Medical Discharge Process at USMA?

[USMADAD2023]

My DS is a senior and will likely not commission due to a medical condition. He will graduate he was told.
His TAC has been supportive and now the WP alumni group is helping with a resume.
But who , what office handles the medical discharges? MEB board? can be cross -commission? who is helping him?
Can he continue medical treatment? His current off post medical specialist said they do not take tri-care. Who assists with the transition if he is not going to BOLC and joining the Army? Does he get a disability rating? Final medical physcial? where? GI Bill benefits. Support from USMA is severly lacking in our opinion.
Seems like he is on his own after 27 May 2023.
Mom and Dad are both retired Army LTC's and have been over the top hands-off for the last 5 years.
Any and all advice welcome - please!!!

 

[A1Janitor]

I believe I have read a really well written post about this by @Capt MJ. She tends to be thorough and provide links etc.

Up on top you can try the search function to find it.

Best of luck.

 

[Cerberi]

The Veterans Administration will take responsibility for the medical conditions he has developed that prevent him from being commissionable - assuming its service connected (since he passed the DoDMERB exam and was admitted, there is almost certainty his medical issue will be rated service connected).

The VA is not Tri-care and the VA may authorize him to be treated by non VA providers, they will make the decision. (I have service connected disabilities and there are occasions the VA has authorized me to be treated in the community, there are other times when they expect me to drive to the VA).

The Association of Graduates (USAFA term) will make certain he finds gainful employment. I had a classmate with a terminal illness that General Scott (USAFA Supe) made a call to Martin Marietta about. He landed a terrific job despite a low GPA. He had full medical benefits through his employer and also received treatments thru the VA (and he had a VA disability rating) He lived 5 years to the day following our class graduation. He was allowed to graduate with us.

Hopefully, your son's issue isn't that severe - just enough to make him non-commissionable. But there is a process and your son will be briefed on it. There are wonderful Veteran Service Organizations like the Disabled Veterans, American Foreign Legion, and many more that are certified to help veterans through the process.

My DD (USNA) had a classmate that developed diabetes while at USNA - non-commissionable. It was detected his C2C year and he was not allowed to graduate. Landed a terrific job via USNA connections, gets a VA disability check every month, is provided health care through the VA and also has employee provided health care. His goal was to serve as an officer in the USN, but overall things have turned out well for him.

Suggest your son reach out to the DAV for support and guidance regarding how the VA will operate and the claims process. Get copies of all his medical records.

USMA itself may not be overly helpful, but your son is far from alone, USMA graduate organizations will be incredibly helpful in finding a position as will recruiters that specialize in placing junior military officers (he isn't exactly their profile, but most will have dealt with similar circumstances previously).

 

[Walman888]

My DS is a senior and will likely not commission due to a medical condition. He will graduate he was told.
His TAC has been supportive and now the WP alumni group is helping with a resume.
But who , what office handles the medical discharges? MEB board? can be cross -commission? who is helping him?
Can he continue medical treatment? His current off post medical specialist said they do not take tri-care. Who assists with the transition if he is not going to BOLC and joining the Army? Does he get a disability rating? Final medical physcial? where? GI Bill benefits. Support from USMA is severly lacking in our opinion.
Seems like he is on his own after 27 May 2023.
Mom and Dad are both retired Army LTC's and have been over the top hands-off for the last 5 years.
Any and all advice welcome - please!!!

AOG will be of great assistance here. Have the Grad make contact.

Best.