Medical boards not always career-enders

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Brandon Lingle
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Airmen may think that being medically "boarded" means an end to a military career, but that is not always the case, according to medical officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here.

While the goal of the medical-review system is to maintain a fit and vital force, officials say the Air Force does not take the prospect of separating people for medical conditions lightly. A multistep evaluation process helps ensure that the needs of both the Air Force and the member are served.

"Being medically boarded isn't the same as being kicked out of the Air Force," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Leonard Trout, of the medical standards branch at the center. "The reality is that someone who faces a medical evaluation board has a good chance of remaining on active duty."

When an airman is diagnosed with any of several hundred medical conditions outlined in Air Force guidance, he or she may face a medical evaluation board. This is the first step in the Air Force's disability-evaluation system. The airman's medical record is reviewed by a panel of three base-level physicians. They forward their recommendation to senior reviewers at the personnel center who have to answer two questions: is the individual fit to stay in the military and, if so, can the individual serve overseas?

An airman found unfit for military service may appeal the decision. Appeals go to medical officials at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and sometimes reach the secretary of the Air Force level. There is no appeal process for those found still fit for duty.

"We process an average of 4,000 medical boards each year," said Col. (Dr.) Ed Taxin, chief of the medical standards branch.

One airman whose future rested in the board's hands is Master Sgt. Dan Derlein, a computer programmer at the personnel center. Derlein was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a debilitating and incurable disease of the nervous system that afflicts more than 1.5 million people, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

"It's difficult going through the diagnosis of a chronic, degenerative disease," said Derlein, a 37-year-old father of three. "To be honest, I was more afraid of that board than the disease. I still have two years before I can retire and I want to be able to finish my career."

Before his medical board, Derlein visited a Web site run by Tom Berdine, a former technical sergeant who also suffers from PD and also faced a medical board.

"Tom understood what I was going through," Derlein said. "He really helped me through the diagnosis and my medical-evaluation board."

Although he temporarily lost his mobility status, Derlein passed the medical board and is still able to do his job. Medications currently keep Derlein's disease in check, but since there is no cure, the medicine only treats the symptoms, and his nervous system continues to degrade; however, he is still productive at work.

"Dan feels like he's really gone downhill, but his work doesn't show it," said his supervisor, Cherri Hummel. "He's top notch, an amazing person. People are always coming to him for help because he's so good with computers."

Derlein plans to continue serving his country as long as he can and looks forward to a computer-programming job after his Air Force retirement.

"Things may take me a little longer, and I might complain a little louder, but I'll get them done," he said.

For others facing a medical board, officials said there are some things people can do to help ensure the board has the most accurate information so the best decision is made:

-- It is important to keep a dialogue going with both the physician and the physical-evaluation board liaison officer. The liaison officer provides counseling and monitors specific cases. They know the process and can provide advice. Ignoring or delaying doctor's appointments and paperwork deadlines only drags things out and could result in administrative problems.

-- Airmen need to keep their commanders updated, because a commander's letter on a person's job performance is an influential part of the final decision.

-- Airmen can write a letter to the board providing personal insights and preferences. This is a chance for an airman to get his or her thoughts into the process.

-- Airmen should not give up. If a board recommends a medical separation, an airman can always appeal.

To learn more about the Air Force disability-evaluation system, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/disability/Pages/Intro.html. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)