Posted on Aug 1, 2018
Should I accept an MEB or or pursue retirement?
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Need some help here. Been diagnosed with "chronic" disease and will be receiving a MEB soon. But the PEBLO said most likely I'll be offered only 20 percent and not combat related. Therefore I'll get a Severance. I'm at 18 years and 7 months of active service. My concern is if I try to retire and get approved I'll only have about 9 years 8 months as a Officer, therefore not eligible for the Officer retirement. I know there was a exception to Policy for officers with 8 years commissioned service to retire as an officer...but read it was expired since they stopped TERA can anyone help me?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Medical Board
Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO)
CPT
Officer
Retirement Medical Board Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) CPT Officer
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 56
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From one who went through this at 18.5yrs in.....RETIRE!!! If for nothing else but personal pride, RETIRE. I know there was no way I could’ve stayed in, and I at the time was a hindrance to the team, but if I was just a bit better in conditioning, I would’ve fought for those last 18mos. Still got the ID card...:but it still stings to this day.
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SSG Warren Swan
MAJ Ken Landgren - Sir I wish. I wish I know then what I do now. The shit I would've told myself...… Besides we're Soldiers. I'm you and you're me. All in the same turret.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
SSG Warren Swan - Sometimes its hard to see straight when you are broken. You have to forgive yourself and drive on! Maneuver and fire!
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MAJ Ken Landgren
SSG Warren Swan - What poignant revelations did you learn through the Army, Life, MEB did you learn? As a commander sometimes I had to approach a soldier's wayward actions to the needs of the Army. When PTSD first struck I was at the 18 year mark. I soon learned that faking it was impossible as I was experiencing a down a downward spiral and knew I was a liability to the army. I saw and felt the intimations of an end to a long career. To the army I loved, I have become a hinderance. I was lucky as I knew a psychologist at Ft Campbell as he allowed me to maneuver through the mental health system.
I appreciated the WTU at Ft Campbell who allowed me to focus on healing. I must admit there is a dark side to WTUs and WTBs in the fact they often have rude personnel and the organizations think this behavior is acceptable. The first day at the Ft Riley WTB, I told a secretary I am going to eat lunch to which she replied I needed to ask my squad leader. A SSG squad leader yelled at me that he fucking owned me. That really riled me. At Ft Campbell a GS-5 secretary yelled at me like bloody murder and the organization felt nothing wrong with her behavior.
I went inpatient like 3 times which kept giving me time until I hit 20 years. That was really not my plan, it was just how my medical care evolved. Do I haver regrets? I sure do, but I don't live in the past. I am stable now however I feel numb, maybe being numb feels better feeling pain. I am seeking purpose, meaning, and a sense of awe. A sense of awe that gives my heart and mind a profusion of brilliance.
Were you a 19K? Please write more, I like how you articulate your thoughts.
I appreciated the WTU at Ft Campbell who allowed me to focus on healing. I must admit there is a dark side to WTUs and WTBs in the fact they often have rude personnel and the organizations think this behavior is acceptable. The first day at the Ft Riley WTB, I told a secretary I am going to eat lunch to which she replied I needed to ask my squad leader. A SSG squad leader yelled at me that he fucking owned me. That really riled me. At Ft Campbell a GS-5 secretary yelled at me like bloody murder and the organization felt nothing wrong with her behavior.
I went inpatient like 3 times which kept giving me time until I hit 20 years. That was really not my plan, it was just how my medical care evolved. Do I haver regrets? I sure do, but I don't live in the past. I am stable now however I feel numb, maybe being numb feels better feeling pain. I am seeking purpose, meaning, and a sense of awe. A sense of awe that gives my heart and mind a profusion of brilliance.
Were you a 19K? Please write more, I like how you articulate your thoughts.
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I’d use every delay I could and appeal to work towards retirement. I think if retired you draw pay at your highest rate. Also the Army and VA use different disability ratings. Throw every ailment you have and left the VA evaluate them.
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Sgt Albert Duran
SGM Herman Whitley, this sounds like a great idea to continue extending the time of service, and you can come up with one ailment to file for then appeal the decision each time. I hope this is correct as I can relate to the VA, and how much time it takes for them to do anything.
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CW3 Dan Mackey
Back and neck pain are very hard for them to dispute and they will spend a long time trying to figure out what is wrong so they don't have to pay you a high percentage disability. Not to condone fraud.
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If you have crossed the 18 year point I believe you can lock in your retirement. I believe the benefits or retirement far outweigh the MEB discharge. Push, delay, fight.
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