Posted on May 16, 2018
Is it possible to get another Army retirement physical?
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I had my retirement physical scheduled and during the intake, part I, she told us the provider may only have 5-7 minutes with us during our part II because the providers are busy, so be thorough in your survey. She wasn't kidding, it was less than 5 minutes, rushed out the door with a basic review of my heart, breathing and general movement. No discussion about my survey, labs, or EKG. I had also been requesting an evaluation for possible sleep study because of my sleeping problems. He said that he usually has patients do a journal for 30 days. I said I'd be happy to, I have 90 days till retirement. He snapped back asking why I thought I needed a sleep study. I said because I have problems sleeping and have documented anxiety, but would like a more definitive look at why I can't sleep. He said that we don't just give sleep studies for no reason, and dismissed the notion. I immediately went to patient advocacy to let them know what happened, but regardless of sleep study, I had a different expectation of the retirement physical itself. At least a more thorough examination. Is this experience typical, or should I seek a better physical exam, and is it even possible?
Posted in these groups: RET Physical Therapy Group
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)MEDCOMARMEDCOM
AMEDD C&S
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)MEDCOMARMEDCOM AMEDD C&S
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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A retirement physical isn't the proper time to ask for a sleep study, that should have been done long before.
The retirement physical is basically to document what has changed during your career, I'm sure there will be someone who can answer with better clarity on the subject, but that's the basic idea behind the retirement physical.
As another has already posted, get all your medical files, to include dental files, get in touch with a Veterans Service Officer to get a VA claim started.
You don't have to wait on a claim to register for VA healthcare.
Once you're in the VA system you can get your sleep study requested through your primary care team.
I'm not sure how much of this, if any, you are already aware of, but hopefully I've given you a bit of info.
Good luck in your retirement.
The retirement physical is basically to document what has changed during your career, I'm sure there will be someone who can answer with better clarity on the subject, but that's the basic idea behind the retirement physical.
As another has already posted, get all your medical files, to include dental files, get in touch with a Veterans Service Officer to get a VA claim started.
You don't have to wait on a claim to register for VA healthcare.
Once you're in the VA system you can get your sleep study requested through your primary care team.
I'm not sure how much of this, if any, you are already aware of, but hopefully I've given you a bit of info.
Good luck in your retirement.
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SMSgt Mark Miller
DO NOT PROCESS YOUR VA PAPERWORK DIRECTLY WITH THE VA!!! Use a chartered Veterans Service Organization [VSO] - American Legion, VFW, DAV, and AMVETS are most common. The federally-chartered designation is especially important when considering using a VSO to help file your claim, as the chartered organizations are also officially recognized by the VA secretary to represent you. They have direct access to the VA computer systems and track your petition from beginning to end. They are qualified to represent you in front of any board and will process, support, and argue, an appeal if needed. These agencies provide their services to anyone [need not be a member] free of charge. Each local unit has a designated person to help you get started. Before you do anything else, make a copy of your entire medical record to include all lab reports. It's not the retirement physical that is MOST important - it's the ability to document all medical issues. I had a below-standards hearing test about six years in to my 25 years. That demonstrated that it was service connected. Without a copy of my records, I wouldn't have been able to claim a hearing loss. If you don't make a copy, it can take a long time before your records become available through normal channels. My VSO made the copy for me. My retirement physical was two full days: one physical and a second mental health; sorry to hear about your experience.
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I went to DAV with a copy of my records and filed a VA claim when I was 30-90 days out (fuzzy memory). I had lots of documented stuff, VA did a physical and on the month of my retirement I got my rating.
My provider advised a monthly appointment the last 6-9 months on AD to get each thing documented. Go and get that sleep study. If you need meds or a device to sleep that impacts your disability rating.
My provider advised a monthly appointment the last 6-9 months on AD to get each thing documented. Go and get that sleep study. If you need meds or a device to sleep that impacts your disability rating.
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The Army isn't worried about us. Especially when we're on our way out the door.
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