TCAT-PCAT info and questions ( merged )

[Strike]

RHFC_Piper,

When you do the stretcher carry make sure that they spread the weight evenly on the stretcher.  If it is all on your end you are essentially carrying that load by yourself as opposed to simulating the weight of a person which would be more balanced.

I recall carrying out the baseline tests for the stretcher carry and they had a stretcher rigged like a wheelbarrow with all the weight on the end of the carrier.  We weren't allowed gloves.  Bring them if you can.

Good luck!

 

[Sea King Tech]

Hello, 4 questions:

-What happens after I am assessed a PCAT?
-With an OSI, is this any different in the eyes of the military from a physical injury? 
-What are the timelines?
-This procedure is the same for everyone in the reg force starting the moment they swear unlimited liability to HM The Queen, correct?

Thanks

 

[aecami]

I have a further question about PCATs.  I am on a PCAT, which meets the minimum standard for my current trade, and I am being retained.  Am I able to be promoted while on this PCAT?  My understanding was that I am, because I still meet the med standards for my trade.  Normally I would look this up myself in the CFAOs, but because of common-look-and-feel they are not available.  If anyone can send me a copy of CFAO 11-6 I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[Cleared Hot]

CFAO 11-6 doesn't actually say you can't be promoted, it only says an officer's promotion "may" be deferred or denied but then again check out  DAOD 5023-1 where it states...

Career Implications
Any period of retention subject to employment limitations is a transitional period of service leading to release from the Reg F or P Res. During this period the CF member is expected to perform all military duties except those related to the CF member's employment limitations. During the period of retention, a CF member:

■remains liable for posting for service requirements only;
■is not eligible for career courses (see DAOD 5031-8, Canadian Forces Professional Development); and
■is only eligible for promotion if he or she meets the applicable promotion criteria.

Upon completion of a period of retention subject to employment limitations, a CF member is only eligible to be considered for a component or sub-component transfer to the Supp Res, Canadian Rangers or COATS.

 

[armyvern]

I have a further question about PCATs.  I am on a PCAT, which meets the minimum standard for my current trade, and I am being retained.  Am I able to be promoted while on this PCAT?  My understanding was that I am, because I still meet the med standards for my trade.  Normally I would look this up myself in the CFAOs, but because of common-look-and-feel they are not available.  If anyone can send me a copy of CFAO 11-6 I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

There should be a copy of it on your pers file and you should have received a copy of it when you signed it.

Does it state: "No career restrictions."

I too am on a PCat; it lists what I can not do. It also states "member requires frequent specialist follow-up not more than once every 6 months. No career restrictions."

"No career restrictions" is a pretty important bit. Part of the criteria for promotion is: "member is not subject to any career restrictions".

 

[PMedMoe]

I agree with Vern.  I have one friend on a PCAT similar to Vern's "No career restrictions" and another who is "employable but not deployable".  Only the second one is being "retained" and is not eligible for promotions, career courses, etc.

 

[ArmyRick]

Not deployable is a Geographical restriction. Part of your med category numbers.

 

[PMedMoe]

Not deployable is a Geographical restriction. Part of your med category numbers.

Yes, I know that.  "Employable not deployable" is just a common phrase used to describe some retentions.  Usually for those who don't understand the med cat numbers. 

 

[CountDC]

same - retained without career restrictions.

Was a surprise though when they passed me the nice letter that I had been under AR/MEL.  Wasn't even aware of it until they sent the decision letter to the unit.  What a shock it would have been to get a letter out of the blue that you are being released. The doctor didn't even tell me my cat was changed.

 

[Chewie]

It depends on how they word your PCAT...you can have a PCAT and still be employable providing you meet your job spec.

OSI is a recognized illness and is treated as such...with all the benifits and care etc....

These programs are considered living breaching documents and can change for the better or the worse...

 

[the 48th regulator]

Hello, 4 questions:

-What happens after I am assessed a PCAT?

If you do not meet Universality of Sevice, you will be release under a medical release 3(A) or 3(B)

-With an OSI, is this any different in the eyes of the military from a physical injury? 

Treated as any other injury.

-What are the timelines?

If you do not meet UOS, then you are looking at 6-9 months until the process of a Medical release comences.

-This procedure is the same for everyone in the reg force starting the moment they swear unlimited liability to HM The Queen, correct?

Yes.

Thanks

Nemo Problema.  They are actualkly very good questions.

dileas

tess

 

[Wookilar]

-What happens after I am assessed a PCAT?

Have you been assessed a PCAT? Just because the Base Surgeon/MO recommends a PCAT does not make it so. It still has to be approved by DMCA.

Now generally this is just a formality, but I have seen 1 (in the last 5 years or so) that was not approved.

Nothing release wise will happen until approval comes down from Ottawa. Then the process starts. I have seen approval take 6-8 months, I've seen it take 2 months.

Wook

 

[krustyrl]

Seen it take considerably longer than 6-8 months too.  Just sayin'........

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Barring some catastrophic, obvious injury, is there also not a mechanism where you have to go through a couple of TCATS first, before getting a PCAT? Thought I heard that somewhere. Where's the SME?

 

[Kat Stevens]

I spent 3 years on TCATs before a PCAT was "awarded".

 

[OldSolduer]

If you will allow me to weigh in, the process can be somewhat laborius and frustrating.

The general rule of thumb is that a member may be placed on a TCat for 6 months. After reassessement by the MO, the member may either come off TCat or be placed on another TCat. If it is another six month TCat, this may trigger a posting to the JPSU. The member will then undergo an Administrative Review - Medical Employment Limitations aka AR/MEL at DMCA Ottawa.

The AR may recommend the member to be retained with or without career restrictions, or released. In some cases, a member may undergo a OT to be retained.

In the case of release, the member receives a disclosure package. The member may make representation to DMCA within 15 working days to either make a case as to why they should be retained OR to change/amend the release item.

 

[klacquement]

Barring some catastrophic, obvious injury, is there also not a mechanism where you have to go through a couple of TCATS first, before getting a PCAT? Thought I heard that somewhere. Where's the SME?

My PCAT was given almost immediately after a regular medical.  My vision had deteriorated during the time between medicals, no injury required.  About a month later (time for two re-tests), a PCAT recommendation was sent off; about 4 months later I was signing a "Change of permanent medical category" document.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

If you will allow me to weigh in, the process can be somewhat laborius and frustrating.

The general rule of thumb is that a member may be placed on a TCat for 6 months. After reassessement by the MO, the member may either come off TCat or be placed on another TCat. If it is another six month TCat, this may trigger a posting to the JPSU. The member will then undergo an Administrative Review - Medical Employment Limitations aka AR/MEL at DMCA Ottawa.

The AR may recommend the member to be retained with or without career restrictions, or released. In some cases, a member may undergo a OT to be retained.

In the case of release, the member receives a disclosure package. The member may make representation to DMCA within 15 working days to either make a case as to why they should be retained OR to change/amend the release item.

Thanks Jim. That's the clarification I was looking for.

 

[OldSolduer]

Not a problem. Just be aware that there is no "cookie cutter" solution to each particular problem/concern.

This is a general rule of thumb.

 

[medicineman]

Barring some catastrophic, obvious injury, is there also not a mechanism where you have to go through a couple of TCATS first, before getting a PCAT? Thought I heard that somewhere. Where's the SME?

In theory, you should go through a couple of TCats prior to a PCat being initiated...however, like you said, something catastrophic could land you the instant PCat or something that is drawn out could get TCat extensions.  It largely depends on the condition, if it's improving or will likely improve, or if it's plateaued or never likely to change for the better and hwo much follow up is required.  If it continues to improve, a TCat extension is often warranted and approved...if it's plateaued, then they start to look at the PCat route.  And yes, it's a long drawn out affair...D Med Pol is not a fast moving place; it takes awhile to get through files.  When D Med Pol makes a decision vis a vis the actual numbers and restrictions, then DMCA gets in on the game to decide career actions, if any.  You basically have to get settled in for an uncomfortable wait.

Hope that helps a bit.

MM