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Catherine Herridge @C__Herridge - RESULTS: The Department of the Air Force @usairforce has responded to Straight to the Point's investigation into the treatment of Air National Guard Fighter Pilot Capt. Cody Kirlin.
They are making changes:
1. Establishing a central patient support cell to answer questions and concerns from members who have received Not In Line of Duty determinations.
2. Developing awareness training for service members and leadership to ensure a clear understanding of the LOD process and subsequent actions/entitlements.
3. Standardizing LOD Program Manager responsibilities and training.
4. Establishing a web-based platform to increase transparency for ARC members awaiting an LOD determination.
5. Reviewing medical adjudication processes, staffing and subject matter expertise of ARC LOD Board members.
6. Establishing the requirement for the Surgeon General to designate medical specialists to sit on and advise the LOD Boards and appellate authorities.
7. Establishing the requirement for an immediate Department of the Air Force-level appellate review authority process for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve LOD denials.
An Air Force spokesperson said the Department "is committed to ensuring there are robust processes in place to help..."
Adding a recent Inspector General inquiry found the "Line of Duty" (LOD) program had "significant shortcomings” and "required improvements."
@thelatmg @latimesstudios_ Quote Catherine Herridge @C__Herridge
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT INVESTIGATES: Fighter Pilot’s Last Stand
Air National Guard Fighter Pilot’s “In Line of Duty” Neck Injury DENIED By Trained Gynecologist Serving As Medical Reviewer For National Guard Bureau.
Military records showed Capt. Cody Kirlin had multiple herniated discs due to high G-force maneuvers while flying fighter jets.
Kirlin was forced to spend six years and $70,000 in a legal battle with the Air Force before they finally overturned this denial and officially recognized his neck injuries as service-related.