Posted on May 29, 2019
Will my bonus for the Reserves be recouped if I received 80% disability from the VA due to my active duty time?
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I am a 92Y and received an enlisted affiliation bonus to transfer over to the reserves from active duty. I have been in the reserves for a year but I just received a letter from the VA stating I have 80% disability due to my active duty time. If I choose to get out for medical reasons, will I have to go through medboard? Most importantly, will I have to pay back the bonus. It was a lump sum for 6 years and I already received it.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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That's a very specific question. I'm not an RC expert, but I do not that bonuses aren't recouped for medical, and that you can be in the reserves with a VA disability rating.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
The only rules that I am aware of is the one that states you can't collect VA Benefits and Military Pay for the same period. I could no find anything that said anything about enlistment bonuses. You fill out VA21-8951 to waiver the VA benefits on the days you drill or are on active duty, or just send it in when they send it to you next year and just plan on being short paid for a couple of months. I would check with my VA rep to confirm that since it's been a long time since I was S1, even though I try to say on top of stuff like this.
And as the good SFC pointed out, you do not have to quit the Reserves because of a VA disability rating. You just can't get paid for both on the same day. If you don't serve out your enlistment period, they will ask for part of it back based on amount of enlistment not served out.
And as the good SFC pointed out, you do not have to quit the Reserves because of a VA disability rating. You just can't get paid for both on the same day. If you don't serve out your enlistment period, they will ask for part of it back based on amount of enlistment not served out.
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You can go to any DAV office and one of the reps should be able to answer that for you. There should be one in your area, as they are all over the place. If not them then try for American Legion
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Your bonus will not be recouped if you are receiving VA Disability. I received 70% and had none recouped from my EAB, although I did get taken for a ride by taxes. The only way you would need to pay back your bonus would be if you voluntarily terminated your contract early or you were discharged under conditions other than honorable. Also, repayment COULD occur if you act against terms of your contract, for example, if you go Warrant or Green to Gold when/if your contract stipulates you are to be an enlisted soldier.
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SPC (Join to see)
Sgt, did you have to go through the medboard process after receiving the 70% VA rating?
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SGT (Join to see)
No, I ETS'd and just out processed. There usually is a point at which you can start the claims process but if not you can always just go through an approved VA Service Provider.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) - Medical fitness for retention and VA Disability Ratings two different items. As long has you did not conceal anything during your last physical and the med people have not flagged you, don't have to do anything if you want to say in the service other than let the VA know what your drill schedule is for the rest of the year so you don't get double pay. If you chose to try to come out early, the Army Reserve/National Guard will prorate your time in service and expect repayment on the balance of the enlistment bonus.
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