I have a health issue and my unit is going to give me a medboard. Does this mean I am being separated?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 02:27:10 -0400

I have a health issue and my unit is going to give me a medboard does this mean I am being separated? I really don't want to be seperated because I have no after Army plans. Doing 20 years and retiring was my plan.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 29 at 2016 3:10 AM

TSgt David L. — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 03:10:56 -0400

You can appeal the board's decision. Their decision is not final. You should be able to actually meet a board after the local board makes a decision. Don't take NO unless they at least attempt to appease you.
Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 5:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 05:50:10 -0400

As with any board, this is merely an evaluation of your current condition. Being a medical board, they will evaluate your current level of health and decide if you're able to be retained in the Army and that your medical condition won't affect you performing your job. Medical boards do not automatically spell separation.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Apr 29 at 2016 6:03 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 06:03:57 -0400

The IDES system almost by design is slow and you have a lot of due process. I have seen people retained, but most are separated. The first step is the doctor issuing a non-deployable profile (P3). Without that profile the unit can want a med board all day. Regardless of medical condition or personal preference you need to do everything you can to maximize your fitness for your personal best interest. As a reservist(would be the same for active) you need to start working the next phase of your life regardless. Good luck and if you enter the IDES you'll get a full interagency briefing on the process and your rights.

Response by SGT Destiny Klaric made Apr 29 at 2016 6:48 AM

SGT Destiny Klaric — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 06:48:15 -0400

It's not automatic. You go through a medical board and an Mos evaluation board. The medical board can say that your condition is unfit but the performance board can retain you based on your duties and level of responsibility. If they deem you are unfit you can appeal and submit new evidence and/or attend a board yourself in front of them. This process takes about 6months and many appointments. You have one shot at an appeal. Hope this helps.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Apr 29 at 2016 9:24 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:24:30 -0400

It very well could mean that. You should start thinking and planning. You might seek help from the VA. If you are being med-boarded, you probably will be entitled to some sort of disability compensation, either from the military or from the VA.

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Apr 29 at 2016 9:56 AM

MGySgt James Forward — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:56:21 -0400

Is your health issue temporary? Can it be fixed to allow you to return to full duty? Lot's of gaps in your information so it's difficult for us to point you in the best direction:
1) Is your health issue temporary? If yes, the Med board might put you on limited duty till its resolved.
2) Can it be fixed? If yes, I don't see an issue with you remaining on active duty. If it can not be fixed, then I think it would be very wise to prepare to re-enter the civilian world for employment opportunities.
3) If you job translates over to a govt civilian position, then I would apply to become govt as there is still a retirement plan (not a good as mil), benefits and 401K.

" It's not the end of the world, your destination is still the same, your path is just different"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 10:06 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 10:06:29 -0400

Hi, PFC Gideon.

A lot of good guidance so far. If they separate you due to a medical condition with a certain disability percentage, you could qualify for the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program. I was medically retired in 2002 and the VA picked up my tab for my Bachelor's degree. I had ten years to burn through four years worth of benefits, and the VA paid for my tuition, all of my books and supplies, and paid a monthly stipend to go to school.

I know you want to stay in. I wanted to stay in forever, too, and getting out broke my heart. But it's not the end. Hang in there.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 12:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 12:23:38 -0400

pfc my questions, health issues, prior to enlistment or developed after, in all my years of service i have seen sms come into the millitary with baggage both ac/rc, and had to med board them because recruiters did'nt do thier jobs, numbers is what keep them alive, your young pfc i'm old msg i served 31 years, why is it you have something to be dcd about to begin with

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 29 at 2016 2:42 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 14:42:05 -0400

The only advice I can give is tell the Docs you don't want to be MEBed.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 9:46 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 09:46:33 -0400

It means they are pressing for a medical separation. The process allows you the opportunity to defend your intent to be retained if that is your goal. Each post has an attorney dedicated to MEB cases. Go to your JAG and find this Attorney and get educated on the process and your rights.