Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/18/2007

Question
7 months ago I had Open Heart Surgury to corect a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. When I entered the Navy this was not documented because I did not know about this until 2 years into my service. They say it is a congenital defect, but it worsened while on active duty. I am on lifelong Coumidin therapy as well because it is a mechanical valve. I just got over my first any only LIMDU, and today I will be doing my MEDBOARD paperwork. How long does this process usually take for a MEDBOARD that is as blatenly obvious as my condition? Thank you...

Answer
Dear Robert --

Medical boards can be very short, if the board the the service member agree about the correct outcome.  If not, they can take a very long time (years).

Your case is probably not as clear cut as you hope, or as your medical advisors are saying.  The board is likely to allow that very little of your condition was worsened by military service, since the condition was congenital and not caused by your service.  They are likely to medically discharge you, and give you a small separation stipend.  If this outcome is acceptable to you, then your case will be over quickly, and you will be discharged.

If you are expecting a medical retirement, then the process could take a very long time.  You will have to convince the board that you always intended to make the military a career, and that you had planned to serve at least 20 years.  If the board has clear information to the contrary, they are not likely to award you medical retirement.

Since I do not know the contractual details of your enlistment, or what you hope the outcome of your medical board will be, I cannot predict how long your case will take.

Good luck to you on all counts.