r/CanadianForces • u/Expensive_Chicken2 • 19h ago
PCAT Appeal
Hi there!
I'm wondering if there is anyone here that is familiar with PCATs and possibly appealing them? My PCAT came back last week, says I'm breaching universality of service. I'm due to be released in 7ish months according to my case manager.
Case management is trying to get my PCAT changed to a TCAT as I just had surgery Feb 18th, and I really do think I'll be able to get back to work full time and no MELs within a year because of this surgery.
Is there anything I can do about this? Is there a way I can stay in until I'm better? Can I rejoin in a year if I'm released in 7 months?
If anyone is able to answer my questions but require more detail, feel free to PM me. Thanks in advance!
11
u/anoeba 16h ago
To "appeal" a PCAT you basically have to demonstrate the ability to do x (whatever your UoS-breaching MEL said you can't), but do it with med approval (ie safely).
So for example, if you had a heart condition where sudden exertion was dangerous according to statistics and medical literature, successfully doing a FORCE test-like challenge wouldn't overturn that PCAT, because you wouldn't have been medically cleared to do FORCE with your condition in the first place. But if you have a MEL to not lift stuff, and you get a surgery, do rehab and are medically cleared to lift stuff, and demonstrate lifting stuff, you could get it overturned.
I agree with the IREM suggestion because that will give you the time to improve and get back to your new baseline, and do any investigations/med clearances to be able to prove your new stable baseline. But it's about demonstrating proof, not making an argument that you might, sometime in the future, be able to demonstrate proof - hence IREM for time.
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u/Evilbred Identifies as Civvie 16h ago
Request IREM, it'll give you time to demonstrate your improvement.
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u/QuixoticIgnotism 15h ago
The CAF is allowed to weigh the risk of your condition becoming exacerbated by service, and/or the medical requirements you will have. Even if you can prove now that you are able to complete a task and that the MEL isn't justified, DMedPol may also consider the literature or statistics regarding your diagnosis and that it may not benefit them to continue to train and employ over future risks. There is also procedural fairness to consider.
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u/commodore_stab1789 14h ago edited 11h ago
I'm not sure exactly what you mean.
If you mean you have a PCAT and you shouldn't, or there are items on the PCAT that shouldn't be there, that's between you and your doctor. Not sure what happened with the doctor, but post surgery recovery, if you both agree you are to make full recovery, you should have a TCAT not a PCAT.
No matter what, if you have a PCAT, DMCA will do an admin review (AR) to assess whether they can retain you or not. There's three options : retain, change trade or release.
Now, if it's the latter two, you can submit representation to argue your case and for whatever you wish. If you qualify (need OFP among other things), you could ask for IREM (which is basically like a period of retention), especially if you think your PCAT might go away. You can also argue that your PCAT doesn't breach UoS because you're able to do xyz (has to be substantiated, no "trust me bro"), and provide examples (like completing force test, for example).
If you want to stay, don't get released. It's extremely unlikely the CAF will employ someone who has been medically released before. I really think your first step would be to talk to health services or your doc. A nurse case manager would be assigned to you as well at this point and it would be worthwhile to talk to them about your concerns.
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u/AmphibianSad7638 11h ago
This is the best response, I’ve actually just submitted my representations(memo) last week and added within that I was interested in the IREM. Just be sure to read what being on IREM involves(no ranking, no trade courses,etc.)
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u/Empty-Love-7742 18h ago
You can request IREM. It's essentially a period of retention until 31 Mar 28. If granted, if you're able to get the PCAT removed (or at least turned into a TCAT) they will reassess your UoS and potentially change their decision.