. If you are not able to complete the newly added appointments before they finalize your board and give you a rating, you should make an appeal of the rating they give you before accepting it, on the grounds that pertinent information had not been included.
I'm not sure why people are telling you this is unusual, as they normally would not move forward with giving you a rating without having every necessary medical assessment completed in order to give aaccurate and complete picture of your health!
Personally, I was originally offered a medical out at 20% disability, but being a Nurse, I knew that my condition was not curable and would only get worse, so my JAG officer and I decided to submit an appeal. I was then given a 30% rating which qualified me for a medical RETIREMENT with full benefits. The VA used the same information and rated me at 60%. A few years later my condition worstened and I was no longer able to work as a Registered Nurse. I applied for an increased rating from the VA and I was rated 160%! Additionally, I have been able to attend graduate school to earn a dual MBA/Healthcare Management degree utilizing the vocational rehabilitation program.
I know it's a long and frustrating process, but trust me, it's well worth doing thoroughly!
All the best to you!
Once you are retired, your Army rating would remain the same, regardless of the VA's findings. If you are not able to complete the newly added appointments before they finalize your board and give you a rating, you should make an appeal of the rating they give you before accepting it, on the grounds that pertinent information had not been included.
I'm not sure why people are telling you this is unusual, as they normally would not move forward with giving you a rating without having every necessary medical assessment completed in order to give aaccurate and complete picture of your health!
Personally, I was originally offered a medical out at 20% disability, but being a Nurse, I knew that my condition was not curable and would only get worse, so my JAG officer and I decided to submit an appeal. I was then given a 30% rating which qualified me for a medical RETIREMENT with full benefits. The VA used the same information and rated me at 60%. A few years later my condition worstened and I was no longer able to work as a Registered Nurse. I applied for an increased rating from the VA and I was rated 160%! Additionally, I have been able to attend graduate school to earn a dual MBA/Healthcare Management degree utilizing the vocational rehabilitation program.
I know it's a long and frustrating process, but trust me, it's well worth doing thoroughly!
All the best to you!
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SGT (Join to see)
need guidance because my condition is getting worse as well. DDD in the L4 and L5 disk. Yet, Dr. did not give me a proper diagnosis or test. I mean we only jump out of planes, how dare I allow my back get hurt. j m v o s s 1 8 2 4 @ h o t ma il
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