What should I do if my chain of command isn’t taking my profile seriously?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:56:01 -0400

Last month i’ve gotten on profile because i’ve been having sharp stiffness throughout my back for more than 5 months. I’ve gotten a referral to see a chiropractor and i’ve been going to pt that was specifically for people on profiles. I’ve gotten prescribed muscle relaxers which haven’t been helping. But recently my chain of command especially my platoon sergeant have been downplaying on my back problem and saying i’ve been milking it, along with saying that it’s just a boo boo and not an actual injury, explaining that i’m not even hurt. I’m only 20 years old and the simplest things would make my back hurt for days. My profile says not to be carrying or lifting more than 10 pounds but my leadership would force me to do it anyways. We went to a field recently and I asked them if I could just pack the materials I needed into a smaller pack so it wouldn’t exceed more than 10 pounds and they refused to. We also have a field coming up soon, and they want me to reschedule my appointment just so we can go to a 3 day field even though I’m not an essential and what we would be doing would break my profile. I don’t know what to do

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:09 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:09:46 -0400

Use Battalion Commander or CSM'S open door policy. They cannot force you to break your profile. If BC or CSM aren't helpful, file IG complaint because what they are doing is unlawful and is causing you physical harm.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:14 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:14:35 -0400

Use your chain of command. If your Platoon Sergeant is noncompliant with your military profile, go up to the next level.
Go to sickcall and document each new injury/pain.
If your command fails to abide by your military profile and they exacerbate your condition, it could be their careers.
Make sure you are doing everything you can to get off of your profile. If your conditions remain an issue longer than a year, you may be required to appear before a medical board.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:21:43 -0400

Speak with your First Sergeant and give him a chance to correct the situation BEFORE you take it outside the Company. MHO

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Mar 24 at 2021 12:33 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:33:17 -0400

Chain of command first. Follow the regulations. Then, if needed see a Chaplin. If you really need to, go on leave and see a civilian doctor in the emergency room. Just tell him you have severe back pain-which is the truth. Because that way Uncle will cover the bill and you get a non military second opinion. If it is a bad problem, go for a separation with a disability. You will probably need one of those remf's from Jag. (Rear echelon- you figure out the last 2 yourself) Bottom line is that you're not doing anybody any good and actually you would be a danger to yourself and others if your back is badly messed up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 12:50:19 -0400

Start working out on a stationary bike or elliptical machine. Those will loosen your back up in no time. Most all back injuries are due to lack of physical activity. If you would rather be lazy and stay on a lazy man’s profile, get out.

Response by SSG Dennis Mendoza made Mar 24 at 2021 1:00 PM

SSG Dennis Mendoza — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:00:13 -0400

I'm actually going through the same, had hernia surgery after having been diagnosed 15 months prior with a hernia and now having the pain return and my entire side under my rib in constant pain. My unit is saying that I need to be out there to be a section chief for mlrs m270 launcher. The doctor that modified my profile said now should be in that launcher, so now the battalion commander has referred to the brigade surgeon so he can over ride the profile. They're currently in the field and upset cause they had to leave me behind for this live fire, i just want to heal so I can be able to breath without pain from time to time. I've already been told by medical that if I'm unable to heal, they're going to med-board me. It's mentally stressful and I understand what you're going through.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 24 at 2021 1:10 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:10:26 -0400

Best advice I ever got from a chiropractor was to work out and stretch your hamstrings. It takes a lot of pressure off your back. Once I started that (using Yoga, pilates) I never really had back problems.

As of your profile, you have it for a reason. Make sure your Chain understands you aren't milking it. Your PLT SGT is not a doctor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 1:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:15:43 -0400

As someone that has been dealing with lower back issues for 6 years, I can tell you that if you don't step up to be your biggest advocate then no one else is going to. Only you know your body. Discuss the severity with your CoC. They need to understand that forcing you to violate your profile is not only unlawful, but it will also lead to you simply being on profile longer as you exacerbate the issue with everything they have you do that violates the profile. If you CoC is unhelpful all the way up to your BC level then it's time to get IG involved. I never did and I promise you I regret it every morning when I wake up and it takes me an extra minute to get out of bed.

Response by SPC Cathy Goessman made Mar 24 at 2021 1:44 PM

SPC Cathy Goessman — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:44:55 -0400

Been there. Done that. It sucks. Unfortunately the only thing that finally allowed my back to heal was getting out at my ETS date since my unit wanted to play the whole "well, your profile doesn't specifically prohibit....." game. On the bright side once my back finally healed it hasn't given me any trouble for the last 9 years so don't get discouraged that you will be like this the rest of your life. :)

Along with what others have been saying about holding your unit to the profile I would encourage you to push for an MRI or other imaging. The doctor acted like it was this massive chore and they were doing me a big favor to finally refer me to get one SMH but having that imaging show an issue can go a long way to getting the command to leave you alone. And it might show why your back is not healing. 5 months is now a chronic issue and it needs to be looked into further than just throwing drugs and profiles at it.

You should also be asking about physical therapy. Emphasize to the doctors that you WANT to return to normal function and go out to train with your unit. When I looked through my records after getting out I found that multiple doctors had noted that I expressed frustration at not being able to get off profile and stay off so I could do my job. They noted that I wanted to train with my unit. This led them to make referrals or request imaging rather than just slide me another profile. It's also ammo if your unit thinks about pushing for a malingering charge like they did with me. Apparently they called about it and a doctor set them straight. LOL I was told about it later.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 4:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:01:08 -0400

If the PSG isn't helping, go higher until someone does listen.

Look through AR 40-502 Medical Readiness as well.

"If a leader decides against the PA's recommendation in a profile, the Soldier may turn to the inspector general (IG) for support. It is a good idea for leaders to meet the IG representative early in their command or responsibility. This will alleviate friction later. Another important person to meet early on is the legal representative for the battalion. It is smart to consult with the IG and legal representative when faced with complex issues."

https://www.army.mil/article/179909/managing_the_health_of_the_force_a_primer_for_company_leaders

Managing the health of the force: A primer for company leaders

Company commanders and first sergeants need to know how to manage the health of the force using profiles, systems and software, and health care providers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 6:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:26:54 -0400

There is a lot going on here. A profile shouldn't last that long without it being adjusted. Your providers shouldn't be letting this happen. A temporary profile should be there to aid in the recovery process. If you are not recovering then what is the point of the profile? You should be looked at for a possible medical separation. You shouldn't be going to the field or missing appointments. The issue that you are facing is that the providers at your clinic may just be hoping it resolves itself while you may need to be assessed at a higher level. Your PSG doesn't see you getting anymore care so they assume that you don't need it and that you are fine. I would try to get an appointment with your provider to adjust your profile and discuss your future in the Army.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2021 7:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:29:53 -0400

As on who suffers from back injuries I've found that exercising in heated pools help and back massages do wonders. So if there is no heated pool on post then ask that you be sent out into the community to PT folks with such a setup. In fact in a few hours that is where I will be. Exercising in the pool then walking on the treadmill in the pool. I get the exercise in without the strain on my back if I did it out of the pool.

I miss my weekly massages though. Hopefully my therapist will be back up and working again soon.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 25 at 2021 10:48 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 10:48:59 -0400

I recommend three things:
-Use your unit first sergeant's open door time to meet with him or her and discus the problem. First sergeants often mentor more junior sergeants. Be prepared with paperwork and specific instances when your PSG asked you to violate your profile.
-Talk to your medical provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) who diagnosed the problem or issued the profile. They can talk with your unit commander if necessary to emphasize the need to support your following the provider's instructions.
-Do your best to follow all of the medical service's orders. Don't blow off restrictions or medication when the problem starts to get better, but isn't cured. Work hard at physical therapy. Keep a positive attitude.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2021 1:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 13:35:02 -0400

Your Platoon Sergeant is NOT a doctor. Therefore, their "medical opinion" means two things: Jack and Shit and Jack's out of town. Elevate this issue with your Platoon Leader. If no corrective actions are taken, elevate to your unit Command Team. If that don't work, keep going higher. Get your Provider involved.

Response by MSgt Dusty Storms made Mar 29 at 2021 9:00 PM

MSgt Dusty Storms — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 21:00:13 -0400

See if the doc will speak with the CC

Response by MSgt Dusty Storms made Mar 29 at 2021 9:03 PM

MSgt Dusty Storms — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 21:03:48 -0400

...after exhausting your chain of command. Agree with previous post that if they won’t listen. IG it up