ch277 said:
First off, sorry if I wasn't clear, but thanks for the fast response BinRat. I am a regular force member. I guess benefits is not the correct word to use in this instance. I was wondering if down the road if there was complications that were a result of this surgery (which is a result of a off-duty accident) it would be treated the same as if I had been injured at work (ie. VA).
Ahhh... that makes more sense. The answer to this is tricky. Initially, one would want to say no - it happened off duty (the accident) so it wouldn't be covered. However, we are learning that in many cases, we are considered always on duty. It would come down to your "culpability" in said injury. So, while I can't answer this one with 100% certainty, you may need an adjudicator if it came to it. Document everything. Keep all your records. I am personally acquainted with a member who was involved in a motorcycle accident (member on civi roads, civi bike, civi clothing, after supper...). Several surgeries later, member does NOT meet the UofS. Released, but a 3B was in order. Member can't claim a pension, but received many benefits on release.
ch277 said:
I am familiar with the Universality of Service. My questions had more to do with what had to be done in order to meet it, coming of the TCAT. From what I was told by the Doc who is following me, the lifting of the TCAT will only be complete once I pass medical parts 1 & 2, and successfully pass the PT test.. at which point I would get the geographical and occupational factor (in my case currently G3 O3) back to where they should be. Again where I'm getting stuck is that the injury happened while not on duty. I wanted to know if that changed anything.
As far as not understanding this, well if I did I wouldn't be asking, but I do appreciate the pointers!
Ok, so here it is as best as I can put it (there are many more here that could probably be clearer...) and I suggest you either retain this or write it down. As a MCpl, you must supervise troops. They will come to you for answers and you need to be able to give them at least a jumping off point. Using the correct terminology and pointing them to the right places...
A TCat is generally assigned to a member who cannot return to fit full duties (must remain on a medical chit) for longer than 30 days. This can be converted a few ways - Cpl Bloggins get's a 14 day chit, 14 day chit, 30 day chit then hits the TCat wall - depends on the MO. Many different factors involved here, so I won't get into the semantics. You are correct - the only way to come off a TCat is to return to fit full duties, but it's not that simple. You are right - paper needs to be generated by the MO. The part one is your work-up, part two is a sit down, more detailed. This is where you answer several questions for the MO - can you carry X lbs over X distance, can you run, can you wear a gas mask... if everything is within the UofS, MO signs off on your chit and you are back in business. You will have to pass the FORCE test, but that's standard - everyone does. Unless you are med excused. Which brings me to the second part of this - you do not meet UofS. The MO will place you on a PCat (or more than likely a 2nd TCat) awaiting results of your 2088 to come back from D Med Pol. You have just been put on an AR (Admin Review) Depending on why D Med Pol says on your MELs (Medical Employment Limitations) you could be retained without limitations and give a new set of MELs within your trade specs, or not.
So a long drawn out answer (i'm good for those... sorry!) but in short, you say you are now at a G3 O3. Do you know what your trade specs are? Do you know how to find them? As a MCpl, with over 10 yrs, the possibility of remustering to another trade is well within the realm of possibilities too.
