today it all hit me...

[Devanmc]

Today was finally the day i receive my PEB summery packed from the Peblo officer. Im taking it to a lawyer for review before signing but its just been a day where idk what to think about all this. Just over a year ago i signed my contract to serve and now its being cut short due to(IMO) the lamest injury i could ever get.

About 8 months ago i tore the larbum in my hip during a morning run it seems. To me this is just pathetic after doing 8 years of dance and 2 years of cycling 10mile a day before my joining the service.

The army has decided to discharge me due to the fact that therapy is not helping the injury at all. It is only helping keep pain down to about 5(on the classic 10 scale), without therapy im about a 7 with need for painkillers. TRI-care does not believes that the surgery i need is experimental, so they will not approve of it. They feel i should either stay on pain killers or receive a full hip replacement at 21.

that being said, its all finally hit me that i know must go back to school, deal with this injury and figure out how im going to get a job. I dont want to turn this into a pity party one bit but wanted to explain for those who maybe wondering why such a young kid is leaving the army after a short service period, and also why i can be quiet scatterbrained at times. This is because quiet honestly, for me this is a lot to deal with and im still kinda trying to figure out how. Thoughts suggestions and advice on how to deal with this and what kinds of jobs i should look at getting as a nearly null experienced 21yr/old would be greatly appreciated.

;s for the horrible grammar for which this post contains. Also its unnecessary length.

[G G]

Hang in there and things will work out.:tu

[Superbad]

Devan,
My advice is to get a degree in Engineering, you have a good school right there in HSV at UAH. I am guessing you will be considered a disabled veteran, that can help when it comes time to get a job, especially with the military or Federal Government. I work as a civilian engineer for the USN. It is a very good job. PM me and I will give you my work # if you ever want to talk about this.

[688sonarmen]

Devan, you will be ok. Take the 9/11 bill and run with it, you made it though some of the toughest parts of the military and will run circles around the college kids from the learned discipline. And keep your chin up, your personality will take you a long way:tu

[Devanmc]

Devan,
My advice is to get a degree in Engineering, you have a good school right there in HSV at UAH. I am guessing you will be considered a disabled veteran, that can help when it comes time to get a job, especially with the military or Federal Government. I work as a civilian engineer for the USN. It is a very good job. PM me and I will give you my work # if you ever want to talk about this.

i would but i am terrible with math, im looking for a business degree. In Marketing or logistics.

[Superbad]

I would suggest Logistics. Once again a military background can carry you very far in this field. There is a great Logistics internship NAVSEA offers, my door is always open if you want to talk. Make sure you get a degree in a marketable field, don't waste the chance.

[Chainsaw13]

Ever thought of becoming a Physical Therapist? You have some background having to go through it yourself and there's always going to be a need for people in the profession.

[HK3-]

I have no advice but wanted to wish you good luck. :tu

[Chainsaw13]

Whatever you do decide, get into something you like. Just because some jobs may pay more, there's something to say about a job that you enjoy getting up to do everyday.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Superbad]

Whatever you do decide, get into something you like. Just because some jobs may pay more, there's something to say about a job that you enjoy getting up to do everyday.
Posted via Mobile Device

I can't disagree with this.

[G G]

That is sage advice. I worked a job for 19 and 1/2 years that I liked ok for about the first ten, then absolutely loathed for the last 7 or 8. It paid the bills, but that's all I can say about it.

[CasaDooley]

Make sure you get set up at your local Veterans Administration hospital and I would also go speak with a DAV (Disabled American Veterans) rep (go see the DAV rep first). You are entitled to collect disability. How much depends on what rating you get, I.E. 20% disabled etc. Good luck Bro.

[CigarNut]

Hey Devan -- you are a smart guy and I think things will work out for you. Figure out what you like to do and what you are good at and pursue it. You are young enough yet to be able to tackle a new career and I have confidence in your ability to succeed!

[Chingas]

Road Trip. Sort yourself Brother. Your Lost. Take some time to explore, thought provoking and mind numbing experiences. Truly find what you love to do and do it.

That's all I got. Bobby is good people. Pick his brain while the opportunity is there.

[Ranger_B]

Devan my heart goes out to you. Remember it is your life not some VA rep or some PEBLO. Fight for what you feel is right. If there is science and fact behind a different surgery have a consult with your PCM and have them include notes about talking to you about it. If they still say no because it is not approved then go to a civilian leader I.E. Congress or Senate. Now if you can not find that science or you are not a candidate for that surgery dont go making a big stir. You may not know but I am in similar shoes only at 15years. I have learned a lot so if you have questions please PM me.

Take you time and have a plan. Have the plan start with a nice smoke the day you get out and say good bye to your last step as the sun sets and prepare to say hello when the sun rises to a new path.

[Drez]

everything will be ok. leaving the military is always a hard thing to do cause you are used to that life style and now you feel like you are just dumped back into the world. everything will be ok.

look for a job to pay the bills while you decide what feild you wanna go into.

dont rush anything brother it will all be ok. you know we are here for you.

[maninblack]

Damn sorry to hear this Devan. I know I bust your balls alot, but I really hope you do find something you enjoy. Like Chingas said, go out and explore. You're still very young and have a lot of life ahead of you. Take a trip, go somewhere you've never been, enjoy life. You only got one.

[Devanmc]

Make sure you get set up at your local Veterans Administration hospital and I would also go speak with a DAV (Disabled American Veterans) rep (go see the DAV rep first). You are entitled to collect disability. How much depends on what rating you get, I.E. 20% disabled etc. Good luck Bro.

Looking to call them this weekend before I sign. Looking at an initial 20% from the army then adjusted by the VA

Road Trip. Sort yourself Brother. Your Lost. Take some time to explore, thought provoking and mind numbing experiences. Truly find what you love to do and do it.

That's all I got. Bobby is good people. Pick his brain while the opportunity is there.

If things work out, I like this road trip you speak of.

Devan my heart goes out to you. Remember it is your life not some VA rep or some PEBLO. Fight for what you feel is right. If there is science and fact behind a different surgery have a consult with your PCM and have them include notes about talking to you about it. If they still say no because it is not approved then go to a civilian leader I.E. Congress or Senate. Now if you can not find that science or you are not a candidate for that surgery dont go making a big stir. You may not know but I am in similar shoes only at 15years. I have learned a lot so if you have questions please PM me.

Take you time and have a plan. Have the plan start with a nice smoke the day you get out and say good bye to your last step as the sun sets and prepare to say hello when the sun rises to a new path.

Thanks for this advice, it should prove helpful. Also, good luck with your own situation.


Bobby, ill get ahold of you soon. I need to get this paper work delt with first.



Posted via droid

[Salvelinus]

My wife runs marathons and developed a labrum tear as well. That is a real tough injury to treat, she has just been pushing through it. It sounds like your tear is worse though, hers is not so painful.

I think the guys are right about figuring out what you really want to do before starting school. School is expensive (take it from me I just started grad school), so it is best to get it right the first time. Best of luck.

[HollywoodQue]

Sorry to hear about your injury Devan. Have you consulted an attorney yet? The military make be liable for your injury and responsible for future rehab. You may want to seek a civilian attorney because as I remember when I served, they tend to look out for the militaries best interest.

Always keep your head up brother, things happen for a reason that we may not yet understand. Your path has already been chosen, just try your best to follow it.

[Devanmc]

They are liable and will for at the very least the next 5 years I believe.

[BlackDog]

I am sorry for your injury and hope this all gets worked out for you. Thank you for your service! :salute:

[kaisersozei]

It's just a fork in the road of life, brother. Good luck!

[Devanmc]

chingas, as something to get my mind off of this. Im starting to think of what to do for a road trip. Besides maybe visiting some of you that i regularly chat with, and some friends. What are some other things to do?

[kelmac07]

Devan...I gotta agree with a few prior suggestions. Go get your college education first and foremost. That degree will open many doors for you...and give you some time to decidde what you really want to do. :2

[mariogolbee]

Devan...I gotta agree with a few prior suggestions. Go get your college education first and foremost. That degree will open many doors for you...and give you some time to decidde what you really want to do. :2
+1

Good luck, it will all work out if you do what you want to do. Maybe it's time to take an interest inventory and aptitude test?

[Devanmc]

where might i take a interest test? I did take the armys aptitude test and they seem to think im pretty smart. :sh

[Chingas]

chingas, as something to get my mind off of this. Im starting to think of what to do for a road trip. Besides maybe visiting some of you that i regularly chat with, and some friends. What are some other things to do?

Ocean to Ocean Brother. I drive from Jersey to Cali and stopped everywhere in-between. All in all was about a month on the road. Can't even begin to tell you all the people I met, things I seen, things I've done. It was a great experience that I wish I could do again sometime soon.

[maninblack]

Ocean to Ocean Brother. I drive from Jersey to Cali and stopped everywhere in-between. All in all was about a month on the road. Can't even begin to tell you all the people I met, things I seen, things I've done. It was a great experience that I wish I could do again sometime soon.

Man, to be young again. I'd love to do this before I die.

[longknocker]

I Agree, Devan! Take A Month Off & See The Country, Go Back To School & Get A Degree In Some Area You're Interested In. Best Of Luck To You, Brother!:tu

[Devanmc]

We will have to talk about this more and see how you planned it

[lyle23]

Devan, sorry for your injury but most imortantly, thank you for the time you have given to this country. A path has been set in front of you that only you can decide what is best for you. All the advice given here soo far is great and comes from people that have seen and exerienced more than many ever will. Take your time and do what will make you happy. Good luck and you have everyone here to turn to for advice anytime you need it.

[shark]

Man, I'm sorry to hear this. I have no advice to add that hasn't already been mentioned, so I'll say good luck in your decision in what to do next. -(P

[Devanmc]

Just an update for those interested. Spoke with my lawer last night and will be refusing to sign my summary today. while I have a couple parts rewriten.

[BC-Axeman]

Good luck. It sounds like you have an eye for the right path. Don't stray too far and the good choices will add up.

[Chingas]

Just an update for those interested. Spoke with my lawer last night and will be refusing to sign my summary today. while I have a couple parts rewriten.

I hope this is a good thing.

[Devanmc]

they worded a few things wrong and apparently never told me about lab work they wanted to do..

-went and got the lab work done, This way ive complied with all requested treatments and diagnostics
-fixed where they said i dont gaurd my hip, which i do.
-fixed where they said i dont want surgery which i do.

[Chingas]

Sounds like you did the right thing than Devan. Good for you.

[Ranger_B]

Glad you went and made sure it says what you want Devan.

[looking for know]

Sounds like you're going Delta Force. This is the first step. They have to have a reason to get you off the books before they can put you on the clandestine. I saw it all in a movie. :banger

[Devanmc]

^ :r :r yeah ok :tu :r

[Devanmc]

still waiting to get my narative summary back but

Some good news to report. I got my acceptance letter for western michigan university for the fall. Will be going there for 1year then I'm hopping to transfer to MSU!

[HollywoodQue]

still waiting to get my narative summary back but

Some good news to report. I got my acceptance letter for western michigan university for the fall. Will be going there for 1year then I'm hopping to transfer to MSU!

Good Stuff, My daughter graduated from Western last year. She loved the school and the campus life....congrats

[HK3-]

Sweet Devan! :tu I know a couple good cigar shops over that way. Let me know when you're ready. :) One of my humidors is sitting in one of them. ;)

[Devanmc]

That's some good news. Went to 6 different cigar shops around novi and didn't care for any of them.

Don't let me find out where that humi is, I might blind bomb you...

[HK3-]

That's some good news. Went to 6 different cigar shops around novi and didn't care for any of them.

Don't let me find out where that humi is, I might blind bomb you...

:r Well, the humi is currently being used by the shop. I didn't have room for it at my house down here in TN so I left it behind hoping to return for it some day. Good news is that my inlaws live very close to Western so I will get to burn a few with you from time to time when I'm in town visiting. :banger

[Devanmc]

Sounds like we could have some good times then. Hind sight is 20/20 and I'm going back to college. This will be interesting for sure in the fall

[HK3-]

Sounds like we could have some good times then. Hind sight is 20/20 and I'm going back to college. This will be interesting for sure in the fall

It's never too late to go back. I think you are making a wise choice grasshopper.

[Devanmc]

Ofcourse, I'm going to finish my bachlors in logistics with a minor in marketing and or economics.

[Devanmc]

I've figured out some schooling, possible job, and what I need to do with the VA. I'm starting to get irritated with not being able to do anything. So besides spending all my money on cigars,knives and guns. I work out 5nights a week. What else can I do to distract myself and thus pass the time?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Devanmc]

This is going to be a nightmmare. Army is ****ing me with 10% disability, when others with comparable injuries got 20%. WTF army, I'm deffinitly going to argue against this ruling
Posted via Mobile Device

[Chingas]

Best of luck to you Brother. Glad to hear you're making a comeback in school!

[bigliver]

This is going to be a nightmmare. Army is ****ing me with 10% disability, when others with comparable injuries got 20%. WTF army, I'm deffinitly going to argue against this ruling
Posted via Mobile Device

Devan,

10% and 20% are going to get you the same results. Both will give you 2X your base pay for every year in service.

If you've resolved yourself to getting out, and it appears as though you have, accepting the 10% will get you out the door and on with your life sooner. Disability applied for through the VA will be evaluated independently; your separation percentage has nothing to do with your VA rating, although both organizations are supposed to use the same rating schedule, that being the VAs.

[Devanmc]

the 20% for the availability of vocational rehab is my main concern. I have until friday to decide if im going to fight for a higher %.

[Devanmc]

Looking and talking to schools for getting a CDL to be a truck driver in the short term. Anyone ever do this job and have input for me?
Posted via Mobile Device

[CasaDooley]

This is going to be a nightmmare. Army is ****ing me with 10% disability, when others with comparable injuries got 20%. WTF army, I'm deffinitly going to argue against this ruling
Posted via Mobile Device

Devan, go for the 20% as it will help you in the long run to get a higher VA rating!:tu

[Devanmc]

well either way it goes, my lawyer said it was best to sign and get the DoD part over with. I signed my packet today and should be getting my release message and orders within a few weeks. So in short....


WHOOOOO! IM GOING HOME!

[Chingas]

Great news Brother. That means there is not much time to tackle this cooler debacle. Hmmmm.

[Devanmc]

I was hopping you forgot...
Posted via Mobile Device

[EricF]

Great news Brother. That means there is not much time to tackle this cooler debacle. Hmmmm.

things like that we don't ever forget!!!:r:r

Glad to hear you are getting things figured out! Take the advice offered in this thread , it is all good sound advice!!:tu

[Chingas]

I was hopping you forgot...
Posted via Mobile Device

With my notes on my napkins, it's hard to forget...

[Devanmc]

apparently not with the PM i received last night...

[maninblack]

Yeah chingas screwed the pooch with that one.

[Devanmc]

Well he's been threatening so it was no secret. So I'm not sure what ur refering to...
Posted via Mobile Device

[Chingas]

I think i'll call it off. Just not the same if you know. It looses that "Spark"...

[TBone]

Devan, I've had both hips replaced one at the end of Oct 2010 if you chose to do this there is a procedure where as they go through the front of the thigh this cuts down rehab time and allows the hip to bend greater than 90 degrees immediately after the surgery, unfortunately for me both of mine were traditional through the side. This prevents me from bending greater than 90 degrees for up to 6 months if I do the hips will dislocate. These operations definitely took care of the pain. Though young you could recover quickly and be back on your feet within weeks. Should you want to inquire more PM me.

[Devanmc]

Thanks tbone and chingas either ur a liar or I win! :p
Posted via Mobile Device

[tobii3]

Listen to TBone's advice.

He's been rebuilt more times than a 57 Chevy....:r

[cmitch]

Devan, I hope all goes well. I still want to meet up with you for a herf before you head out of town anywhere.
And another thing. Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you have LEFT. You still have to protect yourself from 'enemy' attacks.:tu

[TBone]

Devan, my daughter went to MSU and now lives in Grand Ledge, I'd like to hook up and herf when I'm in town. I hope all goes well with the Med separation

[Devanmc]

can someone call up w.e. my paper work is in DC and tell them to hurry up. I wanna go home and all im waiting on is them to send down my orders.....

[TBone]

be patient young Jedi your time will come...definitely follow the suggestions previously given; things work themselves out this is going to be a blessing in disguise...good luck

[Devanmc]

i have things pretty well planned out, for better or worse like you said. I do possibly want to come back to the army in time though, as an officer.

[kelmac07]

I do possibly want to come back to the army in time though, as an officer.

WTF Devan??? And here I thought you were cool. :td :td :td

[Devanmc]

Ill be the coolest officer ever!

Coming back to just be **** on as a spec with a bachlors degree just seems stupid :sh
Posted via Mobile Device

[Devanmc]

:wo :wo :wo :wo

Ill be home wednesday
Posted via Mobile Device