I have some pretty big news to those of you that have been reading my journal for the past couple years. It seems the higher-ups in the Navy have decided that I am unfit for duty, and should be discharged. They have recommended my case be submitted to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). The PEB basically reviews the medical evidence and makes determinations of fitness or unfitness to continue service. If the service member is found unfit, the PEB then determines the percentage of the service member’s disability compensation using the Veterans Administration Schedule for Rating Disability (VASRD). Depending on the severity of the injury, the service member either receives medical retirement or severance pay.
In August, I went to Newport Naval Hospital where I was given a full physical, just like last time. A Navy orthopedic doctor then wrote up a dictation summarizing my injury and my current status. The PEB paperwork, 2.5 years of monthly doctor’s dictations, and the notes from my 3 surgeries were all put together last week, and after a few revisions, I signed off on them. My package will be sent to the PEB this week, and I should hear their decision hopefully by the end of the month.
(For more information on the VASRD, check out this site.)
Comments
One response to “Unfit for duty”
I have been reading for years, since I was a Sgt. Your dedication to the program and ability to keep a positive attitude are the attributes we need most, and I am both amazed and saddened at this seemingly final news. Your struggles do not go unappreciated, or unnoticed.
I wish the very best of luck to you, and hope that you can find your call to service fulfilled through another means.
2ndLt Sara Kirstein (Schroeder)