Can I go to OCS as a Reservist if I am getting disability from the VA?

2021-04-07T12:02:34-04:00

Thinking of submitting a package in for OCS but don’t know if my VA disability is going to get in the way of getting accepted.

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made Apr 7 at 2021 12:20 PM

2021-04-07T12:20:14-04:00

Once your accepted and ship to OCS call the VA and pause your payment for disability. This way the VA will stop the direct deposit.
The VA and DoD share systems that check and validate service members on an active status.

A serviceember cannot claim both at the same time. When attended OCS I made sure to save all the compensation. At OCS I received a letter that I was required to pay it all back....it was simple for me I paid in one lump sum and paused my VA status.

But to address your question, no it won't hinder your chances.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 7 at 2021 12:41 PM

2021-04-07T12:41:28-04:00

A VA disability and a medical disqualification from an Army physical are two different things. Unless things have changed a lot, you need a physical to apply and a more extensive and intrusive one before commissioning. If you pass, no problems. If no one has mentioned it, you will have to suspend your VA payment while on active duty.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2021 12:58 PM

2021-04-07T12:58:07-04:00

Your VA disability will have no impact on your ability to go to OCS, your current physical condition may but the two are not related.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 7 at 2021 4:48 PM

2021-04-07T16:48:44-04:00

Yes you can but the VA gets to deduct it from your disability pay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2021 6:57 PM

2021-04-07T18:57:37-04:00

Can you pass a commissioning physical???

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2021 9:20 AM

2021-04-08T09:20:27-04:00

Went through Traditional NG OCS here last year myself with a disability rating. The only two things I had to pass to qualify for the program are passing Chapter 2 and APFT. I would imagine now is ACFT. If you are unsure, check with the physician doing your physical.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 8 at 2021 12:28 PM

2021-04-08T12:28:01-04:00

If you can pass a chapter 2 physical you should be good to go.