After multiple delays, what can I do to get PRK before my ETS?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 17:04:17 -0400

Dropped PRK packet in AUG2018 and it got approved. I received the packet back in SEP2019 and scheduled my appointments. By November I was getting ready to schedule my actual surgery. COC told me not to schedule it because we had a NTC rotation in JAN2019. Was told they really needed me for NTC, my PSG suggested I could do the surgery and put in White Cell for NTC. The commander and BC said no. Was told to schedule it for FEB2019, at the clinic they told me I had to submit another PRK request paper signed because the paper is only good for three months. I sent it up again in DEC2018 but was told by my commander to wait till after NTC to submit it. Fast forward and I got back from NTC submitted the paperwork 11FEB2019 and was told no because of the recovery time (which is three months for PRK). He then said he'll sign it, I just had to change the date I would be deployable(we have a pending Korea rotation beginning in JUN2019) I've submitted the paper 11FEB2019 and got it back in 26March but with a stipulation from my commander and Battalion Commander. Commander - must be deployable by 8JUN2019. BC - must clear SRP by 26APR2019. (I cleared SRP 7MAR2019) Clinic wasn't able to schedule a surgery date because of the stipulations. My PSG has been very vocal to my commander in letting me stay on Rear-D to be able to get this surgery done. I ETS in Dec2019. What are my options and what should I do if anything?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 13 at 2019 5:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 17:06:14 -0400

I have no idea what a PRK packet is.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 13 at 2019 5:14 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 17:14:00 -0400

What is PRK?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 13 at 2019 5:21 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 17:21:16 -0400

If this is an elective surgery your unit has every right to continue to have you postpone for rotations and deployments. If it is not and there is some medical reason for the surgery then your unit has to allow it based on the physicians recommendation. Either way speak you your doctor and ask him to advise the command. If it is required it is likely that you will receive it, if not, you will deploy. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2019 7:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 19:17:50 -0400

You can extend your ETS for medical treatment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2019 11:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 23:54:15 -0400

There is a TIS remaining requirement for PRK surgery to be done. You have to have at least 18months TIS left. And you have to have at least 12 months left on station. You must be able to attend a 1,3,6, and 12 month post op follow up. Hope this helps with your decision

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 13 at 2019 11:58 PM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 23:58:59 -0400

You Might Want To Keep Potential Deployments And Dates Under Wraps in a Public Forum... What Is A PRK Packet... And How Extensive Is The Surgery You Are Planning... Depending On Deployment And Your part The Surgery May Preclude Your Deployment Due To Recovery Time...

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Apr 14 at 2019 10:10 AM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 10:10:05 -0400

PRK is elective surgery, the hospital has to prioritize who receives the surgery. The priority will be Soldiers who remain in the service, not someone with an approved ETS date. The Military offers PRK as a way to reduce costs, less glasses, inserts, etc. while this may be a benefit it is NOT and entitlement. You may need to accept the fact that you’ll not receive PRK surgery before you leave the service. I recommend you start saving now, PRK costs about $6K or more. Good luck.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2019 2:25 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:25:40 -0400

You have to side down and ask your can I do one more contract to get something I want out of the army? Or am I willing to get out and pay for my own PRK surgery?

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Apr 23 at 2019 2:23 PM

CSM Patrick Durr — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 14:23:09 -0400

PRK is elective. Those awaiting the procedure are backed up forever. Mission comes first, If you can make it happen, good luck