Monthly Archives: July 2019
Glaring Error at MTF Results in Misdiagnosis of Seizure Disorder
I had recently dealt with a case in which a service member on the TDRL came to me for help when the IPEB proposed to reduce a disability rating for a conversion disorder diagnosis, for a variety of different reasons. This person had been labeled with this devastating diagnosis by military neurologists based upon clinical […]
When to Request a Code 13 Review of Combat-related Navy PEB Finding v. Going to a Formal Hearing
What do you do if you are a Navy or Marine Corps member being processed through the IDES or legacy systems and disagree with your initial findings by the IPEB as to whether your injuries were combat-related? There are two options- request a formal hearing before the FPEB to argue this point or waive the […]
How to Prepare for a USPHS Medical Review Board
If you are preparing for a USPHS Medical Review Board, then the first question is whether you wish to be found Fit or Unfit. If fit, then your nonmedical evidence should reflect that you are able to perform all your assigned duties despite any potentially unfitting conditions. If Unfit, then you would be wise to […]
What do BMCR/BCNR Analysts Do?
I have seen several persons post questions on veterans-related forums in the past month stating that their cases were “assigned to an analyst” and asking what this term mean. At the BCMR/BCNR level, an analyst is a person who writes up an overview for the Board members outlining the issues presented, discussing the evidence submitted, […]
Can Cancelling Psychotherapy Appointments Lead to a Reduction in Benefits?
Simple answer, Y-E-S. If you are a service member on the TDRL or a veteran who is subject to reevaluation of a service-connected mental health disorder, you will find that armed and uniformed services, as well as the VA, take a dim view of persons receiving benefits of 30% disabling or more for […]