Since I have been diagnosed with a major health issue close to my ETS, should I continue with my ETS, extend, or ask for a medboard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:01:30 -0500

I was recently given a diagnosis for the issues I’ve been having with my legs since 2019. Turns out, the veins in my legs don’t work correctly and I have moderate artery disease as well. Thing is, I ETS July 2021, with the intent of taking terminal leave in May. Like I said, I just recently figured this diagnosis out. The doctor is saying that it’s going to be a long process of fixing and seeing how it goes until it’s treated. He hasn’t mentioned a medboard. My question is, do I continue with my ets, extend, or ask for a medboard. Can you even ask for a medboard? My biggest fear is that my artery condition won’t be treated (higher risk to fix) and I’m going to get out soon and lack the medical care I would beef if my arteries begin to have issues. What would my best option be?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2021 4:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:25:17 -0500

It would be stupid of you to get out right now if you are able to stay until you can be treated or med boarded. You're close enough to your ETS that your provider won't usually recommend a med board, they just tell you to get with the VA once you ETS. If you do that there will be a delay till you can get treatment and you'll be missing out on separation pay or possibly medical retirement. Extend for a year to give yourself time for treatment or separation. An MEB is initiated by your provider giving you a permanent profile. They won't usually do that until all treatment options have been exhausted, so it might take longer than a year.

This is a situation I see more often than I would like, and my advice is the same. Do not ETS with medical issues. Never ETS with medical issues. Stay and get them treated, or stay long enough to MEB. There are additional benefits that come with the MEB that you will miss out on if you ETS

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 18 at 2021 6:46 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 18:46:02 -0500

I wouldn't leave until the issue is resolved or you get a medical retirement. Yes, you will be able to go to the V.A. Medical Center but it will take a while to get into their system and start getting treatment. Extend if they let you.

Not exactly the same thing but I remember when I was active duty a Marine went skiing two weeks before the was to get released from active duty and broke his leg. They extended him until he was fixed up, he didn't even have a choice in the matter. I don't know what the policy is today. You may need to look into that.

Response by Wayne Soares made Jan 18 at 2021 7:28 PM

Wayne Soares — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 19:28:45 -0500

Thanks for the question Mackensie. Prayers for a speedy recovery

Response by SSG Curt Pangracs made Jan 19 at 2021 1:06 AM

SSG Curt Pangracs — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 01:06:33 -0500

Med board, definitely. If you take your chances with the VA while ETSing, you would be foolish! Get that med board done and get the care you earned FOR SURE, for the rest of your life, and possibly a disability check for the rest of your life.

Response by SGT Keith Smith made Jan 19 at 2021 2:57 PM

SGT Keith Smith — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:57:05 -0500

Seems you already know what you need to do to protect yourself and your family.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 20 at 2021 6:37 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 06:37:45 -0500

Stay as long as you can possibly can in order to get treatment!
Here the thing SPC Private RallyPoint Member, before you signed the dotted line, some physician cleared you at MEPS; right? You joined the service in good health. Hence, whatever condition you developed is due to your required duties. Like SFC Private RallyPoint Member states, "it would be stupid to get out right now". Get the treatment until all resources are exhausted. Let the Army do the heavy lifting and then transition to the VA accordingly.