Can my First sergeant and Commander initiate a MEB?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 15:55:33 -0400

I've dealt with ongoing pain that isn't expected to get better and my first sergeant and Commander told me they are going to initiate my meb about a month ago. I spoke to a nurse to see why I haven't heard anything about it since and she informed me nothing has started and that my command isn't able to initiate a meb only my primary care doctor is. Any insight?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 15 at 2019 7:02 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:02:22 -0400

The Command does initiate. The board is held at a much higher level than Company. A nurse would have no clue as to whether a unit has initiated proceedings. However, if you have not been issued a permanent profile there is nothing to initiate. Make sure your unit Doctor has evaluated and issued the profile. There are hurdles to jump for all, nothing is a given, not even a permanent profile. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2019 7:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:39:34 -0400

MEBs are initiated/triggered by receiving a permanent profile with a 3 in it and the recommendation for MEB. Your primary care provider usually will not be able to recommend that until you've been through all the steps of various treatments for your condition. Once you've gone through all the possible treatments, your profile is written and then reviewed by a higher medical provider who then signs off on it. No MEB can start until that permanent profile is signed by both authorities

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 15 at 2019 8:34 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:34:59 -0400

You maybe delayed for funding.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2019 8:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:43:33 -0400

If you receive a permanent profile an MEB should automatically be initiated. Once it’s initiated you should be seen for physical evaluation to determine your “readiness”, they conclude everything and you just go with the flow.

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made Nov 5 at 2019 7:40 PM

SGT Victoria Belbusti — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:40:44 -0500

No. A medical provider has to refer you to an MEB if they find a duty limiting issue or an issue that may be deemed unfit IAW AR 40-501. Doesn’t have to be your PCM. An Ortho PA started mine.