hypertension What Are My Chances For Tdiu Or Ssdi

[mrjenks]

I am about to get medically retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service for Type II diabetes. Even though that is what they are retiring me for, I have other issues that I will be claiming for service connected disabilities through the VA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Type II diabetes

Bilateral Pes Planus

Hypertension

Recurrent Hemmorrhoids

Lumbago

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Herniated Disks L5-S1

Erectile dysfunction (secondary to hyertension)

Most of the other issues bother me, but not as much as the Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Type II diabetes. I fall asleep at my desk daily. I am in a management position and the people who works for me look after me when this happens. They do tease me about it which is all in good fun. I hate to say it, but I have to fight to keep myself awake when I am driving home from work. It's pretty bad. On days I don't work it is not a problem with driving, but if I have to sit in front of a computer, I am done I will fall asleep eventually. Not for long but long enough for people to notice. Even with my CPAP, it is not the cure all I thought it would be. My job is an office administrator for the past 23 years so sitting at a desk is what I do. With my Type II diabetes, I take insulin and medicine called Metformin. The insulin I can handle, the metformin makes me sick as a dog, but it keeps my blood sugar at the necessary level. It is a necessary evil I guess. With the Sleep Apnea and the sickness from my meds, I am at least 40-50% working compacity. And that is everyday. I haven't felt well for a long time. Being in the military I am kind of supported in a way. When I retire, and get a job in the civilian world, I want have that support in the work place. I know once I fall asleep at my desk the first or second time, I am sure I would be fired. Who would hire someone and pay someone who falls asleep at his desk.

My question what are my chances of asking for TDIU or SSDI...????? I am not the type of guy that just not want to work, but I can't work at full compacity the way I feel daily. It really sucks when you get up in the morning and you feel like you haven't slept a wink, the body gets worn down and that is how I feel.

Any info or advice.....?????

[mrjenks]

I'm going to be blunt (like I always am). You said in your post "...if they say I am fit for duty then I am good to go..."; yet you are trying to get TDIU if you are medically retired????

Can't have it both ways. Either you can work or you can't.

Purple,

you are who you are....so be blunt....when I say I am good to go, I mean I can retire on my own terms without the Air Force putting me on a time limit (90 days). I have served my country 23 years and I think I deserve more than that. I don't want to be forced out and then given a ridiculous time to get out without giving me time to prepare myself. I can work and willing to work. I have been doing it for 23 years. Like I said in my previous post, I have support within my office as of right now. I fall asleep and they wake me up.....I probably want be able to do that in the civilian world. Yeah I can work within the confines of my office, not sure I can get away with sleeping at my desk in the civilian world. If they say I can be returned to duty, I will apply for retirement like I was going to in the beginning. I couldn't because the MEB takes precedence.

Carlie,

I do not have a rating yet. The 60% is what I am guessing at with my Sleep Apnea and Type II diabetes with my other service connected medical issues. I have already turned in my medical records to the VA and have gotten back the response to my SC issues. I signed that paperwork and now I am waiting for my exam. I have no idea what the Air Force rating will be. Regardless, I want take it because my retirement will be more I am sure.

[purple]

I was just saying by you stating that you can work yet asking about TDIU kinda contradicts itself.

I myself went through an MEB...it's an ugly process to go through.

[Commander Bob]

After Tet of 1968, We couldn't even step foot in a VAMC, until we were officially out of the military... Many of us were reassigned to complete our active duty time at our parents homes, while waiting for our Chapter 60 retirement, or discharge. A real limbo.....been there,...done that...

Edited August 21, 2009 by Commander Bob 92-93

[mrjenks]

After Tet of 1968, We couldn't even step foot in a VAMC, until we were officially out of the military... Many of us were reassigned to complete our active duty time at our parents homes, while waiting for our Chapter 60 retirement, or discharge. A real limbo.....been there,...done that...

Now, active duty have the opportunity to apply for their disabilities through the VA before they get out, if they are on their way to retirement. You can even have your VA disability payments approved and started upon your official retirement day depending on how much you accomplish before your retirement date.

[Commander Bob]

I am about to get medically retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service...

I understand your dilemma. It sounds like you enjoy your duty assignment. The U.S.A.F. is a great family to work for. No matter how the PEB goes, I just want you to receive all the benefits you deserve as a career service member. Good luck.. Please keep us posted. Best wishes.

[carlie]

Now, active duty have the opportunity to apply for their disabilities through the VA before they get out, if they are on their way to retirement. You can even have your VA disability payments approved and started upon your official retirement day depending on how much you accomplish before your retirement date.

Is this through the BDD program ?

carlie