Guest guest Posted September 4, 2006 Report Share Posted September 4, 2006 Hello, I am 31 years old and was dx last November with UC and PSC. I am not in the USAF, but I am in the US Navy. I am currently fighting to keep my naval career, but it does not look hopeful for me. I've been fighting for almost a year now. At first I was told I was fit to continue service, but then the Navy tried to seperate me with out any future medical assistance. I was devastated. I have been in the service for 13 and half years and felt I deserved better. I have given up alot for them and now they were trying to do me wrong. So, I have a lawyer now and I am going through the process of having my case re-evaluated. Now instead of fighting to stay in I am fighting to get medical retirement. It's not what I really want, but I have realized that even though I am less then 7 years from retiring, my dream of retiring from the service wil not happen. The main problem I have run into is that unless the doctor I am speaking to is a GI doctor, they know nothing about PSC, they act like I only have UC. I wish your son lots of luck and I hope his out come is better then mine. King > > > > Hello, > > I recently joined this support group. > > My son was diagnosed with PSC early August, 2006. He is 23 years > old. > > > > I am very anxious to find out if any one out there who has PSC > and in the United States Air Force or knows someone with PSC in the > air force. > > My son is currently in the USAF, his career field is SPECIAL > FORCES, Para-Rescue. > > He made it through the grueling 10 week indoc. week. Out of 64 > young men, he was one of 8 who made it, back in June. > > This choice of work in AF is certainly his 'calling', his > mission so to speak. > > Because his medical paperwork will not 'catch-up' with the > commander of the base for another month or so, we are very, very > ANXIOUS about wether or not the AF will allow him to stay in with > this disease and continue his training. > > If there is anyone out there that can send me a hopeful story > about being able to stay in the AF with this disease or any other > life threatening illness, PLEASE e-mail me. > > I am a desperate mom, who would love nothing more than to share > with her son a promising story, that he could possibly fulfill his > DREAM, and become a P.J. with the USAF. THANK YOU!! > > jmwevan@ > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get > things done faster. > > > I was in the AF in 1981. I was on a special forces base. While I was > in I was diagnoise with Ulcerative Colitis. They discharged me with > a medical discharge. They said that my condition could jepordize > future missions. However, that doesnt mean they will discharge him > but from my experience, they probably will. > The military will probably look at 2 aspects of his condition. They > will consider whether or not he would be a risk to the mission. They > will also consider the fact that UC usually accompanies PSC. And > that is what got me discharged. They will probably also look at > liability. However, I could be wrong and hope that i am. > Sincerely > Clint > UC-1979 PSC-2006 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2006 Report Share Posted September 4, 2006 I was Air Force from 12/07 thoruhg 8/01. I was medically retired for Ulcerative Colitis. I was rated at 30% (anything above 30% is a medical retirement, anything below is a medical discharge). I receive benifits from the VA. I was diagnosed w/PSC in 2005, and becasue it usually goes w/UC, the VA found the 2 diseases related and now give me a percentage for the PSC also. All said, after the VA reviewed all of my medical records, I get percentages for other medical prolbmes I had while on Active Duty. I am rated at a total of 80%. I beleive anything 50% and above can be seen medically at any VA facility w/o any expense to the patient, to include medications). At least that is how it was in 2001 when I first got out of the AF. My husband is still Active Duty AF (15 yrs and counting!), so I still receive my medical benifits through him on base. If your son is having any other medical problems, PLEASE ensure he gets seen and it's documented in his medical records before any medical booard process is completed. I have ratings for my UC, PSC, depression (which defnintely comes w/this disease, so if he feels any depresison at all, talk to someone professional), migraines, hip problem, and seasonal allergies (I think that's everything). When he goes for a VA evaluation, don't make light of any problems. The doc is there to keep the VA from over paying, so when a patient walks in and is aksed "how are you today" and the ususal response is "fine, how are you", the doc will make note of the "fine" part. While in the AF I worked Healthcare Management ( meaning medical boards were part of my career filed), and for the first year after I got out I worked at the VA hospital in our city. If you have any questinos that I can answer, I'm more than happy to tell you what I know. I don't think it's changed too dramatically since I've been in, and if I don't know that answer I can ask my hubby to find out. Please note too, that as my diseases progresses, I apply for an upgrade in my VA percentage, and I also get extra money for my dependents ( hubby and son). When/if the VA process starts, get a representative that helps vets w/thier cases on a regular bases (ex; American Legion). They know how to word applications for benifits and know the folks at your local VA Regional office. If you'd like to call me, my number is below. I can talk freely (w/o a 2 year old screaming in the background, he doesn't like it when I'm on the phone) anytime Monday through Thursday from 0830-1130 Mountain time (I'm in New Meico/Holloman AFB). I hate to give you false hope, but more than likely he will be discharged. The question is, a Medical Dishcarge or Medical Retirement, and at what percentage). 30, UC 1/01, PSC 5/05 Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 > > Hello, > I am 31 years old and was dx last November with UC and PSC. I am not > in the USAF, but I am in the US Navy. I am currently fighting to keep > my naval career, but it does not look hopeful for me. I've been > fighting for almost a year now. At first I was told I was fit to > continue service, but then the Navy tried to seperate me with out any > future medical assistance. I was devastated. I have been in the > service for 13 and half years and felt I deserved better. I have > given up alot for them and now they were trying to do me wrong. So, I > have a lawyer now and I am going through the process of having my > case re-evaluated. Now instead of fighting to stay in I am fighting > to get medical retirement. It's not what I really want, but I have > realized that even though I am less then 7 years from retiring, my > dream of retiring from the service wil not happen. The main problem I > have run into is that unless the doctor I am speaking to is a GI > doctor, they know nothing about PSC, they act like I only have UC. I > wish your son lots of luck and I hope his out come is better then > mine. > > King > , Iam a female Navy veteran(Aviation Structural Mechanic, rated at 100% by the VA). I know how you feel. First of all, you will receive 100% I assure you. You can fight to stay in, or you can get out and and receive a permenant 100% disibility with full medical coverage, dental, and have base access, and many other benefits. VA benefits are not welfare, you earned them. You deserve them. You may also collect SSDI. Social Security disibility benefits. I would be more than happy to help you out...would you like me to give you a call?. I know how to prepare the paperwork for the VA, how to work with them. You have to be persistant. Be sure to make hard- copies of everything in your medical record. Document every thing, in detail. Of course I do miss being in...but life is good, and the VA can and will help you. There are some really good doctors out in the system. Remember also that retirees do have pay into TRI-CARE. Those VA service connected or impoverished vets do not have to pay for scrips or medical care. Andi, USN Vet, VFA-125 Lemoore, Bermuda, Atsugi-Japan, Great Lakes, Orlando, Port Services, Mayport(currently- Modesto, California) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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