Can they really send me through a MEB for a TBI?

2019-07-16T23:02:32-04:00

Hello, my name is Austin and I’m a 13F. I hit my head on a jump last year and rocked my head pretty hard. They diagnosed me with migraines, tinnitus, cognitive disorders such as anxiety and depression. But the thing is NONE of that is something that I see as “unfit”. I’ve talked to my PMC about it and he thinks that MEB is the way to go and he is recommending me. Can I get some insight as to how to cancel this or get relooked? I feel that this isn’t necessarily fair considering that there are a ton of broke dicks walking around that actually can’t do their job. Thank you for any advice in advance.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jul 16 at 2019 11:13 PM

2019-07-16T23:13:19-04:00

You can request a second opinion, but it sounds like this is in your best interest. Remember a med board doesn’t automatically mean discharge

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-07-16T23:44:44-04:00

A MEB for TBI is pretty rare. However, it's also pretty uncommon to be suffering a year later unless some real damage was done.
Once you receive your Permanent 3 profile and you're referred to MEB, you must be evaluated for medical separation. Your PEBLO will be your SME on everything. You can't stop it or withdraw it. If you are separated, and years down the road you are recovered, you may even be able to rejoin. The thing about a TBI is that they may take years to heal, but they do heal.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jul 17 at 2019 12:37 AM

2019-07-17T00:37:23-04:00

Based on the little bit you said a second opinion could be done, but don’t expect much difference. Like others have stated, it you hurt your water melon and after much medical care you still have issues, then take a knee and consider the whole picture. Focus on taking care of your self, make sure everything is well documented for VA disability. Take it from this old paratrooper, you might think you are Ok but the damage might be silence/invisible. By the time you realize it might be too late.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2019 1:02 AM

2019-07-17T01:02:11-04:00

It is your doctor opinion, and the determination of any board with regard to your fitness. It isn't unfair, it's how the system works when you're injured. If, the decision is to separate you, which is one possible outcome, but not the only possible outcome, it doesn't make you a shit bag.
The Army has an obligation to you, as much as you have to the Army. If your conditions haven't improved after a year, there is a need to make a determination as to your fitness due to the injury you sustained.
I've seen no shortage of Soldiers "suck it up," and then have to fight VA for compensation, and have tough days every day because they didn't want to be a shit bag.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 17 at 2019 2:26 AM

2019-07-17T02:26:22-04:00

I went through a MEB and I'm still in. The issue to be concerned with is can you do your job. If not could you do another. Can you construct a fighting position can you move with a combat load. Can you move under direct fire. This next part is critical. Bring your first line leader and up as far up the chain of command as you can to speak on your behalf. If someone can't attend get letters of recommendation on your behalf. Critical will be your company commander. I cannot stress the witnesses or letters strongly enough.

Response by Capt Michael Wilford made Jul 17 at 2019 2:59 AM

2019-07-17T02:59:05-04:00

In a manner, you have answered your own question; it is a medical evaluation board, not a discharge review, so yes. As one who has also suffered a TBI, I had to endure the same thing. The MEB had to determine fitness for duty, fitness for command, and deployability. What we see as fit or unfit does not really matter as we are not the SMEs on medical issues. Before I became a doctor, I felt as you do now. Being honest with the PMC about your symptoms, your treatment plan, and your therapy progress will aid you in the MEB as your PMC's input will have a lot of influence. Part of the MEB is to determine how long it can take to get you back to full duty. Of course, there is the part that also addresses the possibility of medical retirement and discharge, but that is a last resort if treatment fails. Getting an MEB canceled is difficult, especially since OEF/OIF/OND has produced more TBI related injuries to our troops and there is myriad data to aid medical professionals in determining the severity of a TBI and how long it may take for recovery. Do you feel that the diagnoses are accurate? Do you have migraines, tinnitus, and cognitive disorders? Keep in mind as you reflect on the answers to these questions that there are now 16 years worth of medical case studies for TBI related injuries to compare your case with.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 17 at 2019 8:01 AM

2019-07-17T08:01:13-04:00

Anxiety+Depression is a very potent combination. It is the same combination that PTSD is sometimes (mis)diagnosed as. I am not saying you have PTSD, but just want you to understand the type of combination that this is.
Your situation, similar to PTSD, can be mild, moderate, severe, extreme, or anywhere in between. This is the point of the Med Board. They have seen red flag warning signs that indicate you MAY be unfit for duty. They want to check it out and determine MEDICALLY whether you are good to go. You may feel fine, you may feel ready to take the hill. But the Army wants to be sure you CAN take the hill. Your opinion matters - but not that much, honestly. What matters more is the opinion of your Commander and your Doctor(s). If they say you are ready and able to take the hill, you will be allowed to drive on. If they feel like, as much as you want to, you will slow the unit down, or fail at a critical point, not through lack of effort, just through medical inability, then you will be sent home to fully recover.
Your health matters to the Army. They want you fixed. BUT.... what matters even MORE to the Army is your ability to accomplish the mission. We have already invested time and money in you to give you the ability to accomplish the mission. We'd rather see a return on that investment and keep you in your job. But if you can no longer accomplish the mission, the Army needs you to step aside so that someone who CAN accomplish the mission can fill your slot. It is NOT personal. No one is out to get you. But overall unit (and Army) readiness has to come first if we want to be able to continue to fight and win our nation's wars.

Response by A1C Stanley Kolakowski made Jul 17 at 2019 10:20 AM

2019-07-17T10:20:48-04:00

Perhaps I'm wrong here, but wouldn't the med board BE the place for you to make your case (and the doctor's theirs) as to whether you can remain in your MoS and/or at least remain in the Army?

Though in this day and age, as more and more comes out about the effects of head trauma (both short and long term) the odds of you staying "active" as a 13F or any sort of infantry/cavalry are extremely slim - be prepared to start looking into a new MoS if the board looks like they'll at least entertain you remaining in the Army...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 17 at 2019 2:40 PM

2019-07-17T14:40:00-04:00

Sometimes you need to tell the doctor what you want.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jul 17 at 2019 6:41 PM

2019-07-17T18:41:04-04:00

Your new goal is at least 30% Army medical discharge and 100% VA disability along with social security... start schooling yourself now. Now is also the time to bring up joint pains.. back..knee etc and all other ailments and record them. I'm screwed ...crippled for life.. thought I could tough it out too. If the Army wants you gone...you gone. Now protect yourself.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jul 17 at 2019 6:49 PM

2019-07-17T18:49:00-04:00

PS: I am rated at 194 VA disability (VA Calculator) 100% Society Security Disability... have PTSD...Bipolar 1...TBI...etc. the Army MED board kicked me out with 0% then raised it to 40% then cut it to 20% giving me actually 0% in retirement pay.