Posted on Aug 1, 2018
Should I accept an MEB or or pursue retirement?
27.1K
165
84
33
33
0
Need some help here. Been diagnosed with "chronic" disease and will be receiving a MEB soon. But the PEBLO said most likely I'll be offered only 20 percent and not combat related. Therefore I'll get a Severance. I'm at 18 years and 7 months of active service. My concern is if I try to retire and get approved I'll only have about 9 years 8 months as a Officer, therefore not eligible for the Officer retirement. I know there was a exception to Policy for officers with 8 years commissioned service to retire as an officer...but read it was expired since they stopped TERA can anyone help me?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Medical Board
Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO)
CPT
Officer
Retirement Medical Board Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) CPT Officer
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 57
22
22
0
From one who went through this at 18.5yrs in.....RETIRE!!! If for nothing else but personal pride, RETIRE. I know there was no way I could’ve stayed in, and I at the time was a hindrance to the team, but if I was just a bit better in conditioning, I would’ve fought for those last 18mos. Still got the ID card...:but it still stings to this day.
(22)
(0)
SSG Warren Swan
MAJ Ken Landgren - Sir I wish. I wish I know then what I do now. The shit I would've told myself...… Besides we're Soldiers. I'm you and you're me. All in the same turret.
(2)
(0)
MAJ Ken Landgren
SSG Warren Swan - Sometimes its hard to see straight when you are broken. You have to forgive yourself and drive on! Maneuver and fire!
(2)
(0)
MAJ Ken Landgren
SSG Warren Swan - What poignant revelations did you learn through the Army, Life, MEB did you learn? As a commander sometimes I had to approach a soldier's wayward actions to the needs of the Army. When PTSD first struck I was at the 18 year mark. I soon learned that faking it was impossible as I was experiencing a down a downward spiral and knew I was a liability to the army. I saw and felt the intimations of an end to a long career. To the army I loved, I have become a hinderance. I was lucky as I knew a psychologist at Ft Campbell as he allowed me to maneuver through the mental health system.
I appreciated the WTU at Ft Campbell who allowed me to focus on healing. I must admit there is a dark side to WTUs and WTBs in the fact they often have rude personnel and the organizations think this behavior is acceptable. The first day at the Ft Riley WTB, I told a secretary I am going to eat lunch to which she replied I needed to ask my squad leader. A SSG squad leader yelled at me that he fucking owned me. That really riled me. At Ft Campbell a GS-5 secretary yelled at me like bloody murder and the organization felt nothing wrong with her behavior.
I went inpatient like 3 times which kept giving me time until I hit 20 years. That was really not my plan, it was just how my medical care evolved. Do I haver regrets? I sure do, but I don't live in the past. I am stable now however I feel numb, maybe being numb feels better feeling pain. I am seeking purpose, meaning, and a sense of awe. A sense of awe that gives my heart and mind a profusion of brilliance.
Were you a 19K? Please write more, I like how you articulate your thoughts.
I appreciated the WTU at Ft Campbell who allowed me to focus on healing. I must admit there is a dark side to WTUs and WTBs in the fact they often have rude personnel and the organizations think this behavior is acceptable. The first day at the Ft Riley WTB, I told a secretary I am going to eat lunch to which she replied I needed to ask my squad leader. A SSG squad leader yelled at me that he fucking owned me. That really riled me. At Ft Campbell a GS-5 secretary yelled at me like bloody murder and the organization felt nothing wrong with her behavior.
I went inpatient like 3 times which kept giving me time until I hit 20 years. That was really not my plan, it was just how my medical care evolved. Do I haver regrets? I sure do, but I don't live in the past. I am stable now however I feel numb, maybe being numb feels better feeling pain. I am seeking purpose, meaning, and a sense of awe. A sense of awe that gives my heart and mind a profusion of brilliance.
Were you a 19K? Please write more, I like how you articulate your thoughts.
(0)
(0)
22
22
0
I’d use every delay I could and appeal to work towards retirement. I think if retired you draw pay at your highest rate. Also the Army and VA use different disability ratings. Throw every ailment you have and left the VA evaluate them.
(22)
(0)
Sgt Albert Duran
SGM Herman Whitley, this sounds like a great idea to continue extending the time of service, and you can come up with one ailment to file for then appeal the decision each time. I hope this is correct as I can relate to the VA, and how much time it takes for them to do anything.
(1)
(0)
CW3 Dan Mackey
Back and neck pain are very hard for them to dispute and they will spend a long time trying to figure out what is wrong so they don't have to pay you a high percentage disability. Not to condone fraud.
(1)
(0)
10
10
0
If you have crossed the 18 year point I believe you can lock in your retirement. I believe the benefits or retirement far outweigh the MEB discharge. Push, delay, fight.
(10)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google