Can I get med boarded for Piriformis syndrome?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:18:42 -0400

Has anyone been diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome? I have been and it’s been extremely painful and I’m stuck with injections for this. If so can I get med boarded for this because mobility is limited now and can’t be more than 30 min before my whole leg flares up! I’m also going into the irr come September and not sure how to handle this even being in the irr

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 20 at 2023 8:55 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:55:57 -0400

There is no definitive test for piriformis syndrome. In many cases, there is a history of trauma to the area, repetitive, vigorous activity such as long-distance running, or prolonged sitting. Diagnosis of piriformis syndrome is made by the patient’s report of symptoms and by physical exam using a variety of movements to elicit pain to the piriformis muscle. In some cases, a contracted or tender piriformis muscle can be found during a physical exam.

Because symptoms can be similar in other conditions, radiologic tests such as MRIs may be required to rule out other causes of sciatic nerve compression, such as a herniated disc.

I went with physical therapy. I was fortunate to have an excellent PT working on all the broken parts. That’s the only part of your questions I can address.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 9:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:23:55 -0400

How long ago was your last SRP for Medical and how long ago were you diagnosed with this? How much longer before you go into IRR? The timing on this is going to be key. The MED process can take quite some time. It will all depend on the Military Medical Provider.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 21 at 2023 8:32 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 08:32:33 -0400

I'm familiar with the MEB process but I am not familiar with doing a MEB while in the IRR. MEB's can be lengthy affairs sometimes depending on the circumstances. My personal journey was 2 years and change but that is definitely on the long side of things. I imagine Piriformis Syndrome would be on the faster track of getting processed. Certain conditions, illnesses, and injuries would get expedited and you would see someone's package submitted to the board in less than a month while others took longer to process.

I would talk to your Primary Care Provider and Unit Medical folks to get a better idea. If there is an option to process through MEB while in the iRR that is great news. One of the benefits of doing a MEB is that you are taken through the medical eval process and every evaluation you need from the VA is done and your disability compensation package is finished in the process so at the end you'll have your MEB eval done but you will also have a list of your disability percentages for the VA done as well so it makes your submission process for that incredibly easy because it is already done for you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2023 5:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:58:46 -0400

If you’ll be in the IRR in a month+, I can’t see the Army starting a medboard. Truth is, it’s a manageable condition, and you’re on really short time. The IRR rarely gets called upon, especially now that two major conflicts are essentially finished. It’ll be faster and cheaper to let you walk.
Can you get a medboard? Yes. Will you get one? Most likely not.

Best of luck