What is the timeline for a decision on a compassionate reassignment?

2018-02-15T13:27:12-05:00

We arrived at ft stewart end of July 2015 not even a month later our 3yr old was hospitalized for her breathing (oxygen level at 88-89)after the 3rd day a Dr came in and said we over reacted it was a cold (umm ok) since we have been here she has been to the ER 14 times hospitalized in Nov 2016 four 4 days and then again in September 2017 this time she was rushed by ambulance and sent to Savannah and put in ICU for 24hrs she had to be given magnesium because her muscles were so over worked trying to breath. Next step would be intubated she was then moved to the children's ward for 3 days. All of this has been because of breathing issues. After her last stay and being on steroids 11 times and antibiotics 8 not to mentions constant breathing treatments, steroid inhaler, rescue inhalers (we were using her rescue inhaler so much tricare wanted to start charging us). She was finally put on ADVAIR 2 puffs twice aday (still needs her rescue inhaler every day). We finally turned in compassionate reassignment paper Oct 5 2017 HRC received it Nov. 13 we never heard anything countless times my husband would ask his S1 I would call begging for answers finally end of January someone at HRC was willing to talk to me they said they didn't have this or that saying she was only hospitalized once back in Aug. Of 2015 but we gave S1 everything I even got her prescriptions printed out highlighted what was steroids what was antibiotics everything. Mind you she was on steroids so much it messed up her stomach she takes meds meant for people with ulcers. This has been nothing but a battle. We even explained when we got to Wa state to visit every summer for 2m she never needs her inhaler she is a normal kid running around playing swimming and as soon as we got back here she has breathing problems. When we got back Aug 2 of 2017 she was put on steroids twice within 3wks of eachother that's when she was sent to ICU in Savannah put on steroids there then continued steroids when we got home. I just want answers on to why it is taken so long. Has anyone else gone through this?????

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-02-15T14:51:47-05:00

Sounds like s1 lost paperwork or someone in the chain doesn’t really care. I would keep submitting your paperwork until finally someone listens. Keep and make copies of everything. I would also try to have your husband sit down with his chain of command and show how serious this issue is..it might help if everyone has a clear idea of what’s going on.

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Feb 15 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-02-15T15:02:02-05:00

My advice, if you cannot wait any longer, is to call your US Senator or Representative's office. I don't know the protocol for approving compassionate reassignments, but I do know that the Chain of Command will act quickly if/when a member of Congress is involved. You should also meet with your post / unit Chaplain. They can advocate for you.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-02-15T15:13:38-05:00

In all reality-- it has only been 3 months since the paperwork was received-- assuming it was all received. Usually (at least in the Navy) Sailors are recommended to start negotiating orders 9 mos out and are supposed to have orders in hand 6 months before a transfer, and having to re-submit paperwork is not altogether uncommon. As much as it feels like a lifetime for you, 3 months really isn't that long. You also have to consider that the Army has to find a billet in the desired location for your husband and has to find a replacement for him in his current billet. It is a process that takes time. I understand you are frustrated, but as much as your family and your situation is YOUR priority, the people at HRC have a whole Army to worry about.

What I would recommend-- if you believe your daughter is being damaged by the current environment and will do better in WA-- take her to WA on your own and let your husband follow when the orders get through. Not what you want to hear, I'm sure. I'm also assuming (since you mentioned a 2 month visit to WA) that you have family/ friends there who could provide somewhere to live until he is able to follow or until you can find and set up your own place there. You will likely have to front the cost of the move until the orders come through with funding for the move, but that is a small price to pay when the health of a child is on the line.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 3:36 PM

2018-02-15T15:36:14-05:00

S1 didn't lose your paperwork, and the person talking about waiting 9 months for orders is not applicable to this situation.
Compassionate reassignments are processed fairly quickly when HRC has all the relevant information. From what you're saying, they have a little bit of documentation saying she has allergies and you want to go to WA.
What they need is a very clear medical recommendation from her doctor stating the problems that she has and that the best course of action is relocation. In addition, she should be seeing a specialist and enrolled in EFMP.
Once you've got all that, the process is a few weeks and you'll be on orders and able to leave almost immediately.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 4:11 PM

2018-02-15T16:11:18-05:00

RESPONSE TO COMPASSIONATE ACTION REQUESTS

DA HRC will respond to compassionate requests via EDAS vice electronic message. Processing of compassionate requests is normally completed within 7-21 days. Soldiers should check with their S-1 for status of request.

^ That's from the HRC website.

AR 614-200, Chapter 5, Section III, 5-9 through 5-17 cover compassionate reassignments and EFMP. Your husband should be able to pull it up on apd with his CAC. I was going to C&P it but there was a lot of info there.