NARSUM is in

My Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) called this morning to tell me the Narrative Summary (NARSUM) came in.

The NARSUM effectively completes the "Medical Evaluation Board" phase of my medical retirement process. It's a bit of a misnomer, I just found out, because there isn't really any "board" that actually meets. It's just a bunch of doctors who give their opinions on my potential for future service.

Basically, what they found is that my multiple sclerosis is the only reason why I can't be in the Army. My hearing has suffered -- and there are some other issues -- but non of those are "service limiting."

As a result, the Army is rating my disability at 30%. I had the option to appeal and get another opinion, but I declined. I figured that none of those other things were issues before I got MS, so there's no reason to think they'd be bigger issues now. It's too bad -- the disability pay would have been better, of course -- but that's how it is.

From here, my packet goes to the VA for 4-6 weeks for them to make their determination. Hopefully, they'll incorporate my hearing loss and other issues with my MS and give rate me 50%. If they can do that, I'll accept and be transferred to the transition list within days.

Put simply, I have about 4-6 weeks left in the office.