ETS and MEB, I have less then a year left but surgeon wants to start MEB, what do you do?

SPC Scott Fassnacht — Mon, 04 May 2015 04:18:47 -0400

Response by SPC Fred Krauer made May 4 at 2015 6:21 AM

SPC Fred Krauer — Mon, 04 May 2015 06:21:07 -0400

Go with the MEB. If needed, they can extend your contract until your MEB is complete. You don't want to miss out on the MEB determination.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 4 at 2015 7:07 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 04 May 2015 07:07:58 -0400

IMPORTANT: If eligible/qualified, transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill to your dependents before it's too late. See your servicing Career Counselor ASAP for specific information.

Response by MSgt Chris Stevens made May 5 at 2015 3:35 PM

MSgt Chris Stevens — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:35:28 -0400

I made the mistake of talking the docs out of an MEB, now everything with the VA is a fight. Take it, just ensure everything is documented.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 4:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 16:11:37 -0400

Take the MEB!!! Mine only took 5 months start to beginning of transition leave!! My MEB was started in dec 9 and I started my transition leave on 1 May!! When they do the MEB you get army ratings and VA ratings at the same time instead of waiting for months for the VA to get back to you! When you just ETS you leave without anything. With a MEB you get medically retired which means you are eligible for retirement benefits, disable vet license plates, etc

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2015 12:57 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:57:40 -0400

The VA will give you the physical in the MEB process, so when you are doing your final out, you will have the Army and VA percentages. Those who are unemployable should contact the SS Admin while in the military because they will expedite your packet. I appealed the army and VA ratings and was successful. I have it pretty good now but my wife feels compelled to spend all the money. That is another story.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2015 4:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:03:08 -0400

He does not know the nuances of the MEB and the impact of getting out.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made May 7 at 2015 4:20 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:20:28 -0400

If you have multiple disabilities try to get those put before the MEB, they will only evaluate you based on what disabilities are submitted for consideration, it can mean the difference between medical separation with a severance check (which the VA will recoup) and being medically retired. (The MEB findings have to be 30% or more to be medically retired).

I have a friend that was a GySgt with almost 18 years in the Corps that was medically separated due to a 10% disabling foot/ankle condition because that is all the MEB considered in making their determination. The VA rated him at 100%+ (I say + as his combined would be way above 100%) at discharge. Now he is appealing to the service board to change it to medically retired.