MEB and PEB Process as of June 2016

Updated as of 11 July
I felt the need to create this post. It has been very difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I am being forced into the MEB process. However, I felt it was important to provide some new information related to the Army's New Profile system and the recent downsizing that will take place. This will be a very difficult time for me and my family, but I will do everything to give you as much insight as possible as to how this process is going. It is not like the old, slow MEB where you had a year to 15 months to adjust. With the new draw down, the overall IDES process is no longer than 290 days with an appeal. This will be a living document. If you find this helpful to you in any way, please comment so that I know. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Again, this is my personal experience. Your's may be different.

BACKGROUND:

I am a 41 year old Sergeant in the U.S. Army with only 5 years of service with one deployment to Afghanistan and one overseas tour to Korea. I tore my right rotator cuff after we redeployed back to Fort Hood. My doctors decided to go with a "Conservative" approach to my care so I was given steroid injections a T3 (Temporary) Profile and told to take it easy. Fast forward...received orders to Korea. When I got there, the first thing out of my new doctor's mouth was "How the hell did they let you PCS with a T3?" He updated my profile with gym PT and physical therapy. In Korea, physical therapy consists of heat, ice, TENS, or in my case Battlefield acupuncture (hurt like hell). Halfway through my tour, I was diagnosed with  TBI from being knocked unconscious with a softball and Stage one breast cancer. This put off my shoulder surgery and meant that I was on temporary profile for the entire year.

Fast forward....I get to Fort Gordon in March 2016. By June 2016 the new profiling system had been implemented. I had now been on profile for 700 days! Every soldier with who had (1) been on T3 or T4 profile for more than a year or (2) had a P3 or P4 profile was now being recommended for a medical evaluation.

Ye vs. THREE

Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)

The MEB is an informal board comprised of at least two physicians who evaluate the Soldier’s medical history, condition, and extent of injury or illness, and recommends whether or not the Soldier’s medical condition will impede his/her ability to continue serving in full duty capacity in his/her office, grade or rank. The MEB does not drive any personnel actions; however, the findings of the MEB are referred to the PEB, which reviews all MEB documentation to formally determine if the Soldier is fit for continued military service and eligible for disability compensation. The MEB process is usually complete within 90-100 days of initial packet submission and evaluation outcome; however, each case is unique and may take more or less time to complete.

**The informal PEB reviews the MEB evidence of record to determine a Soldier’s ability to perform military duties. The formal PEB is a formal hearing that can be requested if a Soldier does not concur with the informal PEB’s findings. For additional information on formal PEB procedures, visit the U.S. Army Human Resources Command Physical Disability Agency.

Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)

If the MEB finds the Soldier unfit to return to duty in his/her MOS, the Soldier is referred to the PEB. The informal PEB evaluates the Soldier’s medical information, MOS, and other factors to determine the Soldier’s:

• Fitness to continue military service
• Eligibility for disability compensation
• Disability codes and percentage rating (ranging from zero to 100 percent)
• Case disposition
• Whether or not the injury or illness is combat-related

MEAT & POTATOES

Ok so here's what you need to know NOW!

1. Don't panic! 

Just because you have been recommended for a MEB does not mean that you are getting kicked out of the Army. It is just an evaluation. I'm not going to lie, I did a lot of crying when I found out. But the more information I received, the better I felt.

2. Request a copy of ALL of your medical records! TIME NOW!

Go to Out Patient Records and request a copy of your medical records. You are entitled to one FREE copy of your records for life, so make copies, scan them, give copies to people you trust; do whatever you need to do to make sure that you will always have access to them and they are protected. You will also be able to get any updates to your records for free as well. 

3. Take notes. Write down all of your injuries, illnesses, and surgeries that you have ever had since joining the Army. This doesn't mean make up shit! When most people get in front of the board, they brain dump because they are nervous and forget half of what they want to say. You should get your medical records in about 2 weeks. STUDY THEM. Look up anything that you were diagnosed with and see which disability category it fits. You can find the disability percentage schedule by clicking here. 

4. Start keeping a journal.

Take note of all phone calls, appointments and meetings that you have regarding your MEB. 

5. Don't do this alone.

If you are trying to fight the MEB to continue service (those with 15 years or more may want to hit that 20 year mark) start with your Commander. Let them know that you want to be retained and request that they write a Letter to Continue Service on your behalf. Also, email all of your doctors and request a Plan of Action. This is a statement that lets the MEB or PEB what your plan is to recover from your injury to become deployable. Re-classing is also an option, but usually reserved for those that have 15 years or more in service.

However, if you already have a good understanding about your injury and the possibility of you becoming fit for duty is low, then you need to start talking to EVERYONE. By everyone, I mean, that old DoD Civilian that is medically retired and knows about the MEB process and what benefits you are entitled to. You will be assigned a PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) who will have a Contact Representative who will be the person who will schedule your appointments and put you in contact with your PEBLO when they can't be reached. They will also be able to help, but it may be a week before you meet them and by then you have probably worried yourself to death!

THE MEB PROCESS

TIMELINE

I have just started my process. Here is my timeline so far and they are already 3 days ahead of their projected time frame. Like I said, your's may be different.

1 June 2016-ARMY WIDE PROFILE SYSTEM CHANGED

7 June 2016- T3 profile changed to P3 in MEDPROS due to new profiling system effective 1 June 2016.

8 June 2016- Received phone call from Profile Manager that based on the number of days I had been on temporary profile, the Commander for Soldier Care at Eisenhower has recommended that I have a Medical evaluation. The MEB process begins when the service member’s physician refers him to the IDES because of a medical condition that is not expected to improve enough for him to return to full duty within one year.

9 June 2016- Ms. Walker from Eisenhower Medical Evaluations called to say that she had started my packet and would be requesting a copy of my medical records.

16 June 2016- Finally approved for shoulder surgery. Assigned a PEBLO, Ms. Grant

17 June 2016- (11:09 am) Called and left message for PEBLO to contact me (I had been calling her Ms. Brant, which might explain why I never heard from her)

17 June 2016- (2:04 pm) Called PEBLO. Left message.

20 June 2016- Surgery scheduled for 20 July 2016. (10:31 am) Called PEBLO; left another message.

21 June 2016- Requested copy of all of my medical records

22 June 2016- Received call from Contact Representative, Ms. Leggett (very nice lady) who scheduled for me to meet my PEBLO (finally) on the 23rd and to attend a VA Brief on the 28th. She also sent me an email with some forms that I would need to bring with me.
23 June 2016- My husband and I went to meet with my PEBLO. She had been on leave so she hadn't gotten any of my messages. Her main focus is getting me through this process. She advised that I reschedule my surgery but my Physical Therapists said absolutely not! I will end up waiting another year and having it done by the VA!After the referral is submitted, the service member is assigned a PEBLO who helps counsel and guide him throughout the IDES process. It is the PEBLO’s job to ensure that the MEB Process proceeds smoothly.
27 June 2016- Appointment with VA Rep- Ms. Garlick to start In-service VA Claim. She recorded any medical issues that I wanted to have reviewed or rated with the VA. She also records all marriages, dependents and legal issues you may have.Once the service member meets with his PEBLO, his case file is forwarded to the VA Military Services Coordinator (MSC). The MSC helps file the VA Disability Claim and schedule the C&P Exam(s).
28 June 2016- My husband and I attended the IDES Briefing (held each Tuesday from 0900 to 1130 on Fort Gordon) where you will get a brief from a PEBLO, VA Medical Appointments Rep, Vocational Rehab Rep and a MEB Attorney. I would highly recommend that you and your spouse (if you have one) attend this briefing. It was extremely helpful.
1 July 2016- QTC called to schedule all of my MEB VA appointments.
6 July 2016- Picked up my medical records (they were actually ready on the 23rd but I had been busy). Received FedEx packet from QTC with all of my VA appointment documents. You should receive a packet for each medical issue that will be evaluated. I immediately began combing through my medical records to match them with each evaluation appointment. 

QTC C&P Exam Appointment Notification

C&P EXAMINATIONS

I had my first C&P exam at the QTC facility on 7 July 2016. I was being evaluated for my TBI and PTSD. I was beyond nervous. I had read all of the horror stories of doctors who left out symptoms and did not have the supporting medical records so I made sure that I had my copy in hand. Without going into too much detail, I will tell you that this doctor was extremely patient and thorough. He would ask me questions, I would answer them and he would confirm my answers. He performed tests and allowed me to give the details that I wanted him to know. I didn't need to go to extreme measures to convince him what was wrong with me. I am hoping that my next appointments are this thorough.
Once the C&P Exams are complete, the results are sent back to the PEBLO, and the service member’s physician submits a medical report (called a “Narrative Summary” or “NARSUM”) to the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The purpose of the NARSUM is to simply describe the history and severity of the service member’s medical conditions and their impact on his ability to perform his job duties. The physician also offers an opinion on whether the conditions are Service-Connected and EPTS.

In addition to the NARSUM, a statement is also submitted by the service member’s commander that notes how his medical conditions interfere with his ability to do his job. The service member can also submit a personal statement concerning his conditions, if he’d like.


The MEB Process continues with the MEB reviewing these reports and any other relevant medical and administrative records. After their review, the MEB determines the medical acceptability of each of the service member’s conditions. The MEB then compiles a report, called the Medical Evaluation Board Proceedings, and submits it to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
1. Be prepared! Actually read your medical records and look for the diagnosis.
2. Know what the VA doctor knows. Go over the VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQ) for each of your issues. I even printed out a copy just to make sure that the doctor did not skip anything. 
3. Be honest! These are professionals who have gone to school for a very long time. But don't sugar coat it. If on your worst day, you couldn't walk or go outside because your migraines were too intense, then tell them that. It's that simple.

WEBSITES THAT WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS:

• Schedule for Rating Disabilities
• Compensation Rates
• What is MEB and The Soldier's Role in the Process
• The MEB Process

My Experience with CoolSculpting

7/7/16**see updated photos below**

So there's this new "Secret" to weight loss that I decided to try. Let me first start by saying that I am by no means a vain person who is obsessed with my looks. Don't get me wrong; I love to look and feel beautiful, but on most days I don't even like to wear pants! For the past year, I have had a profile for a torn rotator cuff that has severely limited my running. The entire time that I was stationed in Korea, I was cursed with medical issues...TBI from being knocked unconscious by a softball, breast cancer and the surgery that followed from that little discovery and of course my left and right torn rotator cuffs. Long story short, I had put on some pounds in places that I just wasn't happy with.

I started my research and had originally planned to have a mini tummy tuck to address my unwanted fat and stretch marks all at once, however, I was about $1,700 short (the total with anesthesia and hospital stay was $6,700). I started my research online searching, reading, studying and looking at every article and picture I could find. After my tummy tuck plans were squashed, I decided to make an appointment at Augusta Plastic Surgery for a consultation. I was excited to learn that not only could I afford CoolSculpting, but I didn't need to ask for any time off from work. My problem areas are my Bra fat and Love handles (see below)

So let's cut to the chase! What is CoolScuplting?!
It is literally FREEZING YOUR FAT AWAY! No shit! I sat in a reclined chair for 2 hours (an hour for each "Love Handle") watching Family Guy with my husband.

Hubby watching TV

 How does it work?
1. The Fat Really Gets Frozen
Applicators fit stubborn areas on your body.
The area is treated for 1 hour at safely regulated temperatures that damage the fat permanently.

2. Your Body Gets Rid of the Damaged Fat
Approximately 25% of the treated fat is systematically  removed by your body safely over the course of 1-3 months PERMANENTLY.

3. You continue to maintain or lose weight, maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and your results are visible. You are Thinner.
(courtesy of Augusta Plastic Surgery website, 21 June 2016)

Here's what will happen:
1. You'll be placed in a room where you will undress the area(s) where the CoolSculpting paddles will be applied. Once you are undressed, someone will come in and take A LOT of pictures of you. Don't hold in your stomach or try to look skinnier in any way, this will not give you the true results that you will be looking for later.

Me waiting for the procedure to start

2. You will sit or lay down (depending on your area) and a the technician will placed the coldest piece of cloth on you that you have ever felt in your life (this is the worst part). This layer is placed on your skin before the paddles to protect your skin.

This is literally sucking on my fat!

3. Each area will take exactly an hour so charge your phone or bring a good book. Or you could just watch TV like I did.

Right side

4. It's going to be cold! After the first 7 to 10 minutes, it won't feel so intense. It will feel like someone is just holding your skin very firmly. No pain.

5. After you're dressed you will schedule your follow-up (normally after 6 weeks) and you are on your way!

After the session. Frozen Fat!

So here's the part that sucks ass and some tips:

• You are going to be very bruised and a little sore. They will give you some Biofreeze to help with the soreness. Wear a good pair of Spanx to keep your skin from moving too much. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
• On the 2nd day, it's going to itch like HELL! Take the Benadryl and keep on that Spanx!
• By the 3rd day, the itching will be a little more intense and you will be swollen. My itching seemed to be the worse at night.
• You can do anything your normally do, it's just going feel weird. That entire section is going to be numb, sore and itchy all at the same time!
• Don't look for results. You are going to drive yourself crazy like I did taking daily pictures. Just don't do it! You already know that it will be at least 8 weeks before you will really see the difference. 

So here I am at 6 weeks (I will post the update on my next appointment)

I love that fact that I keep loosing inches, however I have not lost any weight. I actually gained 3 pounds! My clothes fit like they are supposed to fit and I actually have the motivation to get back into running to try and enhance my results. Some things to consider: this procedure isn't recommended for those who are considered obese. Although, I did see a picture of a lady who was very large. She had some body changes, but unless she has several sessions in the same areas, the majority of her fat will remain. For more info, check back on my blog and go to the Augusta Plastic Surgery website. They are awesome!

*******UPDATED PHOTOS (Taken July 5, 2016) 90 Day Mark*****

sy o

Let me reintroduce myself....My name is ALLEN!

Soooo... apparently some time has passed since I blogged so I won't try to catch you all up in this one post. However, in the past year and a half, I have spent a year in Korea, received a concussion from being knocked unconscious by a softball to the face, beat cancer's ass, and moved to Fort Gordon, Georgia. Whew!! I admit, I'm not very good at blogging. My communication skills are.....well.......horrible. I hate talking on the phone, it normally takes me about 2 to 3 days to text back and I love the sound of the comfortable silence with a friend, including my husband! LOL! But the reason for the reintroduction is to tell that I am stepping out on faith! After years of just taking pictures and teaching myself the ropes of photography, I have decided to start my business! 

WELCOME TO CHOLE' ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY!! 

I'm so excited about this venture that it's all I think about. Yes, I'm still Active Duty, but that doesn't mean that I can't take pictures in my free time (don't laugh, sometimes the Army gives us free time). I. Love. Taking. Pictures. And I love when people love what they see when I take their pictures! The entire time that I was stationed in Korea, I took pictures. So many, that my Company and Battalion Commanders had me create Facebook pictures for both units to share the photos that I took of our training over there.

So make sure you check out my website www.chole357.wix.com and go like my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cyapics/ !

Having a Son Like Mine

...making sure that the fettuccine alfredo he ordered is not garnished with parsley, but is completely homogenous in color.
...finding his toys, pencils or other random items arranged in straight lines on the floor.
...carving out plenty of time for homework.
...explaining figures of speech or euphemisms.
...knowing that a bath may invoke a tantrum if he sees a speck of dirt in the tub and perceives it to be a bug.
...understanding that him burying himself in a blanket or a pile of pillows makes him feel better and to let him have his space.
...peanut butter and Nutella are always on the grocery list.
...accepting that wearing his Ninja costume is considered putting on clothes for the day.
...picking out pants at the store that pull up and down easily without a lot of buttons, snaps or fasteners.
...making sure that he has plenty of pairs of gloves to wear in the house....no matter what the temperature is.
...understanding that there is a difference between "Toy Story", "Toy Story 2" and "Toy Story 3", and not being offended if you are corrected by him.
...being corrected...a lot.
...accepting the fact that hugs may be one-sided sometimes, but he wants them just the same.
...planning ahead and sharing the plan the night before so everyone is on the same page.
...reminding him not to pull out his hair.
...having an expert in the house when it comes to remembering which military tank, aircraft or weapon is which.
...never having to wonder what he really thinks.
...laughing every day as honest observations are revealed and shared about the world around us.
...resting in the confidence that "I love you" is always, always sincere.
...loving someone more than you ever thought you could.

At My Wits END!

This has been an extremely trying week and its only Wednesday! So let me back up to Tuesday to give you some insight on how stressful this week has been. It started with a phone call from my husband telling me that the school will probably calling me to have me come pick up our youngest son, Caden. Now Caden has been going through some changes. We are not quite sure what's going on.  We have been told that he may be ODD we have been told that he may have  ADHD. However one thing is clear, he is not the same little boy that he was a year ago.

His temper has shortened to the degree that the moment that he is upset he becomes violent and combative with the teachers and assistant principals in his elementary school. His principal is concerned because she feels that Caden is a brilliant 6 year old that is struggling to reconcile his maturity with his intelligence which makes complete sense to us. The problem is he just can't continue to fight and scream and cry when he gets upset. So today my husband informed me that the therapist would like to place him in a partial placement treatment program where he will be monitored so that the therapist and school officials can see what his triggers are, how he is feeling, how long it takes for the medication to take effect, when it wears off and things like that. I'm feeling a little sad because I know it's necessary but there's nothing I can do to help my little boy. When he told me yesterday that he just wants to be a good boy and he doesn't know what's wrong, it broke my heart.

The worst part is that I'll be leaving in about 30 to 35 days and my husband will be left alone to struggle to get our son on the right path.

LASTLY, today I realized that it was our 3 year anniversary at Fort Hood. At that very moment I read an email telling me that I had been assigned to Alpha Company, 304th ESB HQ Platoon at Camp Humphreys, Korea. Ironically, this is the same unit my 1SG became an NCO. The feeling of fear, excitement, worry, and slight panic rushed over me all at once. 

I'm basically an emotional wreck! I'm excited about this change and an opportunity to reinvent myself and grow. But it's getting harder and harder for me to leave my boys when they need me so much.

Time To Grow Some Money $$$

4 years and 11 months ago my husband and I decided to file for bankruptcy. This was not an easy decision because I automatically associated Bankruptcy with FAILURE.  Both my husband and I had masters degrees.... we had good jobs.... we paid our bills.....and we didn't live lavishly. However with some state budget cuts and economic difficulties which led to both of us being laid off in 2008, we found that we were bringing in less than half of our normal income; roughly $50,000 short of what we normally made for the year. During these past four years and 11 months we've had to budget very tightly. I struggled with this because I'm used to buying the things I want to buy when I want to buy it. I'm also an emotional spender. However, for the past 6 weeks, I'm proud to say, that I have been saving CONSISTENTLY and without fail!! It doesn't seem like a long time but it's a big accomplishment for me.

I decided to take the 52 week challenge about month and a half ago after realizing that we did not have money saved to travel home for my husband's grandmother's funeral. I'm using my two older boys savings account to practice doing this and my own savings account as well.  Each account already had a few dollars in it (my two older boys had $2 a piece and I believe I had 3 in my savings account) and so for the past 6 weeks I have successfully saved $21.03 in each account. Again,not a big deal to many, but a big deal to me. Every Sunday I have a reminder for my calendar to send in each week's appropriate amount and no matter how much money I have in my checking account I pay that bill. Below is a picture of the 52 week challenge and it's pretty simple:

Week 1-deposit $1
Week 2-deposit $2
Week 3-deposit $3
By the end of the year, you will have saved almost $1,400!! Pretty cool huh?

I'm hoping that by the time I have to deposit $50 or $45 that I will have a little more income. I'm adding in the fact that on February 1st I will have paid my very last amount for our bankruptcy to the trustee and we will officially be out of bankruptcy!!!

Here are 2 ways to make the challenge even better:

Way #1: Automate

How to automate the 52 Week Money Challenge Chart:

1) Open up a FREE, NO FEE, Savings Account. I suggest using an online account, so you won’t have easy access to your money. Online accounts typically take 2-5 business days to withdraw funds. This will discourage impulse spending. Use MagnifyMoney.com to help you choose the best bank for you. I currently use Ally Bank. They have free, no-fee savings accounts that take less than 7 minutes to open online!

2) Set up automated transfers (on the same day each week) from your regular bank, to your new, online Savings Account. Most banks have an online calendar where you can schedule transfers (when and how much). I encourage you to set up the transfers in bulk, a month/4 at a time, or do the whole year. The scheduling should take a matter of minutes and this service is FREE! You don’t have to do the transfers manually each week, unless you think you may not have the funds available in your regular bank account and want to avoid over-drafting.

3) Make sure that you have the money available in your regular bank account each week.

4) Sit back and watch your money AUTOMATICALLY grow and grow and grow!

Automation is the new discipline. :)

Way #2: Reverse It

As you well know, most people don’t stick to New Year’s Resolutions. The reason being is that as the year wears on, your resolve diminishes. I suggest saving $52 in week 1, and $1 in week $52. In this way, the closer you get to December (and holiday shopping), the less you’ll have to save.

I've also signed up for the Live Richer Challenge . This plan promises to help you achieve your  financial goals in 36 days! I invite you to join me. SIGN-UP HERE NOW: http://www.livericherchallenge.com/

It begins in January 2015. I'm hoping to see 2016 with less worry about money.

And so it begins....

Ugghh! So it's official. I will be PCSing to Yong San Korea unaccompanied in the next 45 days. Although I've had my official orders since August, I say it's official because I had actually tried to change my mind and just deploy to Korea with my current unit. But long story short, the unit couldn't justify being over strength in my MOS.

So now I'm going through "THE PROCESS" of clearing. This is a tedious process that can sometimes be out of your control. For instance, in order for me to get my clearing papers to start clearing post, I must have my DA31 (Leave form) signed. But before the Commander will sign my DA31, I must have my award, Change of Rater and NCOER! This means that I will have to harass my Platoon Sergeant to write all of these documents like YESTERDAY! And in order for me to get my flight date I need the DA31 (sigh). I also have to get approval from the Housing Command Sergeant Major for my family to stay in housing while I am away. Again, it's a process. 

My plan is to start my leave January 15th 2015 with my 10 days Permissive TDY. So I have to start cracking the whip with some people real soon! I already have my appointment with Transportation to come pick up the few items that I'm taking with me on January 10th. I'm not sure what exactly I'll need, so I've reached out to a Senior NCO who I've known for a while that was just stationed in Korea to give me some guidance.

I'm hoping that this will be a painless 1 year tour.