I joined the military back in Sept of 06 and got married somewhat recently in Feburary 08. My wife was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in late 07. She was put on an insulin pump in Oct 08 to better monitor her insulin intake and blood sugar levels. In a 4 to 5 month period from when she was put on the pump there have been some issues with her blood sugar that her doctor took note of.

Her doctor wrote a memo to my unit stating that someone had to be with her (family member..myself specifically stated) overnight in case of an emergency and she needed help. If your blood sugar drops drastically and blow 40 mg/dl you could become disoriented and confused and if not treated immediately you could lose conciousness and even far worse.

I was told I needed a FCP to make sure that she was taken care of during overnight missions and deployments. I was unable to produce a fully functional care plan due to the fact we were unable to find a guardian that we both trusted to take care of my wife, which was acknowledged by my chain.

In April I was to being getting chaptered through the FCP. This process continued to drag on until August. My wife and I decided that once I get out that we wanted to move somewhere a lot more family friendly then the current location we were at. My wife was able to find a job that gave her health insurance so that when I got chaptered she would be able to afford the insulin as well as her pump supplies. Her mother was able to take a few months away from work to watch my wife while I was getting chaptered. I was told I would be able to follow my wife a few weeks afterwards.

However, there have been many bumps in the road and many lies told to me by numerous people in my chain of command. A few weeks ago my wife called me up crying hysterically not knowing where she was or where I was. She was driving and sounded very confused. I convinced her to pull over and to describe what was around her so I could call the EMT and give them the location. By the time the EMT's got to her, her blood sugar dropped to 22ml and was unconcious. I got another memo from her doctor stating that again I was the only one able to take care of her for a long period of time and needed to be with her overnight. Also, she stated that during the day I need to be available in case of any emergencies.

Last week I was told by my chain of command that I DID NOT need a FCP and that when my wife came back (because obviously I wasn't going to get chaptered now) I was deployable and able to work overnight. Basically, the Army is saying that my wife is fine and does not need any assistance as instructed by her doctor.

Sorry for the wall of text but I need a little advice. Is this possible what my chain of command is doing? I don't see how they can say my wife is fine when she almost died. Any help or comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

-Jason

Unacceptable. Who in your chain is telling you this crap??
My advise--go ALL the way up until you hit the ceiling. This is complete BS what they're telling you. You absolutely HAVE TO have a FCP.
The Army's not telling you this---it's your POS command that's telling you this. Go all the way up your chain. If it's not resolved by the time you hit the brigade commander--go higher.

Thank you for the advice. Currently Im dealing with the CSM who is informing me of the same thing my company Chain of Command is telling me. I do have an appointment set up with the Brigade Commander on the 15th. However from what Im told this was the decision he made as well. Again, thank you for the response! It's good to hear reassuring comments like that.

Get a written letter from your wife's doctor and take that with you to your command. If fact take as much info as possible, medical records any documentation from back in April when they said you needed an FCP. Records from the emergency when your wife had to contact the EMTs.
While they are figuring this out contact Military One Source and find out if they can put you in touch with someone who can help. There must be an overnight nursing service I know it might be expensive but its better then risking your wife's life when you have an overnight mission or whatever. Maybe your Mother in-law can come live where you are for a while or your wife can move while you stay behind.
Good Luck!

To add, have you requested a humanitarian discharge? It might be a better route to go both now and for your future. Many times failure to maintain a FCP results in an administrative discharge with a general under honorable conditions, which makes you unable to draw on your GI Bill later.

I'd hate to see you lose your vets benefits over this.

Also, is she in the EFMP?

Yes she is currently enrolled in EFMP (as of Jan 2009). I do have the doctor memo's as well as the records from when the EMT's found her unconcious. I did some local quote's on overnight hospice type care and its way above what we are able to afford.

The mother in law idea wouldn't be bad however she works as a nurse doing the night shift.

I have yet to call Military One Source, I may have to give that a try if this doesn't get resolved soon.

Also, I was told (at least back in April) that the discharge would be involuntary and completely honorable

quote:

Originally posted by Alierionv1:
Also, I was told (at least back in April) that the discharge would be involuntary and completely honorable

No matter what the circumstances, I've never seen this. Not saying it's not possible, just watch your butt and DONT sign a DD-214 with anything less than an honorable. Dont fall for the you can always get it upgraded line either

You still may have an easier time requesting a humanitarian.

Good luck.

concur. they can give you( legally and quite properly) a GUH or OTH for failure to have a FCP in effect. That means you lose most of your beneifts. regardless of the reason..and trust me they will NOT buy the doctor's statement that you are the 'only' person who can care for your spouse..

Case in point: a Friends neighbor recently lost her battle with bladder cancer. Her DH and under ten year old were her only family. she needed round the clock care. the 7 year old sure as hell couldn't do what needed doing and he went TAD a lot due to his job. his FCP included several neighbors( as in the same cul de sac..) and three or four Nurses from outside agencies who came in daily/overnight as needed.


Tricare did foot part of the bill for their expense.

going Humantiarian is the better way to do this.

Well the issue with this is they are saying I am not required to have a FCP for my wife. If I attempt to apply for a FCP for my wife it won't be upheld because her illness (according to CSM/BC) isn't serious enough and its manageable, even though she almost died.

By humanitarian you mean hardship, yes I already did apply for it. It got denied as well.