Here it is:
NOTE: I will refer to this thread often, because my having to write it many times a day, takes valuable time away from MY answering YOUR questions

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BLUF (BOTTOM LINES UP FRONT):
1. When communicating with DoDMERB (or almost ALL Government organizations), somewhere in your requests should be your complete legal name and last 4 of your SSN (Social Security Number). John Q. Public 1234 or John NMI (No middle initial) Public 1234.
2. If there was already an email string, do NOT send an independent free-standing email. For someone to adequately answer you, previous context of who you are and what was the issue being discussed, is extremely helpful.
3. FOR THIS FORUM ONLY: when communicating with me, send me an email at
DODMERB_SAFORUMS@yahoo.com.
4. FOR THIS FORUM ONLY: State this in your email = “ Your Forums Name - Your complete name & Last 4 - the main word/phrase of your query posted on SA FORUMS.”
5. Before asking me question, go to https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil; Hit “Questions about the Process” on the left side of the home page. 99.9% of your general policy questions can be answered there.
DISCUSSION:
The myriad of name combinations are in the RANGE OF INFINITY. “Hi! This is Max Smith” (Real name is John A. Smith) Hi! This is Maria Rodriguez (Real name Maria-Kristine Perez-Rodriguez-Colon).
DoDMERB does not use/have access to candidate numbers.
So, if you want an expeditious answer, you need to help YOU help YOURSELF. You get the point.