I am Sick help

[matthew.cushing]

Hi Everybody,

I have recently been diagnosed with Chrohn's disease. Its a chronic inflammation of the bowels with ulcers usually confined to the colon. It is non cureable. I have been in the navy now for nealry 6 years. I am wondering if anybody else out there has this diease and what has happened to them in the navy. Medical board? disability percentage? Thank you for any assistance you can offer me!!

[Da-Chief]

Shipmate,
You need to contact your Medboard folks at your treatment facility to get the best answer. I know folks in the past who were able to still stay on Active Duty, but that was before 9/11. You have to be able to deploy for the military now when needed. I know it sounds harsh but I would think most likely if your limited in your duties, they will Medboard you.

I am looking up the specifics as I am 2 years out off A/D now and don't want to quote bad gouge, hence the reason I ask you talk to your Medboard office at your tx facility, but I will keep looking. I have a POC to go to and am awaiting a answer.

D/C

[indy]

Hi Matthew,

Not sure if you've already looked at the link 8404 gave you earlier (http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil/Fil...DChapter18.pdf) but that chapter of the Manual of the Medical Department deals with all the circumstances surrounding MEDBOARDs. According to Article 18-4 there are numerous reasons why MEDBOARDs should be convened - simply having a medical impairment or physical defect is not a reason alone.

Per MANMED Chapter 15 (http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil/Fil...DChapter15.pdf), having a disease such as yours is a disqualifying condition, and should be referred for review. Have they placed you in a Limited Duty status?

I can't speak to disability ratings, but remember that there are two systems, the Navy's and the VA's - and there are differences.

I have also managed this process for a Reserve member with the same history and he did go through the Physical Evaluation Board process which is more than likely where your case will end up.

Like Chief said, you need to stay in constant contact with both your chain of command and your medical provider - if they do proceed with a MEDBOARD, then you will get direction on what happens next. If you end up being referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), then you should have a local PEB Liason Officer (PEBLO) who will counsel you and help you through the process.

[matthew.cushing]

I did recieve and read the link 8404 gave me, it was very informative. i was placed on LIMDU six months ago, they are talking about doing a medboard soon but unsure when at this point. Thank you for your help!