Sorry to make such a similar topic, but I need specific claim advice.
If I end up getting medboarded:
Ok, I might be getting medboarded for my back.
I might also be getting medboarded for my PTSD.
Right now, it looks like I will definitly get medboarded for my back. I have 2 buldging discs in my lower back and 2 discs that are degenerating in my upper back. The doc said that he thinks they will look at the two upper discs as a deformity instead of something service connected. He might be bullshitting me or he might be telling me honestly what he thinks. However, there is no doubt that those discs have degenerated while I was in the Army. I mean, my combat load was 110 pounds+ for a total of 20 months with training and Iraq. I was a saw gunner and they are loading us guys up with every gadget imaginable. So, I believe this is service connected, but I am worried about what he said.
Now, I also have scoliosis. Of course, they say that I had this my whole life and that the service didn't cause it. This might be true, however, I did a scoliosis check in school every year of my life, and I was never told I had it. I also had a couple physicals throughout my life, and was never told I had it. I also got a thorough exam at MEPS, and nobody told me or put in my records that I have scoliosis. Now, since I have been in, my back's shape has certainly changed, and my posture has gotten worse. Does anyone know what the deal is? I believe I developed scoliosis while in the Army, but they are likely to say I didn't, or so the doc said. So what do I do in a situation like this? Also, I do not have a permanent profile. I have been on temporary profiles. I'm guessing the permanent profile will come soon. The doc wants me to go to this shock/nerve test, then maybe get injections in my back.
Now as far the PTSD goes, if you read my other threads, you can see the details. I pretty much layed out a lot of the story. I might be getting medboarded for this. I don't know. I have been shuffled around, but my chain of command got involved, and now a Lt. Colonel is gonna see me this week. I have no idea what will happen with that. I am in a bad way, and I am sure if I get an honest look then they will clearly see that I need to get medboarded. I have already had that vibe from everyone I talked to, except the last doc. They kind of mentioned it a little bit, but wouldn't come forward and say it directly or initiate anything. because no one wants to deal with PTSD or medboard anyone for it nowadays. They try to avoid it like the plague. or maybe they assumed I just wanted to ETS instead of getting a medical discharge since I only have 6 months left.
The problem I have is that, there may be two boards going on at once if both of these happen. I have been reading a lot of stuff here, but I am very confused by all these rules and regulations. They are making my head spin.
Do I have to choose one thing to get boarded for? The doc said the back medboard might go through quickly, if so, should I just get boarded for my back, and then go to the VA after I get out and file my PTSD claim? or, should I try and get boarded for both at the same time? I need 30% atleast so I can get medically retired.
Can someone tell me what the Army usually gives in terms of compensation to people with back and PTSD issues like mine?
I am so ##*$*#@ confused, I feel like giving up on this. I almost don't even care if if I get anything. My wife works. But, I am concerned about the medical care. I would never be able to afford the medical care. Everyone's telling me, especially with the PTSD, that it just gets worse as time goes on. And I can imagine. The kind of nostalgia, and the looking back at these events, and the feelings, get stronger as you get more distant from them. I still haven't even processed the stuff I took part in and went through, which wasn't all that long ago.
And then my back, well buldging discs usually herniate at some point, so I am looking at back surgery sometime in my future, which I want no part of. everyone I know with back problems and that has had back surgery are always complaining, and their quality of life kind sucks.
I just need advice and help with this. This is my opporunity to make sure things go right. I don't want to have to be some a lot of people, dealing with the VA, playing this game with them for years and years, just hoping they'll get taken care of like they deserve.
If I end up getting medboarded:
Ok, I might be getting medboarded for my back.
I might also be getting medboarded for my PTSD.
Right now, it looks like I will definitly get medboarded for my back. I have 2 buldging discs in my lower back and 2 discs that are degenerating in my upper back. The doc said that he thinks they will look at the two upper discs as a deformity instead of something service connected. He might be bullshitting me or he might be telling me honestly what he thinks. However, there is no doubt that those discs have degenerated while I was in the Army. I mean, my combat load was 110 pounds+ for a total of 20 months with training and Iraq. I was a saw gunner and they are loading us guys up with every gadget imaginable. So, I believe this is service connected, but I am worried about what he said.
Now, I also have scoliosis. Of course, they say that I had this my whole life and that the service didn't cause it. This might be true, however, I did a scoliosis check in school every year of my life, and I was never told I had it. I also had a couple physicals throughout my life, and was never told I had it. I also got a thorough exam at MEPS, and nobody told me or put in my records that I have scoliosis. Now, since I have been in, my back's shape has certainly changed, and my posture has gotten worse. Does anyone know what the deal is? I believe I developed scoliosis while in the Army, but they are likely to say I didn't, or so the doc said. So what do I do in a situation like this? Also, I do not have a permanent profile. I have been on temporary profiles. I'm guessing the permanent profile will come soon. The doc wants me to go to this shock/nerve test, then maybe get injections in my back.
Now as far the PTSD goes, if you read my other threads, you can see the details. I pretty much layed out a lot of the story. I might be getting medboarded for this. I don't know. I have been shuffled around, but my chain of command got involved, and now a Lt. Colonel is gonna see me this week. I have no idea what will happen with that. I am in a bad way, and I am sure if I get an honest look then they will clearly see that I need to get medboarded. I have already had that vibe from everyone I talked to, except the last doc. They kind of mentioned it a little bit, but wouldn't come forward and say it directly or initiate anything. because no one wants to deal with PTSD or medboard anyone for it nowadays. They try to avoid it like the plague. or maybe they assumed I just wanted to ETS instead of getting a medical discharge since I only have 6 months left.
The problem I have is that, there may be two boards going on at once if both of these happen. I have been reading a lot of stuff here, but I am very confused by all these rules and regulations. They are making my head spin.
Do I have to choose one thing to get boarded for? The doc said the back medboard might go through quickly, if so, should I just get boarded for my back, and then go to the VA after I get out and file my PTSD claim? or, should I try and get boarded for both at the same time? I need 30% atleast so I can get medically retired.
Can someone tell me what the Army usually gives in terms of compensation to people with back and PTSD issues like mine?
I am so ##*$*#@ confused, I feel like giving up on this. I almost don't even care if if I get anything. My wife works. But, I am concerned about the medical care. I would never be able to afford the medical care. Everyone's telling me, especially with the PTSD, that it just gets worse as time goes on. And I can imagine. The kind of nostalgia, and the looking back at these events, and the feelings, get stronger as you get more distant from them. I still haven't even processed the stuff I took part in and went through, which wasn't all that long ago.
And then my back, well buldging discs usually herniate at some point, so I am looking at back surgery sometime in my future, which I want no part of. everyone I know with back problems and that has had back surgery are always complaining, and their quality of life kind sucks.
I just need advice and help with this. This is my opporunity to make sure things go right. I don't want to have to be some a lot of people, dealing with the VA, playing this game with them for years and years, just hoping they'll get taken care of like they deserve.
for MEB's. Insure your MEB meets these standards as well:
