What happens to someone in the Air National Guard when they get a medical separation?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 23:37:00 -0500

I served 6 years in the Navy, I then switched to the Air National Guard. When I switched to the air guard I was 20% disability for my back. At the time I was managing my pain just fine, I could run, lift etc with no problems besides some pain. In 2019-2020 my back started to get worse and I started having a lot of sciatic nerve pain issues along with my neck. In the summer of 2020 it was revealed finally in a MRI that I had a bulging disc. My back is getting worse and worse it feels by the month, to the point where my limitations are I can't sit for long, can't stand for long, run and more without pain in my lower back and sciatic nerve pain. My neck started acting up with pain in late 2020 where I was then rated for 80% disability with migraines included. I was sent to tech school in January 2021 where I am currently at (and told my supervisor what was going on before I left and got zero help). Last week I reached out to my chain of command asking for help as my back is getting worse and the new location for tech school, asked if I was on medication (which I am - Tramadol - pain killer) and asked if I could skip it to do my job some days, which I replied negative.... They are now wanting to send me back to my home base because I am on medication, can't lift anything and I need a profile. Questions:

1. If I get sent home from tech school early due to my limitations, will they keep me on active duty orders until they figure out what they will do with me?
2. Will they get me a profile then a MEB?
3. Will I get the option to be separated if I want to because of the restrictions of a profile? (no lifting over 15 pounds, no bending over, no ladders, no running)

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 7 at 2021 9:00 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 09:00:30 -0500

Your health must be your primary concern. Back problems are not something you should mess with. Let the AF send you home from tech school after physical evaluation. Then go to the VA or a civilian doctor as soon as possible. Also see a pain management clinic that also does physical therapy. You may find you get some relief from lidocaine 5% patches. My wife does. Stay away from narcotics as long as possible. If or when all of that fails, see a surgeon. Back surgery is a big deal. It also has the possibility of not fixing the problem.

Take the medical discharge from ANG. It’s the best you can do for yourself. You’ve served our country well. Thank you!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2021 10:54 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:54:36 -0500

1. Maybe - It is up to your command. They would have to amend the current orders you are on to stop them because you are currently using school/training money. They could put you on other set of orders to get medically evaluated.
2. Depending on how the profile is written, it could trigger a MEB.
3. If you are found unfit for military service you will be separated. Right now there is no option to voluntary separate in the middle of your contract.