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A Qualitative Study of Military Service Members Undergoing Medical Separation
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  • Su Yeon Lee-Tauler,
  • Jessica LaCroix,
  • Tierney K. Huppert,
  • Amber M. Winters,
  • Max Stivers,
  • A. Penelope Arellano-Euribe,
  • Joseph Grammer,
  • Erin Cobb,
  • Kathryn J. Alvarado,
  • David Boyd,
  • Lee E. Patterson,
  • Mario F. Golle,
  • Marjan Ghahramanlou Holloway
Su Yeon Lee-Tauler
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Jessica LaCroix
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Tierney K. Huppert
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Amber M. Winters
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Max Stivers
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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A. Penelope Arellano-Euribe
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Joseph Grammer
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Erin Cobb
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Kathryn J. Alvarado
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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David Boyd
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology
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Lee E. Patterson
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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Mario F. Golle
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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Marjan Ghahramanlou Holloway
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology

Corresponding Author:marjan.holloway@usuhs.edu

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Abstract

Objective: A qualitative study sought to understand the transition experiences of United States (U.S.) military Service members found “unfit for duty” following medical and physical evaluation boards (MEBs and PEBs). Methods: Confidential telephone interviews were conducted with 25 current and prior Service members. Participants were asked to share their experiences before, during, and after the MEB and PEB processes. To that end, interview questions were designed to gather the following types of transition experiences: (1) health conditions experienced during the medical disability evaluation process; (2) reactions to being recommended for separation, (3) transition-related stress and challenges, and (4) coping strategies. Salient themes were identified across chronological narratives. Results: Conditions that participants’ experienced included debilitating physical (e.g., injury) and/or mental health (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) conditions. In response to the “unfit for duty” notice, some participants reported emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, sadness, anger) connected to a sense of uncertainty about the future. Other participants reported relief connected to a sense of progression toward their medical disability claim status. Transition stress included the length of the MEB/PEB process, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the process, experiences of financial stress, impact on family life, and the compounded effect of these stressors on emotional distress, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Participants reported using adaptive (e.g., psychotherapy) and maladaptive (e.g., excessive drinking) strategies to cope with stress. Conclusions: The notable emotional distress and transition stress experienced by Service members found “unfit for duty” highlight the need for increased support and interventions to facilitate adaptive coping strategies during this vulnerable period.
23 Nov 2022Submitted to Journal of Clinical Psychology
31 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
31 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
04 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
28 Sep 20231st Revision Received
28 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
28 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
28 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Accept