Why is my Command delaying my chapter? What should I do?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:37:38 -0500

I've been dealing with this agonizing pain in my back for 14 months now.

In the beginning of August, my pcm told me that since we've exhausted all routes to recovery with no success that I only have 2 options: Deal with this pain for the rest of my time in the Military, or take a 5-17 chapter and possibly see a civilian doctor who may be able to help me.

At the end of August, I was counseled by my Battery Commander saying that he reviewed my medical records and determined that I was unable to carry out the duties of my MOS.

I've completed all of the requirements to send my packet up to legal but my PSG told me that the command team doesn't want to send my packet up just yet.
I don't understand why they don't want to, I'm in constant pain and I just want to find a way to fix it. I feel more and more alone in this every single day. What do I do?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2022 9:31 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:31:30 -0500

Mind you, we are only hearing one side of the story. It doesn't make sense that the command wouldn't want to separate you if you are not medically fit for duty. With that being said, why didn't your PCM give you a 3/4 profile for your back so you could be medically separated?
Is your commander thinking about reclassing you instead of separation? Your PCM may not be aware that that is an option.
What doduments did you do for legal? The separation packet goes through command. You have the right to consalt with JAG after your've been notified of separation. Did that happen?
Per the lastest (2021) AR 635-200, Enlisted Separations, 5-17 no longer exists - would make it hard to separate you, at least under that number.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 7 at 2022 9:35 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:35:26 -0500

Why isn't a Med Board option 3? Don't try to push for a chapter if this is medically related and eligible for a med board.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 7 at 2022 3:54 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 15:54:54 -0500

MAJ Beth has lots of points- you PMC group handles profiles, why aren't you on a dead man profile if you can't work your MOS? Why is medical not pushing a recommendation for a Med Board. I have never heard in my career of any CMD group wanting to keep non0functioal (dead wood) in the unit. If they got you out they could get a healthy replacement ASAP

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2022 4:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:05:47 -0500

If you haven’t had surgery, you haven’t exhausted all options.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2022 1:08 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 01:08:21 -0500

Here is the deal when it comes to Chapters:

They take as long as they take. There is no finite outline for Chapters. Each Chapter has a checklist and process of review. Starting at the unit level, the Commander submits to BN. BN then reviews and kicks it to BN JAG. If blessed on that, then it goes to BDE Commander and BDE JAG. And so on and so one. If one step is missed during the reviews, then it is kicked back to be fixed and start all over with the level of reviews. Not to mention all of the substantiating documents from outside sources (your PCM) that need to be included and reviewed.

I once asked the 807th DCG for Personnel a question on Chapters. I asked that if all the Ts are crossed and all the Is are dotted, how long should a Chapter take. I was told that there is no definitive timeframe. They could take two months or they could take two years. And yes, I had two Soldiers my Commander was Chaptering........and their packets took 2 years EACH.