Posted on Feb 15, 2023
Is it possible to still go to my reclassification school while going through the MEB process in the Army Reserves?
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Hello, so I found myself in a bit of a predicament. I apologize for the length.
For the past couple of months I have been on a temporary profile with the Army Reserves. I had a undocumented injury that caused me to start having back pains in 2017. Unfortunately, I never reported it because I was under the impression that medical conditions or injuries would have me separated from the Army. Fast forward to 2022, I only received a temporary profile for my back because I was in a car accident and it essentially agitated a pre-existing injury. Since the accident (Aug 2022) I have been receiving care from a physical therapy, chiropractor and pain management specialist.
During my second temporary profile my caseworker asked for a 30 day update, to which I responded with a DA7809 and my MRI results. I was told that I would be receiving a P3 profile. At first, I was fine with the profile because I knew that with a temporary profile I would not be able to participate in an ACFT, and having a permanent would allow me to participate with alternate activities. However, I later learned that a P3 was “MEB” status and i would have to be reviewed for retainability. My prognosis was lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica with a bulge disc (L4-L5). I don’t feel as though the injury is serious enough for me to not to be able to perform my duties. I just needed things to be at my own pace for now.
My question is what can I expect now that the Army is potentially looking at whether or not I am retainable. I had zero intention of getting out anytime soon. I was actually in the process of going to my residency phase school to reclass as a 35F. Unfortunately all schools have now been placed on hold for me even though I have a reserved seat in ATTRS because of this flag. I guess my question is there a specific timeline? Is there anything I can do to help my case, any documents or second opinion from my other civilian doctors that I can get and submit in order to show that I am not permanently unfit also, is there a way for me to continue going to my reclass school while awaiting this process to be done? I’m sorry if I am unclear.
For the past couple of months I have been on a temporary profile with the Army Reserves. I had a undocumented injury that caused me to start having back pains in 2017. Unfortunately, I never reported it because I was under the impression that medical conditions or injuries would have me separated from the Army. Fast forward to 2022, I only received a temporary profile for my back because I was in a car accident and it essentially agitated a pre-existing injury. Since the accident (Aug 2022) I have been receiving care from a physical therapy, chiropractor and pain management specialist.
During my second temporary profile my caseworker asked for a 30 day update, to which I responded with a DA7809 and my MRI results. I was told that I would be receiving a P3 profile. At first, I was fine with the profile because I knew that with a temporary profile I would not be able to participate in an ACFT, and having a permanent would allow me to participate with alternate activities. However, I later learned that a P3 was “MEB” status and i would have to be reviewed for retainability. My prognosis was lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica with a bulge disc (L4-L5). I don’t feel as though the injury is serious enough for me to not to be able to perform my duties. I just needed things to be at my own pace for now.
My question is what can I expect now that the Army is potentially looking at whether or not I am retainable. I had zero intention of getting out anytime soon. I was actually in the process of going to my residency phase school to reclass as a 35F. Unfortunately all schools have now been placed on hold for me even though I have a reserved seat in ATTRS because of this flag. I guess my question is there a specific timeline? Is there anything I can do to help my case, any documents or second opinion from my other civilian doctors that I can get and submit in order to show that I am not permanently unfit also, is there a way for me to continue going to my reclass school while awaiting this process to be done? I’m sorry if I am unclear.
Posted in these groups: 
Discharge
Medical
Reclass
35F-Enlisted: Intelligence Analyst
Career Counselor
Discharge Medical Reclass 35F-Enlisted: Intelligence Analyst Career Counselor
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 3
You're not going to reclass while in a MEB. It matters not how you feel regarding your injury. It is up to the Medical Doctors reviewing your case. As for the length, they take as long as they take. You're now in a medical holding pattern. However, if they determine you are now unfit, medically, to be retained, then you will begin the separation process.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
If I get a second opinion from my physical therapist and possibly an update MRI do you feel that would help my case at all ?
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MSG (Join to see)
SPC(P) (Join to see) if the prognosis and MRI are showing improvement, provide that to the MEB. It couldn't hurt your case
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Short answer-NO, MEB normally trumps all. Why would HRC send you to reclass if the MEB could show you the door? Service does not have $$ to waste. When the CoC reports MEB underway- HRC should send amended orders.
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As you stated yourself you had an old injury, unreported you took it upon yourself not to report for personal reasons. Then you aggravated the injury in an accident. You think you are fine as long as you can move at your pace for a while. What happens when you aggravate the injury and have to move at your own pace better Year what happens when you have a sciatic attack and in a combat zone while defending a oerimeter.
Bottom line is that there is a minimum pace for all of us, we have to keep up. Disc issues do not go away on their own. Military service will only continue to agaravate your back and likely make it worse. What is best for you and the military is what should occurr. Good luck.
Bottom line is that there is a minimum pace for all of us, we have to keep up. Disc issues do not go away on their own. Military service will only continue to agaravate your back and likely make it worse. What is best for you and the military is what should occurr. Good luck.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
With all due respect I never stated that the injury would go away on its own. I do see a physical therapist and pain management specialist who can both attest to my progress and their expected outcome.
Thank you for your response.
Thank you for your response.
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