Posted on Dec 3, 2018
Is there any way for a Chapter 5-17 to turn into an MEB or even an MAR2?
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Hello all RP members. I haven't been on here in a while so excuse my absence. But I'm looking for guidance and mentorship now, yet again. Some information has recently come forward about my future in the Army and it's not looking good for me. I was called last Friday by my PA that she was going to initiate a Chapter 5-17 on my behalf. Reason being was that my chronic pain isn't something that makes me eligible for an MEB but also won't allow me to continue serving. According to her and the MRI images, there is no significant structural damage within my knees but they did discover degenerative disorder within my knee (basically beginning stages or arthritis.) I'm currently a 68W and have been in for almost 5 years. I would love to continue my service and finish my reenlistment obligation but I'm not sure if it's possible. What should my next course of action be? I'm going to attempt to speak with the PA as well as the commander to see if I can continue. But is there anyway a 5-17 can turn into an MEB or even MMRB? Thanks everyone for your service. Serving to heal. Drive on. Ai-ee-yah
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Posted >1 y ago
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I wasn’t given the chance to get it. Injured my shoulder on a tank hatch and got the 5-17 Commanders Release Honorable Discharge. It’s bullshit. Wasn’t even given the opportunity to go to the VA representative office, asked many times.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Justin, I understand man. Thankfully the OMBUDSMAN is fighting for me as we know that a 5-17 isnt a medical discharge. It's an administrative separation. The only way to medically separate someone is to go through the IDES process and send them to a MEB. Whether or not they get compensated for it is none of the PAs problem. I'm sorry you had to go through that and didnt have anyone to fight for you
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Are you still able to get a decent job under a Chapter 5-17 due to medical reasons?
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
It really depends on what you're looking for. Alot of jobs could aggravate your injuries so it wouldnt be something you want to do. Also like me, I want to he a nurse long term so my knee Injuries dont fare well for me to get vocational rehab to pay for my schooling. It all comes down to whether or not you can stand the pain or uncomfortability of your injuries. Hope this helps
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Do not go for it . chapter 5-17 bars u from getting compensation for ur injury. you must receive a medical discharge
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
A 5-17 doesnt bar me from getting VA compensation. It would only bar me from army comp. Which I've looked into since being through this issue. I'm being thrown through the ringer and was advised that I should be getting an MEB instead of chapter but i cant make it happen. Its up to my PCM
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SGT C Davis
Yes a 5-17 does not bar you from VA compensation. I was discharged chapter 5-17 for Adjustment Disorder. Initially was given 70% disability compensation from the VA, which I appealed and was given Individual Unemployability, which means I am considered 100% permanent and total disabled and get all the pay and benefits that come with it. It’s really hard to get compensation from an MEB. The VA is much easier. Get somebody to represent you. I got someone from the Marine Corp League which is a government organization so she did not take any of my money. They are paid by the government to help veterans with their claims. One of the smartest things I have ever done was get help from her. Changed my entire life
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SPC (Join to see)
so the question is can you claim the VA is you get a 5-17 involuntary separation chapter?
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