Should I accept an MEB or or pursue retirement?

Sir, do anything and everything you can to get that retirement. Just my two cents, but your entire future is at stake.

Once you hit 18, they can’t just put you out, they have to allow you to go to 20. Look it up

I think you should find out more I should not say this but Because you are and officer and should know the in and outs of these issues But I believe they still have to let you get your twenty years since you have over 18 years now But do what you have to do

You can look up your conditions here to see what you are entitiled to.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/

I'd go for retirement. If I could have done it all over I would of if I had a choice. Look at the VA Pay scale for disability percentages this will help you decide. I am 70% right now which I only make about $1566 with two dependents. 100% percent Disability is only about $2900 a month without dependents.
This can help you calculator your VA disability https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-calculator/

If you have the chance to establish your medical status before you go to the VA, you should. You will need to have your medical status established at the time of your retirement, because your disability percentage will determine your tax exemption, you should make sure that is done while you are on active duty.
Since you are so close to retirement, I would go ahead and do that. But, don't stop your medical evaluation, unless you are very close to being chaptered. Either way, you will be able to receive compensation for your active and/or Reserve service.

Retire!!!!!!!!!!! If you retire you get 50% forever and if VA is 50% or more you can get concurrent receipt.
If you MEB you might get a check but you won't be able to collect VA. MEB will give you a disability check. VA is a disability check. You can't collect 2 disability checks.
If you MEB you don't get the same benefits as retiring.

Dude..once u hit 18...it takes SECARMY approval to seperate you..and they know it. Go to JAG ASAP!!!

Fight the medical. As you do the final physical list every problem you ever had, head to toe,finger tip to finger tip. Get every medical record copied. This is what the VA is goign to treat, many times the VA will refuse to treat certain problem without documentation. This is also what they end up compensating you for. Before you leave the military have you first VA appointment set up as it will take a couple months. You take a copy of you ETS physical with you to your compensation physical. This will not be the time to play tough guy and the pain no gain. Its time to admit things hurt.

Use every possible delay and appeal to get your 20.
In my case the VA and Army rulings were the same, might be different for you.
You can always apply for CRSC after this has run its course, if you have deployment(s).
Your definition of "combat" may differ from the Army determination of combat.
This difference may benefit you, depending on your circumstances.
Good luck. Stall as long as possible.