Does a 6-month temp profile automatically lead to a permanent one? Will the Army initiate a med board or can I VTIP into a new MOS?

2021-03-09T18:23:52-05:00

I am a 12A currently undergoing extensive recovery (creeping up to 6 months on temp. profile) for my radial nerve damage to my left arm (I practically cannot use my left hand without a brace and my wrist cannot sustain ANY weight). With this extensive radial nerve damage, my doctors & PCM cannot take any further action and is just waiting on my nerve responses. My nerve responses has not improved in the past 3 months and shows no sign of progress.
My PCM has alerted me that after 6 months on temporary profile, they must write up a permanent one, is this true?
Additionally, following the permanent profile, what are my options in terms of military career?
I heard after 6 mo. on permanent profile, they initiate med board?
I also heard that I may be able to VTIP into not as combat-heavy MOS?

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Mar 9 at 2021 6:52 PM

2021-03-09T18:52:30-05:00

DA PAM 40-502

e. Permanent profiles. Soldiers whose condition(s) have reached MRDP will receive a permanent profile. All permanent profiles require two profiling provider signatures; paragraph 4–6 authorizes specific roles to be the second signature.
If the profile has deployment impacts either with a 3 or 4 in the PULHES or a deployment-limiting physical-category code, the second signature must be an approval authority. Some diagnoses do not meet retention standards by definition and will be referred to DES upon diagnosis, in accordance with AR 40–501.
(1) The profiling provider must evaluate whether or not the Soldier meets the medical retention standards in accordance with AR 40–501. A comprehensive review the Soldiers medical records, to include consultation notes and other pertinent medical documentation is essential to ensure that the Soldier’s medical condition and treatment meet MRDP requirements. The numerical designator will describe the severity of the functional limitation and will guide further processing. Permanent profiles are reviewed annually with each PHA and will be updated to reflect any clinical change. There is no requirement to rewrite the profiles every 5 years.

I've had a permanent profile (P2) for my knees since 2016. I did the walk on the APFT. I am doing the rower on the ACFT.

If you get a P2, you don't have to get referred to a med board. If you get a P3 or P4, you'll be referred to a med board.

It all depends on if you do or don't meet the medical retention standards in AR 40-501 what you get (P2, P3 or P4).

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 10 at 2021 12:06 AM

2021-03-10T00:06:27-05:00

A permanent profile if a P2 does not initiate a med board but you sound like a three or four. In complete honesty, you should start considering what your education and experience will get you in terms of a job as a civilian. The word is still out on the ACFT but pretty much every PT test has minimum events you have to do, like cardio of some kind was required for the APFT. Can you carry a rifle or charge a pistol? Dismal I know but remember a few things, nerves do some interesting things and you look pretty young in the photo. There is no rule that you have to do 20 years early in life, generally you need to get 20 by age 62. Do you have an engineering degree?