Posted on Nov 24, 2021
100% VA Disability Pay or 17 years E6 Drill Pay?
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After I returned from deployment and out-processed, I started my filling for disability and not sure I’d get anything. I was injured (concussion/TBI not from combat) and guessed I may be receiving something for this. Months later and many appointments my final rating came in and I’m at 100%. I wasn’t told about not being able to receive drill pay (not a big deal) but back pay of months isn’t what I also expected. So now I want to choose and get this done but I don’t understand my options and benefits.
-I’m at 100% with a spouse and two children, I know what my pay will be.
-currently E-6 with 17 years of service in December. Eligible for E-7 next Fall after SLC or my change to Retention position. Drill pay is taxed and it’s roughly $30 more per day but after deductions, it’s nothing much.
VA sounds better and I can pay my Tricare and TSP out of pocket, so I could waive my drill pay. But do I also miss out in retirement points and points for a “good year?” Do most people waive VA because their rating may not be as high?
Any help greatly appreciated. Thank you!
-I’m at 100% with a spouse and two children, I know what my pay will be.
-currently E-6 with 17 years of service in December. Eligible for E-7 next Fall after SLC or my change to Retention position. Drill pay is taxed and it’s roughly $30 more per day but after deductions, it’s nothing much.
VA sounds better and I can pay my Tricare and TSP out of pocket, so I could waive my drill pay. But do I also miss out in retirement points and points for a “good year?” Do most people waive VA because their rating may not be as high?
Any help greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Disability
Drill
Military Pay
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 10
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OK, rules. You can not receive VA Disability Pay and pay for Reserve Duty at the same time. You can waive the Reserve Pay, usually the sensible thing since VA Disability isn't taxed, and basically attend drill for retirement points. With three years left AND promotion ahead, that would be my choice. Then at age 60, minus the deployed time reduction if you qualify, you have 100% disability AND a retirement check. plus Tricare.
You don't have to do anything if you chose, just plan on VA deducting your Reserve Pay at the first part of every fiscal year. However, every year you will get a VA 21-8957 to waiver one or the other. I suggest filling it out and not having to deal with paying back anything. If you have further questions, contact your local VSO.
Just as a note, on drill you get two days pay for every UTA. You only lose one day of Disability pay. Waiving Disability cost you about 63 days a year. Remembering that Drill is taxed, do the math.
You don't have to do anything if you chose, just plan on VA deducting your Reserve Pay at the first part of every fiscal year. However, every year you will get a VA 21-8957 to waiver one or the other. I suggest filling it out and not having to deal with paying back anything. If you have further questions, contact your local VSO.
Just as a note, on drill you get two days pay for every UTA. You only lose one day of Disability pay. Waiving Disability cost you about 63 days a year. Remembering that Drill is taxed, do the math.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
Sorry, I just told you something that is wrong, you lose the number of days you get paid for during a UTA, so two days. The 63 days number is correct, or approximately since AT's and Drills vary some between units. An E-6 with 17 years is still probably better off waiving the disability if my math is correct. Talk to the local VSO.
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Last I knew, 100% disabled but still authorized to Drill does not allow for pay and must be done for points alone. I suggest you talk with your VSO at your nearest VA and to also discuss this with DFAS.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I did happen to speak with my rep who assisted me and he also wasn’t sure. He and I were going to do some research and figure out the best course I come up with for my situation
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MSG (Join to see)
SSG(P) (Join to see) the reason I say this was some years ago, I was speaking with my BN CSM about a unit and their Non Participants. Turns out these Non Pars we're getting disability to the level that they could only attend BTA for points....and just to get enough points to finally retire out.
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Waiver of VA Compensation to Receive Military Pay - VA Form 21-8951
You can serve in the Guard or Reserves if you have a VA disability, but you may have to waive VA Disability Compensation in order to receive military pay.
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