Son sent to Ship 17 this am-how to fight discharge?

[elizabeth]

Well I was on 2 days ago asking for help when I thought my son had been asmo'd. Turned out he was just getting counseling classes and was still on track to graduate. Yesterday however, he went to a sports doctor at Basic and was told he has multidirectional instability in his shoulder. This diagnosis came about with just a manipulation and feeling of his shoulder. From all I can find out about this it cannot be diagnosed without spcial x-rays, maybe an MRI and load-bearing tests. None of which were done. He was sent to Ship 17 this am and we got his phone call that he will see legal in 10 days. He wants to continue in the Navy-although from what I've read, maybe after ship 17 he won't!- and so he wants to fight this cursory diagnosis. My husband called legal this am and of course they have nothing yet, we have also written the ombudsman, but I feel really helpless and sad for my son. He is in his 5th week and was due to graduate July 11-now that is all out the window! Any advice on anything else I can do to get him back quickly in a division so that he can continue on? Also, if this indeed turns out to be a real problem and it is correctable, should he ask for a deferment rather than a discharge? He really wants to make the Navy his career! I don't want him lingering there as I have heard so many do! Because of this great website, I was able to get the info on both the legal and ombudsman so thank you everyone who are there for those of us who are trying to become real Navy Moms! If nothing else, prayers for my son would be great! Thanks!

[renee fajardo-anstine]

Thank you so much...you have helped us greatly....I am so blesed you wrote to me...thank you again!!!

[Sha']

God Bless him !!!!!!!

[Karen Gallagher]

elizabeth

how is it going with your son? as you know 10 days to see legal is not the norm. Please know that there are certain procedures that need to be followed he will need to see an orthopedic doc before that decission can be made. He will be seen with in 10 days to 3 weeks depending on how busy they are with the specialty clinic. There is no decission made in just one visit to a provider. He is entitled to have this done. It can take up to 3 weeks once the specalist has seen him if they send him home but... he may be cleared to go back to the division and cont with boot camp.
I am told that ship 17 is not that bad although I have never been there. If you are there for medical usually they are in a division together but unfortunatly if they are mixed in with the ones that are to be seperated due to other issues it is not as pleasant. They do have access to phones they have computers big screen tv in the ship. I have walked in your shoes if you need more assistance please let me know.

[elizabeth]

Hey Karen-thanks for your interest. Dan did get a second opinion on Friday that changed the diagnosis to shoulder instability. Can be fixed with rehab, but they still want to discharge him with a medical waiver. He would like them to do the rehab since he was injured there at Boot Camp so he is just waiting to see legal and we'll go from there. The rehab could take anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months. So little is known right now. As far as Ship 17-he is in the medical division but can only use the phones when they allow it, no computers that I have heard of and the TV goes on after 4 week days and on weekends. He told me after they get back from breakfast they sit on the floor. Very boring I'm sure. And yes it is within 10 days that they will get to legal and his count started again on Friday with his second dr's visit! Thanks for your offer, we are just waiting to see what's up!

[Debi]

Elizabeth, is it usually 10 days for everyone who is on Ship 17? I am just curious because my son has been on Ship 17 since June 13th and he has not been to legal yet, except for when I called them. I wonder, if anyone knows, how they pick and choose who's case to handle and in what sequence???

[elizabeth]

I'm afraid I have no idea if this is for all, but I do know that the 10 days is business days. But how they decide who goes when I have completely no idea. I'm sorry that it is taking so long for your son. I hope you hear something soon. It's very hard to sit and wait with no news, huh? Guess I know how my Mom and Grandma felt during WWII now!

[Debi]

My son just called. It was a very short phone call and i don't understand. He said he sent a letter to me with instructions and to follow them. He said he is supposed to meet with the Chief tomorrow and he still has not met with Legal. He said they are held on Ship 17 for 10 business days and it turns into 15 -- I don't understand. And why is he meeting with the chief? I hope they are not going to have him sign anything. I hate this when he can't talk long enough to acutally explain things.

[Debby]

Any update on this? hope the outcome was good...

Debby

[renee fajardo-anstine]

I heard or reead he can appeal if he wants to...