Epts Discharge Army

[rebago]

Hello! Not sure I am putting this in the right place or even if I am in the right forum. Please forgive. As a mother of a son who wanted to be a soldier, I am here.

Long story short, son joined the Army Reserves. Went off to AIT Aug 14 2008. Week 12 of AIT (of 14 weeks) called and said he had nerve damage in his feet and was put in the Medical Holding unit. Needless to say, no graduation for him. Today he called and said he was being medicially discharged. Injury EPTS. He said that his webbed toes (yes, he has two of them on each foot) and the bone structure of his feet made this an injury that existed prior to service.

Now, excuse me. But he has never been to the Dr ever for his feet. He has never had pain or issues with his feet. Obviously, after reading the rules online about pre-existing conditions this would be one (ie. birth defect) but the Army took him with this being quite obvious by just looking at his feet. I would say this nerve damage that has occurred, at the very least, was aggravated by service.

Anyway, my son said he signed something today to start the discharge. He is 18 years old. Does not know the ways of the world. I am looking out for him and do not want him to sign his life away in case this leads to permanent issues with his feet. Even if it doesn't, it is a matter of principal for me.

What advice do you have to give as to how he should proceed? He is home for Exodus on the 19th but then back again on Jan 1 until at least Feb 09 he said till the discharge.

Thanks for any help or advice you can give.

[Psiber]

Whatever you do, make sure he applies for VA benefits as soon as he is discharged. I was in a very similar situation over 20 years ago and I didn’t know at that time that I might qualify for VA benefits. Trust me, it is a lot easier to prove service connection right after discharge than it is after over 20 years. Even if it is only 0% now, that could be huge down the road when he gets older. These things don't go away they just get worse with age.

Also, make sure your son knows that even though he didn’t go off to war or even finish his training he is still a vet and should be proud of his service. Good Luck.

[Ricky]

With any PEB action he has certain rights. He needs to speak with a JAG attorney at the base he is at. They should be more than willing to assist him.

Once he is discharged his Tricare coverage will end. Since his discharge is being based upon EPTS there will be no immediate VA assistance either. He will have to file a claim and prove aggravation. This will take a while.

As to your insurance coverage - had he applied to any schools prior to enlisting? If so you may want to speak with them about his status. If not then I am afraid that he is stuck with all medical costs after his discharge.