Posted on Nov 6, 2021
Am I crazy to even consider a 5-17 chapter at around 15 years and 5 months of active Federal service?
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In October I want to see a PA about my achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis how it's worsening and to request a 5-17 chapter. The PA said that I must see podiatry, I mentioned to him that I have seen a podiatrist before. He still refer me to see podiatry. When I attended my appointment the podiatrist said that have a lot going on medically and if I've ever thought of an meb. I told her that I would take a 5-17 chapter so I can stop being an inconvenience and a nuisance to my unit and the Army. 2 days later I went to physical medicine and met with that doctor, after this cussing what's been going on in the last two months since last time I seen her. And how my back is worsening after NTC, because it was discovered that I have over a dozen bulging and diffused disc and a pinched nerve in my neck and my right arm goes numb. Also I have sleep apnea and I have to carry a battery pack to try to use it in a rocket launcher, which that was proven to be impossible because I have nowhere to recharge the battery pack.
So my question is should I just request a 5-17 chapter or go with the MEB?
That's also point out that the unit and the clinic will prolong it because of my current MOS.
So my question is should I just request a 5-17 chapter or go with the MEB?
That's also point out that the unit and the clinic will prolong it because of my current MOS.
Posted in these groups: 
Medical
Medical
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 12
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Technically, you can't request a 5-17 chapter, your Commander has to initiate it. Contrary to popular belief, it's not a medical chapter, it's a chapter for medical issues that can't really be pinpointed. Your issues don't fall into that category.
Second, yes you would be absolutely idiotic to push for a separation that offers no medical benefits when you clearly have medical issues.
Would you tell one of your Soldiers to do that? Would you tell them to forfeit tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in future benefits to their selves and families over the next 50 years? I seriously doubt it. So stop entertaining the idea for yourself. You're not a burden, the medical system is there to support you when you're broken.
Third, I realize that you're feeling broken and believe this may be the end of the line for you. However, ask about a medical reclass, a MAR2. The difference in pay between being medically retired retiring with disability is literally over double. If you can just hold out five more years the difference in pay is huge. If you receive a medical retirement right now you would receive about $1,500 month, max. That's retired base pay x multiplier of your rating which can only max at 75% for pay. That's good, but not great. There's other perks like tricare as well.
If you get to 20 years you'll have 50% of your base pay, a little over $2,000 plus your disability payments - up to $3,400 (tax free) depending on your rating. You have enough stuff wrong with you that you could reasonably get a 100% P&T rating.
So, think about your future self, your spouse and kids. Do what you have to do to take care of them
Second, yes you would be absolutely idiotic to push for a separation that offers no medical benefits when you clearly have medical issues.
Would you tell one of your Soldiers to do that? Would you tell them to forfeit tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in future benefits to their selves and families over the next 50 years? I seriously doubt it. So stop entertaining the idea for yourself. You're not a burden, the medical system is there to support you when you're broken.
Third, I realize that you're feeling broken and believe this may be the end of the line for you. However, ask about a medical reclass, a MAR2. The difference in pay between being medically retired retiring with disability is literally over double. If you can just hold out five more years the difference in pay is huge. If you receive a medical retirement right now you would receive about $1,500 month, max. That's retired base pay x multiplier of your rating which can only max at 75% for pay. That's good, but not great. There's other perks like tricare as well.
If you get to 20 years you'll have 50% of your base pay, a little over $2,000 plus your disability payments - up to $3,400 (tax free) depending on your rating. You have enough stuff wrong with you that you could reasonably get a 100% P&T rating.
So, think about your future self, your spouse and kids. Do what you have to do to take care of them
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
SFC (Join to see) You're right just frustrating at times I just want to get back to how I was. It's been a long year and no-one can pinpoint completely one of the medical issues but literally just found out about my spine, i did bring up to the doctor about the MEB having me to reclass back to signal cause I was a 25B and definitely didn't do as much standing in a hatch of a launcher of course which seems to have assisted to worsen my legs, feet, and ankles. Will definitely take your advice, it's just going to be a long process, going through this. Thank you for the advice.
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Why take the 5-17 and possibly miss out on disability? Dude, if you have 12 bulging disks...that's just under half of your entire spine. I recommend the MEB...but, does your PCP you will need one? Have you been given a perm profile with a 3 in any of the categories?
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SSG Dennis Mendoza
No I understand but the providers in my brigade are not any helpful. It's because I'm a 13m and they're needed cause they're always short. It's just I've been on temporary profile for about a year on and off and I feel like I'm an inconvenience in a nuisance to the unit. They've actually have taken me off the no gear temp profile so I can go to NTC which when I try to wear my gear i was in a lot of pain and then i did the rest of NTC refusing to wear my gear at the hatch of the launcher. The physical medicine doctor she's going to recommend for an MEB but I know that takes a very long time, so I'd rather just make it easy for them and requester 5 - 17
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SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
SSG Dennis Mendoza - You need to get a permanent profile - and you will probably get a 3 at a minimum which would trigger a MEB.
If you're not getting taken care of by your provider(s) you're assigned to with your unit, take it higher. Go to patient advocacy at the hospital on base. And if your company leadership is not letting you take care of medical, go higher until someone listens.
Who cares if people think you're a "nuisance?" They'll continue on without you when you're out of the Army - but they won't be their to take care of you if you need help because you get so broken you can't take care of yourself.
At this point - focus on yourself. Honestly f* your unit if that's how they treat you. And f* making it "easy" for the unit. They aren't making anything easy on you to get medical treatment.
Sometimes you gotta put yourself first.
If you're not getting taken care of by your provider(s) you're assigned to with your unit, take it higher. Go to patient advocacy at the hospital on base. And if your company leadership is not letting you take care of medical, go higher until someone listens.
Who cares if people think you're a "nuisance?" They'll continue on without you when you're out of the Army - but they won't be their to take care of you if you need help because you get so broken you can't take care of yourself.
At this point - focus on yourself. Honestly f* your unit if that's how they treat you. And f* making it "easy" for the unit. They aren't making anything easy on you to get medical treatment.
Sometimes you gotta put yourself first.
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Take the MEB!!!! You’ll get medically retired possibly at this point. Even if not you’ll get 100% disability through VA. Do what is best for you.
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