Posted on Jul 3, 2023
Is it possible to have an MEB completed entirely in Korea if I don't want to PCS to a CONUS Soldier Recovery Unit?
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Medical Board
Medical Board
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
So, unless things have changed in the last 10 years, IDES processing is not available in Korea. The Medical Management Center (MMC-K) will do what they call "Pre-IDES processing" in doing the paperwork to screen you for entry into a SRU based on complexity of care requirements.
Your MTF will conduct and "informal MEB" to determine if your duty status is affected by your medical status and if you will go to a MEB (in other words, entered into the IDES process). If you are referred to a MEB, you will be PCSed out of country because one of the components of a MEB cannot be completed (there is no VA medical in country). Most often they will send you to the SRU in Hawaii unless there is an SRU near your HOR or near another family support structure.
Additionally, if the determination by leadership is that you cannot conduct "emergency operations, deploying, or fighting for an extended period", you will likely be sent out out theater because of the overarching Fight Tonight focus.
You're not going to have a choice in the decision. You can try to influence it of course and I believe you can appeal the decision to refer you to a MEB, but it's not your choice.
Your MTF will conduct and "informal MEB" to determine if your duty status is affected by your medical status and if you will go to a MEB (in other words, entered into the IDES process). If you are referred to a MEB, you will be PCSed out of country because one of the components of a MEB cannot be completed (there is no VA medical in country). Most often they will send you to the SRU in Hawaii unless there is an SRU near your HOR or near another family support structure.
Additionally, if the determination by leadership is that you cannot conduct "emergency operations, deploying, or fighting for an extended period", you will likely be sent out out theater because of the overarching Fight Tonight focus.
You're not going to have a choice in the decision. You can try to influence it of course and I believe you can appeal the decision to refer you to a MEB, but it's not your choice.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you COL. I am not trying to fight the decision, but the doc who is writing my NARSUM and initiating the MEB said that it could take 3 to 6 months to pcs to a SRU and I do have a condition that prevents me from firing a weapon. I was just wondering if there was any meb related tasks I can complete in theatre if I'm stuck here for 6 months and apparently automatically deemed unfit for duty due to my diagnosis and the medication I am on. But now I know the answer, thanks Sir.
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COL Randall C.
SSG (Join to see) - That's a bit longer of an estimate than I recall (the majority will be done in 1-2 months with more complicated ones taking longer than that). The part I overlooked in what I stated above is that if after the MTF does their "informal MEB" (that should be quick) and finds that you 'might' need to go to a MEB, it's sent off to the Pacific regional medical command in Hawaii for a full evaluation.
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Average length of an MEB is around 100 days, give ot take. But if the evidence required is missing, not submitted, or the PEB send it back, it could take longer. So, to your question. Is it possible? Yes, depending on when it was started.
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