Disability Opinions

[Mong00s3]

Hey everyone,

I am new here and in a state of confusion. I am having issues with the possible "MEB" process being thrown in at my separation. I have been going to physical therapy for the last four months for my back, shoulder and feet. I was diagnosed a month ago with two lower disc bulges and immediately after that they stopped my therapy. I am getting mixed information from the Medical Clinic here at Bragg and I am not sure if I will get MEB'd or if I will have to file a VA disability claim. I am looking for any help or information on what to expect because I am not getting much from the clinic (unless you count confusion). My back and shoulder have been documented as having problems since 2012, my feet issues since 2009, and my sleep apnea since 2012/2013. I have contact patient advocacy and have been put in contact with two Dr's or people on the MEB process but no one has seemed to want to talk to me. I am trying to find out if there is a high probability of me getting MEB'd and if so what should I look forward to and if not what should I expect from the VA in disability if anything at all. Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks.

V/r

Mong00s3

[Navy04]

I went thru the MEB/PEB process back in 2012, and was Medically Retired Feb 13 at age 30 after 10 years active, with 5 in OIF/OEF. I was in the new IDES program where I had my VA %s before I was retired. The whole MEB process can be quite stressful and sadly most of the folks on base don't have much experience with the process. Based on your Back, Feet and Sleep apnea issues, In my opinion I feel that you would be granted a good VA %, and still should be able to work when you get out, as long as you don't have a bad mental health issue. Only you can decide what is right for you and your family. I was retired out of nowhere, but I had education and was employed before I even was retired. Good luck and God Bless. We are here for you anytime. Make sure you let me know what is going on along the way, so you don't get screwed. I just had to help an E6 who was going to get low balled by the VA and his service.

[Chuck75]

Hey everyone,

I am new here and in a state of confusion. I am having issues with the possible "MEB" process being thrown in at my separation. I have been going to physical therapy for the last four months for my back, shoulder and feet. I was diagnosed a month ago with two lower disc bulges and immediately after that they stopped my therapy. I am getting mixed information from the Medical Clinic here at Bragg and I am not sure if I will get MEB'd or if I will have to file a VA disability claim. I am looking for any help or information on what to expect because I am not getting much from the clinic (unless you count confusion). My back and shoulder have been documented as having problems since 2012, my feet issues since 2009, and my sleep apnea since 2012/2013. I have contact patient advocacy and have been put in contact with two Dr's or people on the MEB process but no one has seemed to want to talk to me. I am trying to find out if there is a high probability of me getting MEB'd and if so what should I look forward to and if not what should I expect from the VA in disability if anything at all. Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks.

V/r

Mong00s3

I believe that you will need to file with the VA. How this is done while you are on actived duty is not something I'm familiar with.

The sooner you start the VA claims process, the better.

[Navy04]

Chuck the military has a new program called the IDES, I went thru the Pilot Program back in 2012. If his branch of service says that the MEB Panel approves him to Medically Retire or Medical Discharge then his branch of service will contact the VA. Then a VA rep will come to the base and gather his medical records and what Conditions to submit a claim for. The VA will then send him to local VA for C&P exams. VA Process is quite simple now while still active, then his claim will Complete and %s awarded just prior to retiring or discharging.

[Mong00s3]

I was told that even if I am MEB'd I will have to file for secondaries (ex. Apnea, hearing, optometry, etc...) I am gathering my forms and records now. The great thing about Bragg is they have guys called AMVET and they review your records and mark what is claimable so the VA can make it a quick and easy process.