MECRB Process

[Enewt95]

Hi all,

We are about 4 months into the MECRB process to seek a medical discharge. My husband has been off work since September. We are about a month overdue to what they told us it would take. While I know that the timelines are estimates and delays are expected, I can’t help but be increasingly and incredibly frustrated and angry at the lack of communication and support during this process. Not only have we had radio silence from his unit since discharge, we’ve also had 6 different transition support staff and his doctor leave without notifying us. It has taken us repeatedly reaching out to get any information about where the process is up to.

We have been told from the beginning that this appears to be a clear case for medical discharge, so it’s hard to stomach the delay (even though I know they are reviewing many other cases at the same time). He has been diagnosed with service-related PTSD and yet this has felt like the least trauma informed process. Especially infuriating is that we have had to pause on more intensive treatment plans due to concerns for having to cease midway through -  we could have done them twice over now if we had have started when we wanted to. 
We are also going to be moving states as soon as we can - we have no support network where we currently live. I myself have mental health concerns and am currently feeling trapped in a psycho socially unsafe workplace because it’s a decision between a) being unemployed for an indefinite period of time because it seems ridiculous to get a new job for what could be 1 month or b) stay in my current role for what could be another 6 months. I have declined promotion opportunities and not explored other projects because I haven’t been able to guarantee my long term availability. 

I feel like I am drowning and becoming increasingly unwell (despite psychiatric and therapeutic supports) as a result of this, which is obviously having an impact on my husbands recovery. I feel like I’m becoming more resentful that after everything, I’m comprising yet another thing for Defence. Our marriage is the only stable thing that is going on right now but this situation has placed more stress on us than anything else. 

For those that have experienced this, how have you coped and what options did you have available? Anything you have would be really appreciated! 

Thanks for reading my long paragraphs! I greatly appreciate it.

[LG]

Hi Enewt95,

I am so sorry that all of this is happening, it sounds like a frustrating process. While I myself (or my partner) haven't been through this, I just wanted to reach out and say I am so glad you have written here, and I hope it gave you some comfort, even if it was to get it all written down in one spot.

I am not sure what supports/organisations you may have already used or know of, but you could try reaching out to Legacy who are able to assist those who medically discharge. Also, if you call 1800 VETERAN, they can give you all the information on what supports you can access now.

You may also want to have a think about contacting Open Arms if you aren't already linked in. They have not only psychologists and counsellors, but they also have Clinical Care Coordinators who can assist with linking you with services, and Peer Support Workers who are Veterans and Family members with lived experience of mental ill health and defence life. So, they have walked a similar path and know a little about what you are going through.

I hope some of this information has been useful to you!

[0ddsidian]

Hi @Enewt95,

Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds really difficult. I know the process can be held up at so many different points; whether it's the CO, career manager, docs etc, so it's probably hard to pinpoint the sticking point.

Is the plan for you to move interstate to be closer to your support networks? Who do you currently lean on, even if they aren't nearby?

Sitting in the limbo land, and a psychosocially unsafe work environment is horrible. From what I know about MEC boards they definitely shouldn't take six additional months, but that still doesn't ease the uncertainty you and your partner are sitting with right now. And it's so understandable that the resentment is building.

It sounds like you and your husband are a good team. That's really impressive, given the stress you're going through right now.

I wonder, outside of your husband's medical discharge and getting out of your unsafe workplace, do you have any goals or milestones that you're trying to hit? I imagine this situation makes it hard for you to think about much else, but I've found that I often feel like I'm drowning when I can't see other things too.

[RiverSeal]

Hey @Enewt95, thank you for sharing your experiences with the community!

It sounds like you and your husband are going through a tough time with the medical discharge process. You are demonstrating your resilience by reaching out to your peers here on the Forums, and it's not easy to be vulnerable with the community.

It's great that @LG could refer you to a few places they know that can support you through this time. I have not experienced this either with my father, who was in the Navy but left and became a civilian before I was born. 

It's heartwarming to see Veteran Familes coming together and supporting each other here in this space. I believe the community may have more insights to share too!

Take care

RiverSeal