Exit Examination

[SpcDearman]

hello Family,

i haven't posted in a while but have been constantly thinking about my denial. I want to thank everyone that finally convinced me to start thinking about an IMO. I am waiting on my medical records that were sent on 11-14-12. For some reason I have not received this and I am about 10 miles away. I have a question though.

I was wondering if a soldier HAS to have an exit examination upon separation.

Also, has anyone here had an exit examination and advised of all that was wrong and not have any physical done or xrays done before separation.

I ask due to wondering that since I explained all of my issues on my last day of service why there were no xrays done then.

Thanks for the responses.

dearmeat

[john999]

I never had an exit physical. Majority of RVN vets who were ETS'ing out of Nam did not have exit physicals I think.

[Chuck75]

Supposedly there is a requirement for an exit exam. Mainly, it's to "check the box", and preclude "unjustified" claims after exit.

The Navy did do an "exam" when I was released from active duty in the 60's.

Basically, if you made it to the exam without assistance, you passed.

The doctor (actually done by a doctor, no less) cautioned me up front that unresolved medical problems would cause a "medical hold", delaying separation for at least a month or so. At the time, I was recovering from an operation, incisions were only partially healed, and I wasn't supposed to lift "heavy" things. I guess a 75Lb or so sea bag didn't qualify as heavy.

Anyway, it was obvious that I would be better off in the short term by going back home, and using private doctors to deal with any real problems.

As I understand it, these days, the quality and thoroughness of the exam at various locations and by different examiners varies tremendously.

[SpcDearman]

I never had an exit physical. Majority of RVN vets who were ETS'ing out of Nam did not have exit physicals I think.

From what I have been able to determine; the army and another branch started requiring this after 1994. i am attempting to find out why i wasn't given a physical upon exit. How can you deny a person saying his injury isn't service related when he complained about it BEFORE separation and was not given an exam when he complained about his shoulder upon separation. Seems as if the RO would say that the VA PCP's IMO is as least as likely if not Likely that this doctor is full of it.

[SpcDearman]

Supposedly there is a requirement for an exit exam. Mainly, it's to "check the box", and preclude "unjustified" claims after exit.

The Navy did do an "exam" when I was released from active duty in the 60's.

Basically, if you made it to the exam without assistance, you passed.

The doctor (actually done by a doctor, no less) cautioned me up front that unresolved medical problems would cause a "medical hold", delaying separation for at least a month or so. At the time, I was recovering from an operation, incisions were only partially healed, and I wasn't supposed to lift "heavy" things. I guess a 75Lb or so sea bag didn't qualify as heavy.

Anyway, it was obvious that I would be better off in the short term by going back home, and using private doctors to deal with any real problems.

As I understand it, these days, the quality and thoroughness of the exam at various locations and by different examiners varies tremendously.

Exactly. this was so informal that I even questioned him about it. He did my exam in the hallway with quite a few other soldiers present. He just stood in front of me checking boxes.

[john999]

Chuck

They told Army guys the same thing about medical hold who were ETS'ing out of RVN. These guys have been away from home for at least a year and they want them to stay around for an extra 90 days or something for an exam. Of course, they said "Forget it and just let me go". This was a policy to cheat vets. The army had lots of ways to not document possible SC injuries.

[Stretch]

In Naval Aviation we, a crowd of about 30 men getting out, were told to strip. I was one of them. One Doctor did the exam. He walked around the room, did the prostate exam, and asked us, as a group, if any of us had mental problems. Then he asked us if we had any other problems.

Of coarse everyone said no. There was not any privacy or detailed examination.

This was at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. in 1971.

Edited November 22, 2012 by Stretch (see edit history)

[Gridsmasher11]

When I was medically discharged in 1994 my medical exam consisted of the exam that was sent to the MEB/PEB board.It was a decent and thorough exam and listed all the concerns that I knew of at the time.Of the 4 items listed on it that went to the board the Army only rated one.But having these items listed on that exam helped me win my recent claims for Ples Planus and Knee issues plus Tennitis.....I was told that I could have another exam but that it would delay me getting out.By that time I was burnt out,treated as a Leper by my unit, and nearly a year over the time I would normally have PCS'd from Germany.I just wanted to go home and get started on my new life......Also how long have you been out.If it has been less than a year my understanding is that it is a lot easier to service connect with the VA....When you requested you exit physical did you request a copy of your MEB/PEB board proceedings.That will help you a lot.It was what helped me win my case and is a very important set of documents as it will show why you were medically discharged............Good Luck.....Grid

[71M10]

Well in 87 they did a ETS/Separation exam. The doctor doing the exam didn't like my chest x-ray, sent me for another x-ray, then sent me to see a specialist (Cardiologist), Cadiologist had a third set of x-rays done. Said everything checked out told me I was clear to ETS.

While outprocessing they asked if I had any medical conditions to claim. I indicated I had back problems and I think I might have heart problems because of the multiple x-rays and trip to BAMC to see a cardiologist. About this time the SGT incharge of the section steps up behind the clerk and says "if you don't have a diagnosed condition and you claim it, its fruad". Form is submitted with just the back condition.

I go to my VA exam in Feb 88, and under symptoms I relate that I would like a stress test, EKG, and chest x-ray per conversation with physician. Doc and I talk about that entry, I describe the multiple xrays and doctors consults on my exit physical and some issues from Korea. He does none of the requested tests.

Fast forward to 2007 when I get a copy of my SMR's from the VA. No exit pysical, test results or xray results from the exit physical in the copies. You wouldn't think I even had one except for two entries. The first, is a records transfer form that was signed by the VA for SMR's and Exit Physical (two separate check boxes for contents). The second, is an entry on the Chronological record of care where the Troop Medical Clinic dutifully noted that I had an exit physical.

Maybe in about 4 years we will see what the BVA has to say about this. More specifically was the requests for medical tests an informal claim? Especially since there was a diagnosis in the SMR for Hypertension. The way I figure it, its about an 18,000 dollar question.

Ultimately, if there was something they(Army or VA) didn't like in that exit physical, and it wasn't sent to another office for action, It will mystically disappear!

Dearman, Don't give up!!

[SpcDearman]

When I was medically discharged in 1994 my medical exam consisted of the exam that was sent to the MEB/PEB board.It was a decent and thorough exam and listed all the concerns that I knew of at the time.Of the 4 items listed on it that went to the board the Army only rated one.But having these items listed on that exam helped me win my recent claims for Ples Planus and Knee issues plus Tennitis.....I was told that I could have another exam but that it would delay me getting out.By that time I was burnt out,treated as a Leper by my unit, and nearly a year over the time I would normally have PCS'd from Germany.I just wanted to go home and get started on my new life......Also how long have you been out.If it has been less than a year my understanding is that it is a lot easier to service connect with the VA....When you requested you exit physical did you request a copy of your MEB/PEB board proceedings.That will help you a lot.It was what helped me win my case and is a very important set of documents as it will show why you were medically discharged............Good Luck.....Grid

i apologize for taking so long. No i did not ask for the MEb/Ped board proceedings. What is this? I actually was kicked out lol. I let them know that i was not reenlisting and they made my time to leave go from 30 days to 1 week. I even STILLy TA50 gear. I really love my old sleeping bag. :)

[SpcDearman]

Well in 87 they did a ETS/Separation exam. The doctor doing the exam didn't like my chest x-ray, sent me for another x-ray, then sent me to see a specialist (Cardiologist), Cadiologist had a third set of x-rays done. Said everything checked out told me I was clear to ETS.

While outprocessing they asked if I had any medical conditions to claim. I indicated I had back problems and I think I might have heart problems because of the multiple x-rays and trip to BAMC to see a cardiologist. About this time the SGT incharge of the section steps up behind the clerk and says "if you don't have a diagnosed condition and you claim it, its fruad". Form is submitted with just the back condition.

I go to my VA exam in Feb 88, and under symptoms I relate that I would like a stress test, EKG, and chest x-ray per conversation with physician. Doc and I talk about that entry, I describe the multiple xrays and doctors consults on my exit physical and some issues from Korea. He does none of the requested tests.

Fast forward to 2007 when I get a copy of my SMR's from the VA. No exit pysical, test results or xray results from the exit physical in the copies. You wouldn't think I even had one except for two entries. The first, is a records transfer form that was signed by the VA for SMR's and Exit Physical (two separate check boxes for contents). The second, is an entry on the Chronological record of care where the Troop Medical Clinic dutifully noted that I had an exit physical.

Maybe in about 4 years we will see what the BVA has to say about this. More specifically was the requests for medical tests an informal claim? Especially since there was a diagnosis in the SMR for Hypertension. The way I figure it, its about an 18,000 dollar question.

Ultimately, if there was something they(Army or VA) didn't like in that exit physical, and it wasn't sent to another office for action, It will mystically disappear!

Dearman, Don't give up!!

i am still waiting for my medical records. I have a test tomorrow for nerve damage and i will grab all of the record while i am there. Va said that they mailed it on the 13th and i live 15 miles away. Its on now VA.

[Gridsmasher11]

Dearman, were you medically discharged due to the medically problems relating to the accident you were in or did you ETS normally as a result of your decision not to reenlist?If you were medically discharged then you had to go through Med Board proceedings.This is what a MEB is and turns into a PEB if used to discharge you.Also did you have a permanent profile .My profile in the events leading up to my discharge went from a normal profile to a P3 from hell.Based on my profile I couldn't do the physical aspects of my job, couldn't wear a kevlar (so couldn't go to range to qualify),no running , no standing more than 20 minutes or sitting more than 20 minutes etc.In my Army of the 80s and 90s if you became injured or had a permanent profile all of a sudden you were a worthless, lazy,slacker..It didn't matter that previously you were an outstanding,competent and well respected NCO...I was accused of malingering, lying and being lazy.I even had my Platoon Sgt show up at 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt Germany to see if I really had an appointment or if I was shamming..He SAID that he had an appointment but we really knew what was really going on..I spent the last year and a half of my Army working outside of my unit and MOS.I was first a building coordinator and then worked at the bases post office until I started clearing.The Army then had a bad habit of treating their injured soldiers as worthless trash..I understand that today they do a better job.I sure hope so........................................When did you get out? Like I said previously if it under a year then the VA is supposed to consider claims as service related...........Good luck and don't give up no matter what.That is what they want you to do....................Grid

[SpcDearman]

Dearman, were you medically discharged due to the medically problems relating to the accident you were in or did you ETS normally as a result of your decision not to reenlist?If you were medically discharged then you had to go through Med Board proceedings.This is what a MEB is and turns into a PEB if used to discharge you.Also did you have a permanent profile .My profile in the events leading up to my discharge went from a normal profile to a P3 from hell.Based on my profile I couldn't do the physical aspects of my job, couldn't wear a kevlar (so couldn't go to range to qualify),no running , no standing more than 20 minutes or sitting more than 20 minutes etc.In my Army of the 80s and 90s if you became injured or had a permanent profile all of a sudden you were a worthless, lazy,slacker..It didn't matter that previously you were an outstanding,competent and well respected NCO...I was accused of malingering, lying and being lazy.I even had my Platoon Sgt show up at 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt Germany to see if I really had an appointment or if I was shamming..He SAID that he had an appointment but we really knew what was really going on..I spent the last year and a half of my Army working outside of my unit and MOS.I was first a building coordinator and then worked at the bases post office until I started clearing.The Army then had a bad habit of treating their injured soldiers as worthless trash..I understand that today they do a better job.I sure hope so........................................When did you get out? Like I said previously if it under a year then the VA is supposed to consider claims as service related...........Good luck and don't give up no matter what.That is what they want you to do....................Grid

No i was not medically discharged but if the army would have done its due diligence by ordering xrays then I would have been. I honestly have had no accidents since discharge and never even worked out.