How do I start an MEB process in the National Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:30:07 -0500

Im currently in the Georgia National Guard i have over 70% disability with the Va for mental issues and 10 % for back issues and since i came off profile i havnt been able to adjust or get any better with my PT nor has my issues gotten any better by being in the NG i want to start the MEB process but how do i do that?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 6 at 2016 9:58 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:58:51 -0500

You do not actually start a MEB. A doctor has to recommend you as unfit for duty. Then it can go to a board. If you think you may have a condition that qualifies you for a medical separation, you should ask for medical appointments to consult with a physician who will be able to make a more qualified prognosis.

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 6 at 2016 11:44 PM

COL Mike Humphrey — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:44:09 -0500

Your military physician refers you to IDES for a condition that will not bring you to full active military service within 1 year. After you physician refers you, you will be assigned to PEBLO who will help you with the IDES process. After you are medically evaluated, and if the results are service connected, a statement will be sent to your commander that notes how your condition interferes with your duties. Then your medical records are sent to be medically accepted by the MEB. Its a long process that can be very difficult. Start with a Military MD, Good Luck

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 11:47 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:47:19 -0500

The first step is seeing a provider. He or she starts the process. How are you in the ARNG with a 70% disability?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 7 at 2016 9:02 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 09:02:15 -0500

Soldiers do not initiate a MEB, doctors do.

Response by SFC Daniel Faires made Feb 8 at 2016 7:58 AM

SFC Daniel Faires — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 07:58:56 -0500

SPC Lawson

All the comments have been mostly spot on, though there are some in answered questions
1. How long were you on a temporary profile.
If you have a permanent the military has already decided you are fit for duty.
2. Are you in communication with the state medical personnel that are handling your medical issues?
3. Are you primarily seeing a private doctor and of so are you transferring your files to the Georgia state surgeons office?
4. Have you been getting evaluated by a military doctor ? Are you getting your medical records reviewed at least by the military doctors.
5. I just realized you said you came off profile, have you been reevaluated yet ?.

Now note I would request you don't answer these questions in a public forum as most if not all are considered hippa

Your next step needs to be your unit administrator and let him or her know your concerns but ensure you go through your COC so they know you are talking to him about this stuff. The UA will most likely inform the CO and 1SG when they have a need to know

Response by MAJ Daniel Buchholz made Feb 8 at 2016 9:43 AM

MAJ Daniel Buchholz — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:43:56 -0500

Be brutally honest in the MRE (or PHA, they seem to change the name periodically) that happens every year.... Identify your issues in the physician interview part and if you leave that event without a temporary profile and recommendation for medical followup I would be surprised.

Response by SSG Brian Lovins made Feb 9 at 2016 9:21 PM

SSG Brian Lovins — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 21:21:40 -0500

A lot of great information as already been given, but since you came off profile that means, to me, you haven't been seeking treatment, or haven't been turning in documentation of those visits, you need to make regular appointments with whoever your primary care provider doctor is and have them give limitations, hell I have seen them written on a prescription pad, when you leave your doctor's appointment request copies of care given, diagnosis, progress, etc and give those to who ever your state surgeon rep is. In Texas we had a representative designated to each battalion. I also turned a copy into my unit readiness NCO as he was HIPAA trained. If you are not still seeking care I would recommend starting again because you will have to show that you are doing your part. If you get a temporary profile and in 3 months have nothing to support it then you will possibly come off profile again. At your next drill sit down with your Platoon Sgt, explain your situation, you DO NOT have to reveal the nature of the conditions.Tell him you would like to be scheduled for an appointment with a military doctor and go from there. Each state may have a different process for getting a profile but the easiest way is the annual PHA that was mentioned earlier.. I think we called them FMR, where you do shots, dental, etc..a mini SRB. Hope that helps.

Response by SPC Rudy Hawkins made Feb 23 at 2016 10:46 PM

SPC Rudy Hawkins — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:46:51 -0500

Doesn't your state have an annual SRP (Soldier Readiness Processing) ??? It''s there where your PULHES is updated and changed to reflect any changes to your health. If a condition warrants a big change, they will place you in a Medical hold unit until they're brought up to standard. If they can't be changed, and your unfit, the process for Medical discharge will be initiated. I know this because i was meadicalled out in 2014.