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I'm an active endurance athlete and been looking into a career in the Airforce.  However, I'm very aware that a pos. test for MH is a virtual disqualifier in every branch.

Are there any athletes or military out there who can relate their experiences with MH under stressful conditions?  I've always been very active in sports and recently turned to endurance events. I've certainly had leg cramps when running/cycling (as most athletes do) but have never had fibromyalgia (at least I don't think so.) I believe they administered Dantrolene to me in the OR, would that have prevented fibromyalgia? Wouldn't exercise have caused it by now? Maybe I haven't pushed myself hard enough, though I have run and mountain biked for dozens of miles in 100+ degree Georgia weather w/o having any problems.

I'm 27 and had an MH episode at age 9 back in 1984.  I've never had the biopsy and always worn the bracelet and stayed far away from prohibited anesthetics.

But now I'm confronted with a new choice. I'm likely suspecptible to some degree. I won't bring it up at the physcial, but if they ask I won't lie about MH simply to join the military  (that goes against my principles and against the principles or any unit I want to be a part of).  However, when I say "maybe" to MH susceptibility, I'm worried they'll want a biopsy.  Even if they do take me on waiver, the units I'm applying to are elite units that apply very often to remote areas.

I'd love to hear from anyone who can offer advice.

Thanks

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My son is going through this right now, he had a suspected case in 1983 at 4 months of age. We have gotten the biopsy and the military will still not even give him a physical, it is an automatic disqualifier.  We have our congressman getting involved right now, as his results were negative to the caffenie halothane contracture test but they still refuse.  You can email me if you'd like more info on our journey, he has been trying for two years to get into the military.

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who is the sergeon general of the united states?

love always shannon.

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   First off, I spent a couple of years with the national guards, and to my knowledge NONE of the branches will ask about MH. In 1996, I tried to join the Army, they did not have any idea what MH was, but after their doctors researched it, my recruitor called me and said I could not be in the Army with it.
   Dantrolene has nothing to do with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic, non-fatal, non-progressive disease. Researchers are still not sure whether it is a neuromuscular disorder, a genetic disorder, an auto-immune disorder. Running and doing other competitive sports, would not break your body down, unless you were already pre-disposed in someway. Some,but not all of the factors that contribute to FMS are: physical trauma (i.e. auto accident), family members that have it, emotional stress/trauma, lupus(upto 55% of people with lupus may have fibromyalgia), and other illnesses may contribute. I have only found one study on Malignant Hyperthermia that is trying to find out whether or not MH and fibromyalgia and other types of chronic muscle pain disorders are connected.
   However, I have read some reports on competitive runners having febrile seizures after running marathons, and were thought to possibly be MH reactions. People with MH or who are MH susceptible do appear to be prone to heat exhaustion, and should be careful of high fevers.
 
   I am not a doctor, and all this information is either based on personal experience, or articles I have read throughout the years, merely trying to understand why I do have both, and why I found myself  suddenly disabled at a young age, and why I do not tolerate temperature changes.
   You should contact the MHAUS for more information on all your questions, but, I hope this helped you some.

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I can relate to both of your questions.  I served 4 yrs in the AF 1985-1989 and have always been an active athlete.  I had an MH episode shortly after I left the AF while having sinus surgery.  Although I was no longer on active duty, I was in the inactive reserves.  When the Gulf War began they were considering recalling my group and sent out letters asking about any changes in status, such as medical condition.  I informed them of my MH and was released completely of any obligations, because MH disqualifies you from worldwide service.  I also have always been an active cyclist and began having increased muscle pain and elevated CPK levels.  Sometimes the pain became crippling, I have had many tests performed trying to find answers.  So far I have not had much luck and still get exercise induced problems. MH patients can have other underlying muscle disorders, unfortunately they can't all be detected or diagnosed.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  

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hello, regarding your post about "preventing" fibromyalgia-----there is no "prevention" for fibromyalgia, you either have it or you don't. It does not go away, ever. There are ways to manage it, and nearly everyone who has it sees a whole team of doctors, not just a primary care physician. (usually, rheumatologist, neurologist, allergy specialist, gastroenterologist, urologist, endocrinologist, .....ect, those specialties are very common, as fibromyalgia is extremely difficult to manage, and can mimick numerous diseases such as Lupus, MS, and many others.)
  As far as surgery goes, if a person does have fibromyalgia, surgery can certainly bring on a vicious flare. However, if you do not have fibromyalgia, I have never heard of anyone "getting" it from surgery, although any stressful, physical trauma or event can play a part in the onset of fibromyalgia. It is generally seen in families, but, that is not always the case.
I hope I have answered some of your questions.
By the way, I was in the National Guards for two years, and I have Malignant Hyperthermia. However, had they known that, I would have been discharged, as I was denied enlistment into the army in 1996. Good luck to you,
                        Sincerely,
                                 Laura M.

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I have been in the military for 15 years.  I was recently diagnosed with MH and have many problems since the episode, namely cramps and heat intolerance.  I am about to go through a medical review board and will more than likely be retired since I can no longer be sent overseas to fight our enemies.  

My advise, DO NOT EVEN THINK OF LYING TO THE RECRUITER!!!!  It will come out.  If you have been biopsied, the scar will tell the tale.  If you go to raghead wastlands such as Saudi Arabia, you will be doing physical exersion in 120+ degree in the shade weather.  You are more prone to heat injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  The military is wonderful to serve in but is not worth taking an unnecessary risk to your health/life by not disclosing you are MH positive.  MH is in Army Regulation 40-501 which defines qualifications of induction, enlistment, and retention.  It is a definate disqualifier for good reason.  Field aid stations that the wounded are taken to are not equiped with Dantrolene.  Being wounded would be a death sentence when you reach the Anestesiologist.  My career has been cut short by 5 years.  I will retire medically.  I do not want to leave but I know it is in my best interest as well as the Army's.

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Bruce is absolutely right!  Do not lie or "leave out" the information about your MH.  While I was in the Military I was diagnosed with MH in 87, thankfully I was at a major hospital with a resident who had just read about MH.  I was never boarded out and went to the Gulf, I was LUCKY I did not need emergency medical attention, but I did become gravely ill because of the heat and was finally boarded out.  I am still ill and know it has to do with MH and going to the Gulf.  Joining the Military knowing you have MH could not only put yourself in danger, but your "brothers and sisters" that are serving with you!  good luck

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I am currently in the Army and my grandmother just told me that this condition runs in the family and has recently affected her sister and her cousin. She herself had a reaction but never had the biopsy. I'm looking to get the Biopsy (and would be the first in the family). I'm also trying to look through AR 40-501 and can't seem to locate MH. On which page did you find information?

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I found where it talks about MH at http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf 2-35-g.

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I have been in the military 3 1/2 yrs now and have served one tour in iraq. I have been tested for MH and was diagnosed after an episode when i was 3 yrs old. my family did not fully understand the impact this condition has on our life until recently when my sister investigated family medical history due to her pregnancy and a desire to be fully aware of possible complications. now that me and my fiancee know we are concerned that i will not be treated properly if something happens, i am due to go back to iraq end of this year. I already talked to our PA about it and he said they treat it like a high fever. does that sound right? i fear the desire to keep soldiers in to keep up the OIF's has caused the medical side of the military to cut corners. if anyone has any info that would help i would appreciate it, also i have seen where MH in military regulations makes a person ineligable for reinlistment and retention, not sure how that works in tho

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Dan,

I know someone that is familiar w/ these military regulations...So, I'll see if I can get some info for you...check this message board often...(although, I'll be TDY the next week and unable to make posts)...I'll try to get some info for you, ASAP...

p.s., thanks for your military service.

Steve

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Dan,

I intended to make a comment regarding your PA's statement:

"He said they treat it like a high fever. Does that sound right? "

It is shameful that your P.A. would be soooo OBVIOUSLY ill-informed on this issue. He/she and his/her entire chain of command should be referred to this web page if they think it's just like a high fever. My apologies for the rantings...but I've had more than my share of negative experiences w/ PAs in military medicine....don't get me wrong I've also had some positive experiences w/ mil med...just not PAs in the mil med system.

QUESTION: Is your MH status documented in your medical record? If you’re interested, I have some 3" x 5" bright red stickers (from the MHAUS organization) that you can stick on the cover of your medical record. You will be your best advocate...If you'd like me to mail it to you...send me an e-mail at Shek5150@hotmail.com (don't forget to include a mailing address) and I'll send you a sticker (or two).

Anyway, take care and I'll post the military regulation information as soon as I receive it.

Best Wishes to you...

Steve

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Just an update. i finally got our medics to seriously pursue geting me my id tags for malignant hyperthermia, they say i will get them soon, also our line medic told me our PA said that since i had not had a reaction in a long time they are considering my MH in remition (sp?). LOL i have not had surgery since the reaction except the test that proved i had it but hey sure remition it is. To all of you trying to join the military just join a job that will get you alot of iraq time and it would not matter if you had a heart condition or were allergic to sand....the military will look the other way, altho initial entry doc's may be qualified to hold there jobs so might want to use the don't ask don't tell policy. i apologize for the heavy sarcasm just a little angry that the medics here are lazy and cut corners

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Dan,

Here is the DOD Instruction 6130.4, "Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces", 01/18/2005

SUMMARY: This Instruction reissues DOD Directive 6130.4, "Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces," April 2, 2004 to implement policy and assign responsibilities for Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces activities under DoD Directive 6130.3,"Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction," December 15, 2000.

Hope it's helpful...

STeve

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Please be careful.....MH is VERY serious and you might want to research on the net and take that info with you to the Dr. My Dentist!!! flipped out over the MH after he read all the info I took into him. What I did was I ordered some of the booklets that they have on here and took those with me. It sounds like you don't have time for all of that. And NO NO NO they do not treat (or shouldn't) just treat it liek you have a high fever!!! It is much more serious than that. I know little about how these things work in the service but you may have to send this info to someone else higher up. Or maybe go to a regular dr and have them look over all this info....there is NO WAY they would release you to be put in the line of fire with MH. I am not trying to scare or upset you anymore than you already are but I just know if you find a Doctor that knows ANYTHING about MH they would make sure that you were not anywhere where you might get hurt. BTW my first cousin is the one in our family that has full blown MH, and I though since I was only a cousin that I wouldn't be that big a risk but apparently I was wrong!! Also I wanted to let you know that I was told by one of the top MH guys in the country (back in 2002) that where a muscle biopsy can tell you for sure that you do have it BUT It can't confirm for sure that you DON't have it. For you future family you will have you should know that MH can skip generations........Strange isn't it.....In 2002 I was 4 hours from home having my first child and I was sent because of the MH (the guy that handles the Meds also flipped out and wanted NO part of MH) just so happens he was the same guy that handled my cousins surgery of having tubes put in his ears 20 years before!! (Where he coded and in 1980 or maybe 1981 they knew very little about it.) The Childrens DR is who had just read an article about it and saved his life. Okay back to my point my mother asked the Dr in Louisville if she had the biopsy if that would tell if "her" family had MH he said No that it can skip generations and if you had 5 children all 5 could have it or only 3 could have it or none of her children could have it BUT they her grandchildren could ALL have it........... As I am sure you can tell I have spent LOTS of time researching this. I shattered my foot in '99 and the hospital in Tennessee (Vandy) ended up doing local's (20 shots around the top of ankle!!) and a total of 60-100 shots to do the surgery. So it is VERY serious.

Sorry this is so long but it caught my attention that they said they treat it just like a high fever!!

L

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I can definitely relate! I have been in the Navy for 15 years. Recently, I have obtained my nursing degree and wanted to see about a commission. I was offered a commission with the Army. I was so excited!!! Of course one would need to go to the MEPS prior to make sure all is well. I was very open and cooperative with whatever was needed. When it came down to seeing the doctor, they noticed that my medical record indicated that I had MH. I had explained the situation about my sister having a reaction many years ago while undergoing a tonsilectomy. She and I were both tested for MH; she was positive and I was apparently negative. I was told by my mother that I should tell the military and wear a bracelet to be on the safe side. I had no problem with that and neither did the Navy. It says in BIG RED LETTERS in the front of my medical record MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA. A few months ago, my recruiter called me with the news from the board; I was being rejected by the Army due to MH. When I reviewed the history with my recruiter, the only thing left for me to do was to get another biopsy to prove that I do not have MH. A week ago today I had a muscle biopsy. The doctor came into PACU and sat down next to my bed, right then I knew the answer. He said, "You are definitely positive!" I was stunned. I asked if they could test it again. His answer, "We tested it three times." I understand about MH and am aware of the dangers of being overseas and in the heat. I have been over to the Middle East 4 times in the past five years and the temps got upto 118 degrees; I know what hot is!!! I did very well under those conditions. Ironically enough, a week later after my biopsy, I attended a class on MH at the hospital where I work. It is taken very seriously and rightfully so, but from what I understand, as long as the medical professionals are made aware, then there should not be any concern. It is only when it is not diagnosed, then it becomes a problem.

I currently have have an allergy tag (malignant hyperthermia) with my dog tags and will soon be getting a new medic alert bracelet with updated information.,

Education and being informed is the key!

Wish you well and God bless!

Maggie

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Hello,
  I hope I can provide some helpful advice.  I had four general anethesia surgeries prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1995.  I attended boot camp, which was very physically challenging, and I had no problems whatsoever.  I then went to Japan for 3yrs and 8 months with no problems.  Upon returning to the states I was stationed in Quantico, Virginia and I began having cramps out of the blue all over my body for no reason.  Not exercise related or during sleep only.  I would be sitting somewhere talking and all of the sudden I would get a cramp somewhere on my body and it would last for a few minutes.  My back muscles also began to weaken and get very sore after an activity.  I saw the Navy doctors and they said the back pain was probably caused by the massive amount of situps we do as Marines and the cramps were normal.  They gave me some stretching exercises and sent me on my way.  They did not work.  I then got hernia and went in Jan 02 to have it repaired.  I had a MH episode on the table and the hernia was put off until last month along with a biopsy. Aug 02  I had the caffiene test and the results were off the charts.  Dr. Muldoon, of the Navy Univeristy Medical Staff said of all the test she has ever performed she has never seen a reaction so high.  She has even recommended that I always exercise in a cooled room and not march or exercise with my unit ever again.  It is too much of a risk.  There is also another disorder involved as there usually is with MH patients.  The results will be back soon for that.  If I were in your position, I would not join.  I went through a lot of physical stress and made it through very easily and then one day I nearly lost my life.  You would also be putting those men and women in uniform who are depending on you in danger.  You service is greatly appreciated, but probably better used in other areas.  Good Luck!!

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After they diagnosed you positive, did they not give (make you) receive honorable discharge ?
Or just suggest you not exercise in the heat?

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Yes, I am currently undergoing a medical discharge board. Will likely be discharged. I will keep the board informed as I know many people wonder what kind of disability rating will be awarded.

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I just finished standing the board. The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) strongly recommended medical retirement. Because I am good at my job and have excellent evaluations of "among the best", the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) phase over-ruled the MEB and placed me back to "fit for duty". Also deployable overseas with some restrictions. Looks like I will join future fights. I am happy to serve but it makes no sense why my medical condition was over-ruled by administrative actions. My advise to all military members facing medical board action, don't be too sure how the outcome will turn out. You will be surprised. The military is not looking to get rid of you and will find a place for you. Also, the bottom line is the military really has no idea what MHS is or how to handle it.

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no one replied to you. and im bored. : 0

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hi, recently I enlisted in the airforce and i went through all the steps and got medical clearance to go to buffalo even with sending in documents stateing i have MH. I had my first sergury and had no reaction, then my second is when i had it. My CPK went to 13,760. the reaction was in 1991 when not much was known about the allergy.

When i talked to dr. Muldoon she said that when CPK raises above 20,000 is when it is usually determaned that it is MH without further testing. the doctor said he determaned it to be MH and recommended a muscle bio. I never ended up getting one and we just always assumed i had MH.

Now with my hopes set high to join the airforce, i was turned down by the sergeon general while the doctor at meps recommened a medical waiver be approved. i had surgery since the reaction for my wisdom teeth and precautions were taken, and it went smoothly.

Now i am going through the steps to still persue a career in the airfoce, and the steps are all blind becuase my recruiters done know anything about getting around a DQ from the SG and said the best luck was your local congressman,

Now after reading more about my reaction and making some phone calls i think it is best to get a biopsy to see if i even have it, becuase i dont show the symptoms, my CPK didnt go highenough to acctually show i had it for sure, i have no history in the family at all with it, or any muscle problems. Im extremely athletic and active. I talked to a doctor in Washinton DC national childrens hospital and he said the chances of me having it are less then 50/50.with that being said i think there is enough reaason to look further into finding out if i have it so i can do what i want which is make a career in the AF.

Now i have to get the biopsy set up, which the doctor told me takes about 2 months to get the day in order, and the cost is around $8,000. my insurance would cover alot of it but not enough at my budget, so i and trying to talk to the local congressman here in western New York to get the operation done at a Military hospital where transportation would be the only cost, and also i want to get him involved in seeeing what he can do say the test comes out posatives where he can get me in the force but with combat resrictions which i would be content with considering i want to go in for technology and communications.

And if the test comes back negative i wonder how long it would take to get in the airforce because itll be a few months longer from this time when it gets resubmitted, and accepted, and also if the airforce will be stuck up about it saying i had the reaction so the muscle biopsy dosnt trumph that so u are still Disqualified, which that would be rediculous but who knows.

Well i was just posting this to see what everyone had to say concerning it and/or anyone has any steps or shortcuts i can take to make this process go alot faster and smother, opinios appriciated to.

Im 19 from Western NY. thank you

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I was active navy for four years. I also have MH. MH was not a disqualifying factor at all.

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Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder. Exercise is strongly encouraged to lower symptoms; therefore, it would be my guess that all the exercise you do is helping should you have it. However, I have not come accross anything relating MH to fibromyalgia or vice versa. I could be completely wrong. I am currently finding myself in the same shoes as you. I have been trying to join the Airforce, but the suseptible MH will likely stop me. If you find anything new with the fibromyalia and/or joining the Airforce with suseptible MH would you please let me know.

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I have MH and I am active duty Navy. I had a family history with my brother of MH but had never been tested and was never asked about it when I joined so I did not offer it up since I didn't know whether I had it or not. Years later I required surgery so I had the muscle biopsy done and was found positive for MH. I am still active duty Navy with no limitations other than a letter in my record stating that I have MH and it states what it is and how it is triggered. I even went through a medical board for something else and nobody ever asked about it. Most doctors don't know what it is but I keep the letter in my medical record just incase. I have read that it is disqualifying as well and was concerned about that when I tested positive but no military doctor has had a problem with it. It may also be something to do with the Navy because I have heard that if you are in the Marines or Army you are discharged. That doesn't seem to be the case with the Navy which is a good thing. Hope this helps.

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hi i was wanting to know if any could answer this for me. i have 2 sons they are half brothers. one has had a episode ,but never has been biopsy. now his brother is tring to get in the army. he doesn't want to say anything. it scares me , but i don't want him to loss his dream he has always want to be in the army

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I am currently in the Navy and undergoing a med board for not necessarily MH, but an undiagnosed reaction to anesthesia like MH patients have. This thread really interests me, especially what you had to say, Bruce. I have only been in the Navy for a year and 3 months, but I strongly desire to remain in the service, despite my reaction to anesthesia. I have very good evals from my chain of command and many of them are willing to do anything they can(appear in person to the board, etc) in order for me to remain in the Navy. However, I have been told by many doctors that there is no way I will be found to stay in. Bruce, it seems like you administratively were able to stay in. If you don't mind me asking, did you go to a formal PEB or did the informal PEB find you fit?

Also, I have been an athlete my whole life and never had any reaction like this before. I had 4 surgeries this year in the span of 9 months, and my reaction after every surgery got worse and worse to the point where I came seconds from dying after the last surgery. I realize how this could be a hazard for serving in the military, but I am willing to serve shore duty in the restricted line should that be an option.

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All I can say, 4 yrs after my first post on this, is, if you are NOT in the military, please, please, please! If you've had any reaction, or positive test, etc DO NOT GO IN! I was in from Jan 99-Feb-01. As I had said, in 1996, right after high school, I tried to enter the Army, and was denied--ONLY due to a reaction when I was 5 yrs old. I don't even remember the details, just that they were unable to intubate due to masseter rigidity, and that when I woke up the next day, I was vomiting profusely. The only paper I had with the details, are in the hands of some SSDI board not even in my state.

While I was in boot camp, I struggled, the wintertime, I had muscle cramps, shin splints, my body slowly was falling apart. I got to Texas, for my AIT, and during BIVOUAC (sp) I was admitted to the hospital for dehydration, heat exhaustion, migraines.

I came home, I worked, was engaged, (married almost 7 yrs now) I went to Annual Training the following year in Louisianna....where I was diagnosed, after many days of being refused treatment at all (I was 1 of 2 combatmedics & had to stay out in the field with infantry)..I finally was told 2nd degree sun poisoning & poison Ivy..My hands were badly burned. Required a lot of treatment after I came home..weeks later I began uncontrollably vomiting. Anyways, I've had many surgeries, been to over 30 specialists, I'm diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, CFS, and MANY other illnesses, including mercury & bismuth toxicity. A neurologist in Florida concluded I had also suffered a heat stroke, during my time in. I wanted so desperately to be in, a combatmedic, but, I wish I'd never gone along with my recruiter, in with-holding my MH. The previous recruiter from 1996 even recognised me once, before I shipped out, and my NG recruiter quickly changed the subject & started talking to him about a basketball game. Please Please, if you know you have MH or MHS, do NOT risk your health. It's been over 6yrs of numerous illnesses & treatments for me. I'm housebound now. But, have a wonderful husband, thank god for that. Please take care of yourselves. *Everyone.*

God Bless, Laura

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I was found fit but not world wide deployable. If you have no problem doing your duty position with the condition, you disire to stay in, and your commander supports you, you will not have any problem staying in. You will be limited on your deployability but that has no bearing on your fitness for duty. I wouldn't worry too much about the medical boards. The MEB recommended medical discharge but the PEB over ruled them. If you are interested in more, feel free to contact me.

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If you are reading this string regarding MH and the military then do a message board search for MEB/PEB to read my most recent string... Things have changed and although I once thought MH wouldn't affect my career due to me having no limitations "officially" set after 6 years of being diagnosed, be advised that it will end up getting you an MEB/PEB eventually as was in my case...then it is a long frustrating process and they may find you fit but if you are in the Navy (only branch I can speak for) they will no longer keep you in if you are non-deployable due to the current war and decreasing number of shore duty billets. So you may be found "Fit" by the PEB but be prepared for an administrative separation once an "Assignment Limited" message is sent to BUPERS for detailing. I would highly recommend that you read instructions regarding both the medical boards and administrative separations and it is all spelled out in there and in line with Navy policy. It seems unfair but that is how it is.

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According to the new Army Regulation AR 40-501 dated 14 December 2007 paragraph 5-14(m), soldiers with a history of MH are deployable to areas that contain complete anesthetic services and not austere climates meaning extremely hot climates. That tells me that we are getting thin. I volunteered for Afghanistan, but so far, I am not cleared to go. But that was in November. We will see though. I don't see why I can't play a support role for the war fighters.

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I am so glad to see that they added a login in order to reply to messages. I noticed in the last 6 months that there was lots of spam...Anyways, I just finished my 3rd PEB for MH. This was a Formal PEB and I was fount "Fit to continue Naval Service" again. Now I am starting my assignment screening and expect to be administratively separated due to assignment limitations. I base this on past expereinces of non-deployable personnel found fit by a PEB being admin separated and by what BUPERS personnel told me. The main issue is that I cannot complete my sea/shore rotation and I am due to rotate to see next month. That is the reason that was explained to me. They are unwilling to provide me orders to shore duty in the U.S. for others reasons as well to include the inability to deploy on an IA which is common for the IT rating on shore duty. Nothing has been detewrmined for sure yet and I expect to have the ultimate outcome by February and I will post that on here to hopefully help anyone that may go through this in the future. All I can say is that everything seems to be a case by case basis as far as whether you are retained or administratively separated. The only thing that seems to be the same across the board is not to expect a medical separation. It is sad and unfair how the system works and at this point I am hoping for an admin separation because I have lost all faith in the system within this last year. I never wanted to feel this way but now I am just worn out and tired of fighting an endless battle. My opinion is that the PEB process is very unfair but I understand how they come to their conclusions... I just don't agree with it. That's it for now but I will let everyone know the final outcome that comes out of all of this.

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Sarah,

I have been through the PEB process and found fit. The funny thing is this; AR 40-501 which is the army reg for medical retention says that MH is deployable as long as you don't go to an extreme austure environment and the place of duty has access to full anesthetic services. In other words, I can deploy within the limitations of my profile. The thing I am up against is that the Adjutant General of Utah will not deploy anyone that is not 100% world-wide field deployable. There is a loophole in the regs that gives the Conviening Authority of the MMRB the ability to administratively seperate soldiers no matter what the PEB says. My only protection is that I will obtain 18 years of active service on 21 Jan 08. It is not possible by federal law for me to be administratively discharged without the approval of the Secratery of the Army. If you are not protected by the 18 year "sanctuary", you are SOL. I am scheduled to be MMRB'ed on 02 Feb 08. They will recommend seperation (which is not an authorized recommendation as per AR 600-60) and I will have to appeal to the general. Others have received the same recommendation with over 18 years but under 20 years and the general has overturned the board decision and allowed the soldier to obtain 20 years. The Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) is extremely unfair and sets service members up for failure. The only thing that we can do is petition congress to stop this loophool. Even if you do get retained, you will not be promotable. The other problem you will have is the VA has no ratable disability for MH, hence the PEB has nothing to compare it to for disability in the VASRD. The cards are stacked against military members that get diagnosed with MH and really, anything else. Hopefully, you have other conditions that will be ratable by the VA. Get tested for Sleep Apnea. Most people have it. It will get you booted but will give you a ratable disability. But you must do it while on active duty. It may even allow you to at least get a severance from the navy.

If your fitness reports stated that you were having problems because of your condition, you would have evidence that would convince the PEB to medically retire you. Without that evidence, you cannot convince the PEB. Then you face another administrative board that will seperate you unless you are protected by the "sanctuary" law like I am. I wish I could tell you how to avoid the process. But there is no way. Delay with a congressional complaint and see if you can find something else to reopen a PEB with something other than MH. Sorry, but the military does not like us MHS people.

If you have not been formally diagnosed with MH, I don't understand why they are pushing discharge. If you have not been diagnosed, see if your medical people will send you to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD for testing. Also, contact Dr. Shiela Muldoon to see if they will push your command to send you for testing. If you are negative for MH, that will negate the push to seperate you. Let your congressman know that you haven't been tested if indeed you have not. That should help heads roll. Good luck!

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Bruce,

Read the DES posting you created... I just replied to that and covered most of the things you mentioned. I was diagnosed through muscle biopsy...then passed 5 year physical with MH in record, allowed to reenlist with MH in record, and cleared to go overseas with MH in record...even a letter from bethesda stating that I was unable to deploy. Medical providers repeatedly cleared me making me think that my career would continue. It wasn't until last year (here in Naples, Italy) that an anastesiologist caught it which started the whole process. The medical system took absolutely no repsonsibility for putting me in this predicament and did not take that into account during my PEB's. All it did was prove to them that I should be founf fit even though they knew my career would ultimately end because I only have 8 1/2 years in. That has probably been what has angered me the most. MH was throughout my record and numerous documents and in the end no one took any responsibility. The only word that I can use to describe it at this point is "disgusted". Anyways, I'll wrap this up but read my post I left you under the DES blog you made.