Life after the military

[just4jaden]

Hello all! I was Dxed with M/S about a year and a half ago and I am currently active duty. My new neurologist has decided that I needed to MEB(even though my symptoms haven't gotten any worse), so now I am preparing to reenter the civilian world.

I have so many questions, and I was hoping you guys and gals wouldn't mind helping me answer them:

-Is there anyone here that got Dxed while on active duty and subsequently got medically retired?

-For those who did, what did you do after "retirement"? Go to school? Do the same job you had in the military as a civilian?

-Was it hard to find employment after you retired?

-Did anyone do Vocational Rehab?

I have no one where im stationed that can really answer my questions, so thanks in advance for helping me out!

[Bob698]

I can't help on the MEB stuff, I got out long before I got DX'd.

I did use the on-base transition programs after I got out, mostly learning how to write effective resumes and job search skills. I was Navy but I was able to use a local AFB's programs.

You can also use the VA for help. Besides Dr's and nurses, most VA centers also have social services specialists who can answer questions or least they'll know who to call.
Being DX'd with MS can make it tricky. You should probably talk to a VA councellor to figure out where you are in terms of disability and work.

While on that subject, be REALLY careful who you tell about your DX. People who don't know better can have a habit of really screwing things up for us. If you do tell someone about your DX, be sure they understand how quickly they can sink your ship by blabbing your info around town.

One thing you should start doing now is to set up a social network of other buds who are getting out or have just gotten out. Start networking ASAP. Its the best way to figure out what's really going on in the job market. Networking works best when its a two-way street. Others help you out, you help some of them out.

Going back to school might be an option if its something you always wanted to do. Just be realistic in terms of what you expect and what kind of a career you would wind up getting into (business admin classes are usually a good idea as a minor in any field of study because its experience a lot of co's look for).

[mlissa67]

Howdy...

I was diagnosed 22 Mar 11 while on AD. It took approximately 8 months for all the evaluations to be completed, paperwork, more evaluations then sitting and waiting for the MEB to make a decision, which to me was a no-brainer, they were going to let me go, as my MS was "aggressive" at the time. I spent most of that 8 months on convalescent leave. I was getting monthly IV solumedrol almost monthly and the group commander felt that since I worked in the hospital and was immune compromised I was safer at home.

I was AD AF, I don't know what branch of service you're in although you may have mentioned it, but for AD, its an automatic minimum 30% retirement allowing you to keep your benefits. Since they've tried to streamline the process with the VA, you will also know how the VA is going to rate you before you are medically retired from service. They will go through your med. records with a fine tooth comb and give you s rating on everything they can.

My best advice to you is to be patient for now. If you disagree with the ratings, you can request an appeal at that time. Again, everything I'm telling you is from my own personal experience. My email me with questions anytime, my email address is in my profile. 28 Aug 13 was my first year of retirement. The adjustments have been hard as I really liked being in the military.

I just recently decided to go back to school and will start in January. It's been a tough decision and a long road to get to thid point. I really struggle, but each day gets a little better.

Keep in mind, if you are stable, able to do your job, and really want to stay in, there are 116 AD AF with MS, but in these times of cutbacks, it could go either way.

Good luck and email me if you are AF because I can't tell anything about the other branches.