Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Military and Epilepsy, my rights
Thu, 03/18/2010 - 14:06Hello, I am active duty Navy currently and experienced my first grand mal seizure in Sept. 2009. I am been on Limited Duty since then, and will be getting Med Boarded as soon as the results of my 48 hr EEG are analyzed. I am currently at home doing the 48 hour EEG.
Since my limited duty has been extended, I have been targeted by my commander and she is giving me a hard time about everything. She tried to force me to take personal leave for my appointments, though I am entitled CON LV for these appointments. Everything I do is under a microscope, from the type of overcoat I wear with my uniform to how I submit my timecard. She has also told several people about my epilepsy and makes comments in front of the other staff about my "condition". This diagnosis has been difficult for me to say the least. I also have a baby and am unable to drive at this time, so my husband has to drive me everywhere, including to and from work. I have never been late once to work and am completely competent in my job.
To those who have served, I want to know what my rights are, what kind of action I can take to limit our interaction and force her to quit harassing me and making comments about my health condition in front of the other staff. My medical condition is a private matter, but somehow, everyone knows about everything going on in my life. I am also trying different anti-seizure meds which have been really rough on me. I have experienced depression, extreme fatigue, and difficulty thinking/speaking as a result of these medications. I am barely keeping it all together, but I'm still working 40 hours a week and taking care of my family.
Also, to those who have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder in the military, what kind of disability package did you get, if one at all? From what I have read, it looks like I'm entitled to only 20% for one seizure. I just want to have as much knowledge as possible going into this process. I believe I should be entitled to more than 20 if I'm going to get discharged and my career cut short.
If anyone who has gone through this has some experience dealing with the military and disability, I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you.
Re: Military and Epilepsy, my rights
Submitted by dpastorin on Wed, 2012-08-15 - 21:46
My wife suffers from a seizure disorder and I'm currently serving in a Director role at an Echelon II command...any service member getting charged leave for medical appointments is absolutely getting ripped off and needs to speak to a JAG ASAP! Your rights are being clearly violated by an incompetent superior who should be fired ASAP. As an Officer in the Armed Forces, I apologize on behalf of the Officer Corps for the incompetence of your commander.