Seriously concerned over med release process

[Milli]

Just got word I’m being medically released, along with many others, should be a 3B. I understand you are guaranteed 75-90% of pay for two years through manulife depending on whether it’s a 3A or 3B release. Which is great. However I am absolutely terrified they are not going to acknowledge various mental issues & physical impairments, and send me back to the real world.
Which would be very very bad for me. I wouldn’t be able to do school, let alone have a career.
I’ve only seen PTSD approved for the totally disabled, in terms of mental issues, which I do not have. And I’m young, with a baby. Mid 20s. And everyone is telling me “you’re so young! You can do so much” and I’m scared VAC will say the same. I’m scared I will say the wrong things, or have to hide happy moments in my life in fear of being perceived as OK.
I was approved 45% disabled last year through one mental issue, still fighting through some physical issue claims. My medical file size is a solid book too.

I guess what I’m asking is for some insight about the end of the 2 years, hope that I won’t be fed to the wolves, experiences, anything.

Thanks for reading my novel.

 

[Chargersfan]

Just got word I’m being medically released, along with many others, should be a 3B. I understand you are guaranteed 75-90% of pay for two years through manulife depending on whether it’s a 3A or 3B release. Which is great. However I am absolutely terrified they are not going to acknowledge various mental issues & physical impairments, and send me back to the real world.
Which would be very very bad for me. I wouldn’t be able to do school, let alone have a career.
I’ve only seen PTSD approved for the totally disabled, in terms of mental issues, which I do not have. And I’m young, with a baby. Mid 20s. And everyone is telling me “you’re so young! You can do so much” and I’m scared VAC will say the same. I’m scared I will say the wrong things, or have to hide happy moments in my life in fear of being perceived as OK.
I was approved 45% disabled last year through one mental issue, still fighting through some physical issue claims. My medical file size is a solid book too.

I guess what I’m asking is for some insight about the end of the 2 years, hope that I won’t be fed to the wolves, experiences, anything.

Thanks for reading my novel.

Mid 20’s? So, less than 10 years service? Not an expert, but I think your entitlements will be less. Go to a scan seminar and ask questions….

 

[CountDC]

That is the best advice you will get - SCAN, especially the medical part and ask lots of questions. Hell, if you think of it ask, don't worry about what anyone else may think or what the answer might be as it is too important. You need to know. Don't rely on what others have gone through either, what bloggins experienced 4 years ago does not carry forward to today with changes happening over the years.

Now my personal point - you have a family, keep them in the loop rather than trying to go through everything on your own. They may even catch things that you don't think of.

Best of luck.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Just got word I’m being medically released, along with many others, should be a 3B.

If you're being medically released you'll get a decision letter indicating you're receiving a 3A or 3B medical release and the date of your release.

Some members have been "told" they're getting medical releases only to have their PCat come back low risk and the member is retained in the CAF, with some restrictions.

So becareful assuming you will be medically released - I personally know 4 people who got a nasty surprise.
 

I understand you are guaranteed 75-90% of pay for two years through manulife depending on whether it’s a 3A or 3B release.

This isn't exactly accurate. If you're being medically released you're guaranteed 2-years salary, but you have to apply for it. 75% comes from CAF LTD, 15% comes from the VAC rehab program. This has nothing to do with it being 3A vs 3B.

Which is great. However I am absolutely terrified they are not going to acknowledge various mental issues & physical impairments, and send me back to the real world.

It's a possibility. I know someone who is 75% disabled according to VAC (which will be higher when an award comes in as well as resessment) and they're still working 5 full days with no MELs.

Getting a salary from CAF LTD or VAC the rest of your life is a possibility but not guarenteed. The good news is they're cognizant that people have good days as well as bad days won't think you're okay just because you're smiling or not a complete head case.

Theres alot of VAC horror stories out there but they also do some really amazing stuff.

 

[CountDC]

did a search with no luck so trying here to see what I get. I am also reaching out to my contacts at the transition centre but curious what I will see from both ends.

Waiting on my med release message and planned to request a transfer to the transition centre as soon as I receive. Everywhere I go online in regards to the centre does not have any information on the transfer process, time lines, etc. Years ago when I was taking care of members I had to send a transfer request up to Ottawa and wait for the transition group Comd to approve the transfer (of course wasn't called transition back then).

Does anyone have the current information on how to request the transfer and how it is actioned?

thanks.

 

[Eagle_Eye_View]

did a search with no luck so trying here to see what I get. I am also reaching out to my contacts at the transition centre but curious what I will see from both ends.

Waiting on my med release message and planned to request a transfer to the transition centre as soon as I receive. Everywhere I go online in regards to the centre does not have any information on the transfer process, time lines, etc. Years ago when I was taking care of members I had to send a transfer request up to Ottawa and wait for the transition group Comd to approve the transfer (of course wasn't called transition back then).

Does anyone have the current information on how to request the transfer and how it is actioned?

thanks.

If you DM me your DWAN email account I can send you the application form.

 

[Jarnhamar]

did a search with no luck so trying here to see what I get. I am also reaching out to my contacts at the transition centre but curious what I will see from both ends.

Waiting on my med release message and planned to request a transfer to the transition centre as soon as I receive. Everywhere I go online in regards to the centre does not have any information on the transfer process, time lines, etc. Years ago when I was taking care of members I had to send a transfer request up to Ottawa and wait for the transition group Comd to approve the transfer (of course wasn't called transition back then).

Does anyone have the current information on how to request the transfer and how it is actioned?

thanks.

My information could be out of date.

Just a blurb on the whole process.

Around the time of covid and immediately after, units were dumping (for lack of a better word) medically releasing members into Transition units. Transition units were getting swamped and eventually stayed pushing back. Lots of members medical releases can be handled through their home units so the intent was for home units to take care of their people.

Generally a posting to the Transition Center would be initiated 3 ways.

1. Unit CoC initiates the posting (DND 2794 form);
2. Base surgeon approaches the members home unit and recommends they initiate a posting to a Transition Center for the member; and
3. Member submits a memo to the CoC who agree (or didagree) with the posting request and initiate a 2794 posting request.

Ultimately, members CO/unit initiates. The CoC supported requests gets base surgeon approval then it's sent to the Transition Group to look at and support/decline. If its supported on both ends the career managers do their stuff and you get a posting message.

[Ive never heard of an application, must he something new]

A typical posting to a Transition Center happens after a member is on their 2nd or 3rd T-Cat, and/or their return to duty program at their home unit isnt working, and the CoC initiates a posting (with bsurg support.

On a case by case basis someone could get posted to a Transition Center on their first TCat depending on their prognosis from the medical side. If it's very clear someone has serious medical conditions and they're going to be released they could be posted to a TC to provide better support.

Getting a 3B medical release approved isn't a guarantee posting to a Transition Center.

[You might sometimes see members of sufficiently high rank get posted as a "thanks for your service" and essentially left alone until released.]

In the past the time frame for a PCAT recommendation to go from the bsurg to D Med Pol and them review it was 22 months. They've apparently hired new staff and the wait time is 15 to 18 months (or earlier, some cases are prioritized).

Once the PCat is approved its 1-3 weeks to move over to DMCA3 who will send a package to you offering a chance to submit representation. Again in the past of you were to say "I'm good to release whenever" your file would sit in limbo for 6 months then you would get sent your date of release, typically 7 months down the road. I've heard recently that 6 month grace period is being shortened.

Someone medically releasing can spend the last 6 months in the military going to school on official courses,doing OJE somewhere, or working at their unit. They can also request some kind of transition release plan (cant remember the name) where you come up with a plan (educational upgrading, finishing highschool, attending daily appointments etc.. ) and you're largely left alone u til released.