Going through a medical evaluation board (MEB) can be an overwhelming experience. You are dealing with so much of the unknown, and the process can be very confusing.
When my husband went through his, we were only aware of two options – discharge and discharge with a settlement. We did not know any other options existed, but we quickly discovered they did.
If your soldier is going through the MEB process, these are the main outcomes that he could expect:
- To be found fit for duty. If this happens, he will return to his unit and continue to serve.
- Assigned a disability rating of 0% to 20%. Just FYI, a 0% rating is considered a disability rating. If this happens, your soldier will be honorably discharged with a settlement. The settlement is based on the time in service and his rank. There is a formula that basically works out to 2 x ‘years of service’ x ‘high three pay rate.’ The high three pay rate is the average of the three highest base pay amounts that your soldier has earned. This severance package is taxable. He can also seek VA compensation if this happens.
- Assigned a disability rating of 30% or more with a condition that is not rated as stable. He will be assigned to the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL). On TDRL, he receives full retirement benefits, the same as if he had served twenty years or more. He will have to be reevaluated for up to five years until he can be removed from TDRL, or his condition warrants a permanent rating. He can seek VA compensation as well.
- Assigned a disability rating of 30% or more with a condition that is rated as stable. In this case, he will be assigned to the Permanent Disability Retirement List (PDRL) and will be permanently retired. He will receive all benefits the same as if he had served for twenty years or more. His retirement compensation will be based on a High 3 x the disability rating he received. He can seek VA compensation as well.
Again, a great resource is the PEB forum located at www.pebforum.com.
I have been in the army for 2 years I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea stage 2 hypertension IT band syndrome and had surgery on my right ring finger and thumb for reconstruction. I want to leave the army now is it wise for me to ask for MEB. And do you think I will be able to get out. Thank you in advance
I have 21 yrs active. I have had 3 lower back surgeries. Last one was this past Jun. They fused my L4 L5 and I have 4 screws and 2 rods in my back. Do to the surgery I have severe nerve damage to my left foot. I walk on the outside of my left foot and I use a cane. I can’t feel my toes on my foot. The worst part is I don’t have control over my toes. I can’t crunch my toes or when the Dr pushes down on my toes I can’t lift them back up. Also with the fusion I can’t bend over or twist. Dr told me that my sciatic nerve is permanently damaged. They said he can go back in and try to repair the sciatic but I’m saying no. Will I be MEB?
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. The guys over at pebforum.com can provide specific advice to your situation. My guess is that you would be med boarded/retired.
My husband (E3, been in 2 years) may be getting medboarded due to horrible pain in his lower back. He’s also going to claim hearing and memory loss (both are accurate).
What percentage would he get?
We have 2 small children…My main fear if no medical…
What benefits would us and dependents have?
Also, could you explain the severance pay.
The guys over at pebforum.com have some of the charts that list percentages by diagnosis. If he’s rated over 30%, you’ll retain Tricare coverage and then he’ll receive that percentage of his base pay each month.
Hi Stacy,
I have had back problems for the last 14 years. I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) in 2008. I had surgery last year to repair a large herniated disc and pinched nerve. After six months of recovery, I still feel the pressure on my back and at times feel a tingly-ness and numbness down my leg. I also suffer from depression, mood swings and short term memory. I have need knee, elbow, and shoulder problems. My doctor is now discussing the possibility of an MEB. At almost 15 years, I am not fond of the idea of an MEB. What are my chances of possibly receiving a 30% from the Army and being medical retired?
If you head over to pebforum.com, they have the standard ratings for different conditions/diseases. You could also potentially find others with the same and see what kind of rating they’ve been given. I hope it all works out.
hi Stacey,
I am currently in the process of a med board. I have a injury to right achillies tendon and I also have flat feet. I try looking up the code for this but I can not find anything, my question is if I have been dealing with this for almost three years is it a possibility that I will get 30%. I have to wear a foot brace for the rest of my life. I am having a hard time getting information and leaving the army with four kids and no medical is very scary. I just don’t know what to do. I will rather have 30 % from the army and keep my benefits then 70 % with out benefits.
thank you
If you go over to pebforum.com, they have the list there that shows the different ratings for different injuries, etc. Good luck!
I’m getting a med board for anxiety due to being hazed, does anyone know round a bout what percentage disability i will get and how long my med board will take?
i had an inguinal hernia operation and i have pain till this day. Its been 6 months already. Is this an unfit for duty status?
I have 50% in ptsd by VA.
In the process MEB can they lower my ptsd %?.
The % will maintain the same or increase?
after been separated from my wife and kids due to military service for 3 convective years, I’ve developed MDD and the other type of depression i can’t remember. now my pa is pushing for a fit for duty. should i be worried
If you get an MEB and put out can you still work. Full time job and make an income? I just no with being a civilian and on disability there can be issues.