Is it possible to get convalescent leave for my spouse's recovery?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:36:12 -0500

Hello there all. Was wondering if anyone has had convalescent leave due to their spouse having major surgery (hysterectomy) She had to get one due to having uterus cancer stage 2. Now, we went off base due to the fact post hospital wanted her to have 2 major surgery's and have her be out even longer. The doctor we went to gave her a 6 week recovery where she is basically bed ridden and on heavy narcotics. I have three kids below the age of 8 and unfortunately we are not around family. How do I go about getting convalescent leave if I can

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jan 16 at 2019 10:42 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:42:19 -0500

i don't know if you can, some one with more experience will have to answer that. if you can't be there for her during her recovery time you could look into having a personal care assistant come to your house and help her out. i don't know if insurance will cover it, but it is another option for you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 10:50 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:50:52 -0500

Found this: Check it out in the regs but :

What Military Spouses Need To Do During Convalescent Leave

Just like any other ordinary employee, military servicemen also enjoy privileges of an emergency leave. There are several emergency leave available to members of the military based on their particular needs; and convalescent leave is one of those. As a military spouse, you play a very important part in taking care of your husband or wife; from the approval of leave to his or her immediate recovery.

Convalescent leave is a non-chargeable absence from duty granted to speed up a military serviceman’s recovery and return to full duty after an illness, serious injury or surgery. If in any case your husband applying for convalescent leave is capable of performing even the slightest job, then it is more likely that he will not be granted leave.

There are steps to be followed when applying for convalescent leave. If in case both of you are in the military and it happens that your husband is seriously ill and no one is expected to take care of him except you, then you are allowed to file for an emergency leave to fulfil your role as a military spouse. The following are helpful tips to make sure that you are following the right procedures and speaking to the right person for the approval of your leave.

◦Talk to your chain of command and discuss about your spouse’s condition. Based on the Army Regulation 600-8-10, you are allowed up to 30 days emergency leave in case your spouse is injured, underwent surgery or is seriously ill. Ask for permission that you are requesting a leave of absence.
◦You need to accomplish a Request and Authority for Leave Form. Be sure to fill out necessary information which includes, of course, your identification, your address in case you will be going to another place not your place of residence and the number of days you will be on leave. You also have to make sure you have checked the box marked “Emergency”.
◦After you have filled out all the important information in your leave form, you need to attach a copy of your Leave and Earning Statement. This is for purposes of determining how much should be charged to you. You are only allowed up to a certain extent depending on how much you are eligible to take.
◦Submit your application form including the supporting documents to your department’s personnel office. The personnel officer will be the one to hand your application to the commander and will return it afterwards.

Taking care of your military spouse in the event of serious illness and injury is something you should not take for granted. So make sure you have enough information regarding emergency leave to save you from any hassle when such situation comes.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 16 at 2019 10:51 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:51:48 -0500

Convalescent leave is for YOUR illness or surgery. You might be able to get some permissive leave or some sort of pass but you are going to have to get help. Talk to your first sergeant and the chaplain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 11:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 11:03:35 -0500

Commander can authorize up 10 days PTDY for you to be a “non medical attendant” or you can try emergency leave.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 11:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 11:34:45 -0500

I start convalescent leave for my spouse tomorrow, it is absolutely possible

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 10:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 10:56:47 -0500

Have you even tried talking to your CoC, or did you run to rally point first? Leave is entirely up to the commander. I had a buddy not come to work for 4 months for a very similar situation, but you have to communicate with your leadership.