I am active duty Army, and have had 2 major back surgeries in the past 2 years. It is no secret that my Unit wants to get rid of me because I am filling a slot that someone who is able to deploy could fill. I have a very unique leadership structure because I am stationed at an Air Force Base. The person who has been appointed to "oversee" my medical situation is the Deputy Commander (an 0-5) and he has atleast held the false face of having my best interests in mind.
Recently, I was referred to a neurosurgeon for what everyone involved in my care viewed as a last chance to save my military career (prior to an MEB/PEB). The doctor told me (as expected) that there was no surgical solution to my problems. I have permanent nerve damage in one leg and STILL have back pain. He recommended that I see a pain management doctor to control my long term pain.
I give you this background so you can better understand what has become my problem. When I brought this info to the LTC, which he has required that I report status updates directly to him as tey occur, he said that he was going on leave for 2 weeks and I need to research it during that time and if no resolution was made HE would contact my doctor to initiate the MEB. I figured I was out of options and accepted this fate. I had already researched the MEB/PEB process. I was always a little "put off" by his need to contact my surgeon (an Army ortho guy, that I HAD a good relationship with). He has admitted on more than one occassion that I have always told him exactly the same story he got from my doc, so I wondered why he felt the need to discuss it with him and even emailed a lawyer I had doing some research for me about the legality of it all. Well, when he returned from his leave, we met, and he told me that on Friday (this was a Wed.) he was going to call the doc to initiate the MEB.
On Thursday, I had an appt. with a pain mgmt. doc who offered another surgical solution for my consideration. If successful it would alleviate 50% or more of my pain which I believe would make me "fit" and salvage my 15 year career. When I brought this to my LTC, he completely dismissed it, said my situation had gone on long enough and that he was initiating the board anyway. He plans to contact my doctor tomorrow to proceed with the board.
I have emailed/called the lawyer at JAG unsuccessfully everyday. I NEED to know what my rights are. Can he initiate a board against my will when there is a potential procedure to make me fit for duty? Can he discuss my case with my doctor? My doctor who had been VERY approachable over the past 2+ years is now mysteriously not answering my emailed requests for help, either. Does anyone have any assistance they can offer? Thanks in advance.
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gineric12
I am active duty Army, and have had 2 major back surgeries in the past 2 years. It is no secret that my Unit wants to get rid of me because I am filling a slot that someone who is able to deploy could fill. I have a very unique leadership structure because I am stationed at an Air Force Base. The person who has been appointed to "oversee" my medical situation is the Deputy Commander (an 0-5) and he has atleast held the false face of having my best interests in mind.
Recently, I was referred to a neurosurgeon for what everyone involved in my care viewed as a last chance to save my military career (prior to an MEB/PEB). The doctor told me (as expected) that there was no surgical solution to my problems. I have permanent nerve damage in one leg and STILL have back pain. He recommended that I see a pain management doctor to control my long term pain.
I give you this background so you can better understand what has become my problem. When I brought this info to the LTC, which he has required that I report status updates directly to him as tey occur, he said that he was going on leave for 2 weeks and I need to research it during that time and if no resolution was made HE would contact my doctor to initiate the MEB. I figured I was out of options and accepted this fate. I had already researched the MEB/PEB process. I was always a little "put off" by his need to contact my surgeon (an Army ortho guy, that I HAD a good relationship with). He has admitted on more than one occassion that I have always told him exactly the same story he got from my doc, so I wondered why he felt the need to discuss it with him and even emailed a lawyer I had doing some research for me about the legality of it all. Well, when he returned from his leave, we met, and he told me that on Friday (this was a Wed.) he was going to call the doc to initiate the MEB.
On Thursday, I had an appt. with a pain mgmt. doc who offered another surgical solution for my consideration. If successful it would alleviate 50% or more of my pain which I believe would make me "fit" and salvage my 15 year career. When I brought this to my LTC, he completely dismissed it, said my situation had gone on long enough and that he was initiating the board anyway. He plans to contact my doctor tomorrow to proceed with the board.
I have emailed/called the lawyer at JAG unsuccessfully everyday. I NEED to know what my rights are. Can he initiate a board against my will when there is a potential procedure to make me fit for duty? Can he discuss my case with my doctor? My doctor who had been VERY approachable over the past 2+ years is now mysteriously not answering my emailed requests for help, either. Does anyone have any assistance they can offer? Thanks in advance.
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