How should I approach a possible medboard process?

2021-05-06T01:05:01-04:00

Good morning/afternoon. I am personally struggling with extensive injuries and would appreciate any advice. I apologize for the lengthy post ahead:

I’m a first lieutenant with 3.5+ active service time. I was involved in a head-on collision on base/on-duty (no fault of mine - the other driver was impaired) in Oct 2020. I have since been through two surgeries, 12+ referrals from TRICARE and 75+ appointments with extensive therapy and trauma care. I have been issued a P2 profile for upper extremity (radial nerve palsy - severe damage; complete severance of my radial nerve - disabling extensor functions and strength on my left hand and arm). I was also diagnosed with couple other fractures, Traumatic Brain Injury, moderate anxiety and depression.

I know that medboard is initiated one year from issuance of profile (Oct 2021 for me) or when all medical care have been exhausted. Following my last surgery, recovery from my nerve damage seems more and more unlikely as time passes by - thus, medboard seems more and more likely.

Although some would rejoice at the idea of separation from the army, for me, it is a drastic change in my life course. Sure, I hate the 2am calls, DREs, giving up personal and family time, staff duty and frustrating leave/pass situations - we’ve all been through it; But, small part of me loves the army for the people I enjoyed it with and the opportunities it has awarded me so far. I have performed relatively well against my peers and have built some lasting rapports with my Soldiers and their families.
In addition, I am by no means a profile ranger but I also know that I am a liability/possible non-deployable that may end up in rear D (Command teams should not have any bias against me but I know what I am up against).

Assuming my medboard will be initiated, I know things like service member preference is also factored in. Considering my career timeline as an officer, bias of command teams on profiles, civilian transition, and above medical issues, how should I approach the medboard process?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 6 at 2021 1:52 AM

2021-05-06T01:52:58-04:00

If your doctor states you are unfit for duty then the decision is made for you, and you will go through a MEB. There is no fighting it. What you should do is:
- Talk to your doctor about your continued service. If the answer is no, then I would immediately ask for a permanent profile to get the ball rolling.
- If there is a WTB at your post then get assigned to it.
- Focus on healing.
- Paint the picture of the MEB process to include how the VA interfaces with the MEB process. In a MEB you will be assigned a PEBLO. You can google it. Basically the PEBLO is your belly button for the MEB and will be invaluable in his/her ability to paint the big picture except for the specific details in regards to the VA.

In the later part of my career I went to qualify on my 9 mm 4 times and boloed 4 times. I sat in the bleachers and thought if I can’t meet the standards then what is good for the army is for me to retire. I have performed that equation with soldiers as well. What is more important the soldier or the army?

Like I said. If your doctor says negative to your continued service then the choice is made for you. Accept it. Don’t fight it. Do what is right for you and the army. Good luck to you. Some posters have experienced MEBs so don’t hesitate to ask questions in this forum. I hope this post gives you clarity. There is no shame in hanging up your boots, and there is no purpose wishing for an outcome that will not become true.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 2:11 AM

2021-05-06T02:11:53-04:00

There's nothing to approach. You are given a PEBLO who will walk you through the process and explain all the steps to you one at a time. There's no posturing or position you can take. You'll be evaluated for your injury and any other service connected claims. You'll receive a rating and either a medical separation or medical retirement.

You're also getting ahead of yourself. A MEB is initiated once you receive a permanent profile that refers you to a MEB. That's it. It can be quick or long. That's between you and your provider to work on. There are guidelines they have to work within but there is no strict rule that says on this date you will initiate MEB, it's more of providers best discretion. A provider who has a patient who wants to stay in will work with that patient and refer them to pain management, physical therapy etc until all courses of therapy have been attempted and there is no chance for the patient to improve.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 2:19 AM

2021-05-06T02:19:55-04:00

Sir, I've got a buddy whose still awaiting medboard after a year of dental surgeries following the clinic messing up his jaw for wisdom teeth. Getting in the army is easier than getting out for sure.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 6 at 2021 10:11 AM

2021-05-06T10:11:20-04:00

Just enjoy the ride. Aftwr a Medford has been initiated there isn't much that's in your control. I was medically retired back in 2014, so you can take that to the bank. Your Medford will begin, you'll be assigned a case manager, and you'll be scheduled appointments. Upon determination, you'll begin the process to separate.

That all being said, I was once told there was an option in which one could remain in the military and take a forced reclass, but I was combat arms, so I don't know how that works for combat support or support MOSs. It may not have been true at all.

I would start planning for an inevitable separation.

Response by SGT Bill Christian made May 6 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-05-06T11:15:57-04:00

Lt. The best advice I or anyone else can give you is this....you cant fight the big green weenie. I fought against my med board because even though i was no longer deployable and had multiple injuries, i wanted to finish up my last 1.5 yrs to get my 20. Figured 18.5 yrs should have at least given me enough knowledge to work as an instructor or hell even the dreaded welcome center desk(lol). The problem is your status is going to be decided by a group of faceless individuals who you will never meet or even talk to. Your peblo will forward your packet to a medical committee out in spokane(or at least thats where most go) and they will decide based on the paper in front of them your future in the military.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made May 6 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-05-06T11:24:45-04:00

I understand you 101%. I had to get out as well for medical reasons. I got shoulder impingement in both shoulders. You can't be infantry and not do push ups and sit ups or not be able to lift. If it's bad, you need to get out otherwise you are a danger to yourself and to others.

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made May 6 at 2021 12:25 PM

2021-05-06T12:25:35-04:00

1LT Private RallyPoint Member , I am sure there are a lot of people that will give you great advice here. Please just PM me. I am finishing up my MEB here and I am at HAAF. When you PM me, give me your number and I will just call you. If there is any place that would be considered the best to MEB, this area is the absolute best.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 1:35 PM

2021-05-06T13:35:26-04:00

When/if you are given a P3/4 by your provider, it will trigger a MEB and you will be assigned a PEBLO to handle your case. That hasn't happened yet, even though you seem to think you are headed that way. You could request a MAR 2 review - similar to an ETP to continue to serve despite your disabilities. If you do end up in a MEB, your command could send you to an SRU (Soldier Recovery Unit - formerly WTB, Warrior Transition Battalion) where your primary duty will be attending appointments and preparing for transition.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 7:05 PM

2021-05-06T19:05:14-04:00

I have worked with many Soldiers facing MEB or going through it. I tell them to focus on getting well so you have more or better options for the rest of your life. And a long life is what I hope you have in front of you. The Army is a part time job; you will only be in for part of your life. Get as healthy as you can so you can enjoy the next part. You've earned it.