How to get off TDRL?

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mhenderson27	How to get off TDRL?		Lead	[-]
Rookie VBNer Posts: 1 10/05/07 11:29:34	I've been trying to research this, and am having trouble fully understanding what I need to do. I've been working out, getting back into shape, I've only been on TDRL since Feb. 07 - so fairly recent discharge. I'm interested in getting off TDRL I feel I am recovering rapidly, and wasting goverment money better suited to someone with worse problems. I also feel that I am fit to return to duty, army infantry. I was told when I get my review they can do 1 of 3 things. 1) Make a fit for Duty Determination 2) Keep me on TDRL or 3) Reduce my % and discharge me with severance? I'm interested in number one, but am not sure what is involved in it. My goal is to have my disability reduced from 30% to 0% and be declared fit for duty. Things I need to know: Do I just tell them I'm better, explain what I did to get better, and they call me fit for duty? Do I need a doctor's support? Notes, Research, Treatment Records? Will the goverment pay for me to get a doctor, to clear my disability rather than treat it? I still have no medical coverage. I have a veteran's affairs medical card though. Do they pick up my contract where it left off, or do I reenlist? A lady at the TDRL department here in virginia/washington D.C. told me I get a fit for duty letter that overrides my RE code 4 on my DD214. That doesn't seem right. A simple letter just stomps out my RE code? She said they don't change the RE code, the fit for duty letter just automatically makes the RE Code 4 irrelivant, and it's treated as an RE code 1? I really want to go back in the army. I'm still a little mixed up however on exactly what I have to do. The process I was given seems too simple, so I know there's more to it. When you get an evaluation, how long does it take for the TDRL dept. or PEB, or whoever, to clear you? Is it in instant thing like I actually meet the board members to explain my case to them, or do I have to prepare my documents and a formal letter requesting a Fit for Duty Determination? Thanks in Advance, Mike
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brianwl		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2925 10/05/07 16:06:15	Things I need to know: Do I just tell them I'm better, explain what I did to get better, and they call me fit for duty? Call your PEBLO and talk to them about what you need to do to arrange an early review. Do I need a doctor's support? Notes, Research, Treatment Records? Yes. Will the goverment pay for me to get a doctor, to clear my disability rather than treat it? I still have no medical coverage. I have a veteran's affairs medical card though. You are TDRL, therefore you have Tricare standard automatically. No card required, just your retired military ID. Do they pick up my contract where it left off, or do I reenlist? You will be put back on active duty where you left off. A lady at the TDRL department here in virginia/washington D.C. told me I get a fit for duty letter that overrides my RE code 4 on my DD214. That doesn't seem right. A simple letter just stomps out my RE code? She said they don't change the RE code, the fit for duty letter just automatically makes the RE Code 4 irrelivant, and it's treated as an RE code 1? I wouldn't trust just a "letter", you need formal documentation showing your RE code is changed, otherwise when you go to reenlist, you're hosed. When you get an evaluation, how long does it take for the TDRL dept. or PEB, or whoever, to clear you? It could take days or weeks, it all depends on how busy the folks at the PEB are at the time your paperwork goes in. Is it in instant thing like I actually meet the board members to explain my case to them, or do I have to prepare my documents and a formal letter requesting a Fit for Duty Determination?
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mhenderson27		#2	[url]	[-]
Rookie VBNer Posts: 3 10/05/07 19:39:53	Thanks you answered alot of my questions. I was under the impression I had to sign up for and pay for tricare? So I just go to the military hospital with my retired ID as if I was still active duty?
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brianwl		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2941 10/05/07 20:28:57	mhenderson27 wrote: Thanks you answered alot of my questions. I was under the impression I had to sign up for and pay for tricare? So I just go to the military hospital with my retired ID as if I was still active duty? Tricare standard is free, but the copays are higher as are other out of pocket expenses. Tricare prime takes about 5 minutes to sign up online. Yes, you can go to the Military hospital, but since I've never done it since I got out, I'm not exactly sure how it works with Tricare standard. I've always had Tricare prime until I got my IU, now I only have Tricare standard.
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afvet4t		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 276 10/09/07 01:07:16	I agree with everything that Brian has stated. In the meantime, if you cannot afford any of the expensives with Tricare (be it with standard or prime), I would utilize the VA while you have it, as it is free. It may not be the best quality medical care and it sure does take a long time to obtain an appointment, but until you are placed off of TDRL and placed back on active duty, you are considered a veteran and have exclusive right to utilize VA benefits just like any other veteran on this side with a DD214. I would utilize those docs and obtain all medical records and utilize them for your advantage for your PEB. Who knows, perhaps you'll find an empathetic VA doctor who will will understand your desire to get off TDRL and get back into the Army. You never know. Whether you utilize Tricare (which you have standard with your temporary medical retirement) or the VA, it is extremely important to be evaluated by a physician that can determine if you will be able to return to duty or not. If he/she believes you are favorable, then he/she can document his/her subjective medical expertise for your benefit to the PEB which will help them make their determination. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
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mhenderson27		#5	[url]	[-]
Rookie VBNer Posts: 4 10/10/07 10:58:15	Thanks I'll post later on what I did, and how I did it, to save future people problems I might run in to.
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mhenderson27		#6	[url]	[-]
Rookie VBNer Posts: 5 10/29/07 09:39:13	Okay Here's some info for people in the near future. -To push a re-evaluation date up, call (202)782 - 1991 That is the number for the PEB TDRL Dept. Who will put you in touch with a case handler. They can help get evaluation dates pushed up, and insure you get to the closest possible military hospital. Be sure to keep your adress with them up to date per line (A) of your DA Form 199. -Any tests you have showing you are better MUST be done by a military doctor. Not a civilian working at the military hospital. It has to be an officer in the army, navy, marines, AF, etc... Example: If you need a PFT, they cannot out source you. You must go to the nearest military hospital that can do a PFT. Some military hospitals will not have a pulminologist. That's okay as long as they have a certified tester (must be elisted active duty to be tester). The tester will send results to be looked over by a military pulminologist in Washington D.C., and they will be sent back to you in a week or two. -It's advised to be a tricare prime. Standard which is automatic upon TDRL listing sucks. I would have had to all the way to Norfolk,VA to get some simple tests done. Upgrading to prime allowed me to go to Fort Lee, VA. A 30 minute drive compared to a 2 1/2 hour drive. Alot of difference. -Testing to get back in is easier than the testing to get out, atleast in my situation. Let's say you have asthma from inhaling bomb debris (possibly damaged lung tissue, with asthmatic symptoms). This is really not asthma, it's most likely a temporary reactive airway disease. Testing they did you put you out: PFT - resting and teadmill Methacoline X-Ray of Chest CT Scan of Lungs Cardiorespiratory exrcise monitoring of internal body functions Blood Analysis Testing to get back in: PFT - Resting Only Statement from yourself with treatment records stating you have not been having problems, and feel fit for duty. - Right now I have gotten testing done. I have about a week to wait on the results. At that point I will go to Fort Eustis, VA. For my re-evaluation. I will provide that doctor with my test results, a formal statement from myself, and he will send them off with his own evaluation (Q&A, etc.) to the PEB. I'm not sure how long it will take to get a fit for duty back from the PEB. I'd like to say due to the huge amount of recruiting and retention problems they may be inclined to move quickly, but that is only speculation on my part and my local PEBLO. As more events unfold, I will be sure to post the rest of the process and the estimated time. Thanks, Mike
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brianwl		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3327 10/29/07 10:44:21	Mike, Grate info and it sounds like grate news for you too. Now when you get back in, keep your mouth shut (joke) so the dirt don't get in. Keep us posted on how things go.
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