What does it mean to go the extra mile? It means locating a Soldier who is homeless and moving him through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) process to receive a 100% disability rating.
In May of 2013, the staff at the Medical Evaluation Board Tracking Office (MEBTO) began working on a case for a homeless Soldier that no one could find. His physical whereabouts and records were painstakingly difficult to locate.
With a rapidly approaching date for the Soldier's Expiration Term of Service (ETS) and still no word from him, things were looking bleak. The MEBTO knew that the Soldier was feeling jaded and isolated from society. Yet they could not locate him to begin processing him through IDES in order for him to receive the benefits he deserved.
After a diligent and extensive search, the team regained hope. By working with the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR), the Soldier's Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO), a Veteran's Service Organization (VSO), and the unit, the Soldier was found via his social media profile, which he had been accessing in public locations.
Although the Soldier was visibly frustrated, the care coordinator at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the PEBLO were able to gain the Soldier's trust. They knew that IDES was the best option for him.
After establishing a positive relationship with the Soldier, the PEBLO was then able to quickly move the case through the MEB, extend the Soldier's ETS, and send the case to the PEB in October 2013. The case moved on to the Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS) three days later.
On May 5, the Soldier received a combined rating of 100%.
If the team hadn't been able to locate and persuade the Soldier to enter IDES, he would likely still be without a home. Now, he is receiving medical treatment, rehabilitation, and housing assistance.
"These are not just cases," said Greg Richardson, Program Manager of MEBTO. "These are people. And we are most impactful when everyone remembers that, although we mostly deal with case numbers, we are touching lives."
This effort demonstrates the power of trust, collaboration, persistence, and communication. Thanks to the entire team, this Service Member has a new lease on life and a roof over his head.
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