If I’m recommended for an MEB, can I fight it?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:33:55 -0400

As I am considered combat arms I can’t have a profile stating I can’t run. I have a permanent walk/run at own pace and distance. I had ankle surgery and since then can’t run even half a mile without shooting pain. I also recently got a spinal tap for a C-Section and am having tons of pain even with stretching so that hinders me running. I love being a medic and have been told im pretty damn good at it too and would hate to have to get out as I really want to stay in for not only me but to have stability for my new baby as well

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2023 9:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:24:45 -0400

Combat Arms include: Infantry, Armor, Artillery (Field and Air Defense), Special Forces, Aviation (Air Cav and Attack Helicopters), and Combat Engineers. Medics are not considered Combat Arms. Can you be placed in Combat Arms units? Yes. But that does not make you Combat Arms.

Who said you cannot have a Perm profile? Is your Permanent Profile a P2 or a P3? A P2 will not trigger a MEB. A P3 or P4 will trigger one. Can you fight a MEB? Yes. As long as there is medical documentation stating that you are still, while perhaps limited, fit for duty/continued service. However, if you do have to go thru a MEB and the Final Medical Authority deems you are no longer fit for duty, there is nothing that can be done.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2023 9:37 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:37:19 -0400

I have seen a guy lose a leg at the knee and not only beat a MEB, but stay SF and deploy to Iraq again.
But he went into that board with an SF surgeon on his side, you won't have that.

That said, I wouldn't call the Army "stable" for a new baby, in fact it's the opposite of that.
If you love being a medic, you would probably love to work in an ER in any capacity; patient tech/CNA, LPN/LVN, RN, etc.
But if your injuries are permanent, you might also enjoy other career paths in the hospital outside of the ER that don't involve 12+ hours on your feet.
And many hospital systems have tuition and work/school programs to progress all the way from CNA to NP.
And the pay and benefits are better.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jun 7 at 2023 10:31 PM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 22:31:05 -0400

I assume you mean "referred to a MEB" and not "recommended", because it's not an option. You will have the ability to disagree with any findings that come from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) (the MEB is the first part of the IDES), but you have no choice about being put in (well, you can plead with the person referring you, but that's about it).

There are a couple of routes the process can take, but in a nutshell it comes to this. At some point you will hit your Medical Retention Determination Point (MRDP). Most often this happens when you reach one year and still have a condition that prevents you from fully doing the functions of being a Soldier or your specific job (this most often happens when you are given a P3 or P4 profile).

One of two things can happen at this point - you will go to a MOS Administrative Retention Review (MAR2) or directly into the IDES process (first phase is the MEB). If you go the MAR2 route, the resultant decision will be to keep you in your MOS, reclassify you to another MOS, or referred to the IDES.

There are various phases in the IDES (MEB, PEB, etc) which you will be led through by the hand if you are referred. One of the very first things that will happen if you get into the IDES is being assigned a PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) who, quite frankly, will serve as your spirit guide though the entire process.

In a nutshell, the process is to review and document fully any of the conditions affecting you and then determine what conditions cause you to be 'unfit for duty' (some conditions would make an 11B unfit but now a 92A).

Being referred to the IDES does not automatically mean that you will separate from the military as there are various "off ramp" points where you are returned to duty if you are not found unfit. During the IDES process, you'll have the opportunity to disagree with MEB or PEB findings.

Bottom line: If you're 'broke' and can't do your job, can you do another job in the military? If you can't then they will put you through the IDES and evaluate you for retention or separation.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jun 8 at 2023 2:14 AM

SPC James Neidig — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 02:14:16 -0400

You Could Try And Fight It But The Only Thing That Will Do Is Postpone The Enviable.
If Your PC And Orthopedic Doctors Recommend You For An MEB You Are Getting It !
And More Than Likely A Medical Discharge.
I Tried Fighting Mine, And It Stretched The Process For 8 Months Of Waiting For What My Doctors Said Was Enviable.
If Your Body Is Broken And You Can’t Do Everything That Is Required For Continued Military Service The Best Thing Is To Accept You Cannot Remain In The Military.

Response by Michael Levi made Jun 8 at 2023 2:17 AM

Michael Levi — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 02:17:18 -0400

It depends. MEB and disability retirement recommendations are made by the physical evaluation board (PEB). If you do not agree with the findings of the PEB, you may appeal the decision. If you feel that you have grounds to appeal your recommendation, then you should speak to an attorney or other military service representative who can help you navigate the appeals process.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jun 8 at 2023 10:36 AM

CSM William Everroad — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:36:49 -0400

Combat Medics (not combat arms) can have a P2 rating in any category of their PULHES except H and S. If the Soldier is assigned a permanent 3 in any category or H2/S2, a Medical Evaluation Board is recommended to asses fitness for duty.

The only way to "beat" the board is if your medical conditions to not preclude your ability to do your job. The board may recommend reclassification, waivers for rating, or medical discharge.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2023 1:31 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:31:19 -0400

This is the Army, you can fight anything. Blood makes the green grass grow after all. Will you win? Meehh, others have spoken to that. I am in agreement, doesn't seem this fight is worth it. Time to look at other options.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 9 at 2023 12:13 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:13:12 -0400

The bottom line is whether the condition/illness or injury is permanent or if it can be fixed. Generally most people don't want to be sent to MEB. I certainly didn't. But at the end of the day you are either fit for duty or you aren't. When your med board findings come back you can certainly appeal the results and fight them if you wish. But if you have a legit medical issue your focus needs to be on addressing it regardless if that means you get med boarded. Good luck

Response by SPC Karalea Fried made Jun 23 at 2023 10:30 PM

SPC Karalea Fried — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 22:30:36 -0400

I would just make sure you are doing all you can to become rehabilitated. Such as ideal weight, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory medication, etc. Make sure you have had all possible diagnostic testing such as MRI and CT scans to rule out your ankle not healing as it should or a new injury. Get the diagnosis for the ongoing pain from the spinal tap such as spinal MRI. This pain may be a new issue not even related to the spinal tap as nerve related pain from a spinal tap should gradually go away. If the c-section was recent, give yourself time to heal.
Also, if the c-section was recent, ince the baby weight starts coming off the pain should begin to decrease from less weight on your ankle and back as well.
As I said before, anti-inflammatory medication!!!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 24 at 2023 7:48 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 07:48:51 -0400

Ok, so my counterpart clears up the combat arms piece. There have been nany a great Soldier that have gone an entire career with P2 profiles, many have waivered a 3 depending on duties, grade and time in service. Follow the guidance provided.