Is there a regulation that covers heal time and recovery after surgery for soldiers with very little time left on their contract?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:12:57 -0400

Is there a regulation that covers heal time and recovery after surgery? Specifically for soldiers with very little time left on their contract? That’s the current situation I find myself in. Had to have my second knee surgery with just under 6 months left in service. The orthopedic doctor has said directly to me I could be fine but if I want to pursue extension on my contract that he would support me. I’d very much prefer to play it safe and extend, rather not end up in the situation where I struggle to find work and just worsen my injury. Looking through AR 601-280, I’ve found nothing yet that particularly pertains to my current situation. Any insight would be greatly appreciated or suggested course of action.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 5:39 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:39:07 -0400

Nature of the surgery if it matters is my first surgery was for meniscus and acl repair, torn from being airborne and having a few bad landings. ACL was repaired using a portion of my patella tendon. Second surgery was for a complete patella tendon tear and was repaired using my hamstring tendon. Nature of the surgery explained by the orthopedic doctor, it was a last ditch effort to fix it and if I tear my tendon again, there’s no fixing it. Expected heal time is between 6 to 12 months and going off my last surgery it’s going to be closer to 12 months. Also from my first surgery, the pin used for the new tendon backed out of the bone is floating in my knee. Not a pressing concern compared to my patella tendon but I may need another ACL repair surgery

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 12 at 2021 5:45 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:45:00 -0400

Talk to your command first and let them know.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 6:08 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 18:08:12 -0400

Not an answer to your question but advice nonetheless. Take care of your knees because you will really feel it in your later years. I like the advice given by CW3 Kevin Storm. I myself benefited from a commander who never gave up on me because of injuries. I kept him in the loop of my recovery. I also had a very good doctor who believed in my recovery and return to duty. Good Luck with your recovery Specialist!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 12 at 2021 6:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 18:26:10 -0400

This is a G-1 issue. You are not the first one in these circumstances.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 11:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:03:55 -0400

You're close to your ETS date, just walk in and extend. You don't need to have a reason as long as you're retention eligible - ie not flagged, barred, etc

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Apr 13 at 2021 7:43 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:43:09 -0400

When I try to "View Discussion," I get the kneeling soldier error page so I'm not sure if this comment will got through. I can see that SFC (Verify To See) replied, but can't see anything but his first sentence. That said, and "just in case:"
If anyone tells you the VA will pick-up your treatment or additional surgery, DON'T buy into that. My son ETS'd with various VA Disability ratings instead of a Medical Discharge. He did that because the college benefits were SO MUCH better than the GI Bill. However, he had to have his teeth pulled due to combat injuries, and was told the VA would do it, AND put in new, permanent teeth. Partly true! The local VA (OUTSTANDING) had to refer him to the Pittsburgh VA and a contracted dentist. They pulled ALL his teeth and said he'd get the new, permanent dentures (titanium I THINK?). That was TWO YEARS ago - they now say, "Oh, regular dentures will work fine!" He has temporary ones now.