I was unexpectedly informed by my mental health provider that I am eligible for medical retire. Would you do it?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 17:05:59 -0500

I've been in for 16yrs. I want to retire, but don't think I'll be moving up any further in my career.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 8 at 2020 5:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 17:41:45 -0500

The question is, what is good for the army and what is good for you. Can you keep functioning well for 4 more years? If you can then you have two choices: medically retire or regular retirement. If you don't think you can function well for 4 more years then get medically retired. The severity of your case will determine your VA % and whether you qualify for SSDI. If you MEB tell us so we can help guide you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2020 6:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 18:14:52 -0500

Remember if you Medically retire, you don’t get VA Compensation and Army Retirement Pay, one will offset the other. But if you 20 year retire and get VA rated at 50% or higher, then you get BOTH payments. So think about it. Note that sleep apnea on its own is rated at 50%. So think.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2020 6:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 18:36:16 -0500

I would wait the four more years to retire. It's not about advancing in your career, it's about investing in your future at this point. If you medically retire, you could receive a decent retirement. However, if you're eligible to medically retire, when you do retire at 20 years you'll receive concurrent receipt and receive both retirement and disability. I would say that's worth another four years of your life to make an additional 50-100% of your current retirement

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 9 at 2020 9:18 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 09:18:26 -0500

I would push it to 20 if you can. I was medically retired at 11 1/2 and things are way different if you do the full 20. Do yourself a favor and wait until then to go that route.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2020 10:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:27:13 -0500

Thank you all. I’m definitely thinking more clear and should be able to make a sound decision based off your replies.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 9 at 2020 12:40 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:40:32 -0500

If it doesn't end with a MEB, then you will be screwed. If you can stay in till 20, do so and take a full retirement. Med retirements are subject to reviews and the VA can review the rating down the road and do a cut back.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 9 at 2020 3:14 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:14:32 -0500

Having "been there done that" I can only tell you my experience. I started degrading physically really bad my last few years but managed to stick it out and retire and get concurrent VA disability. Worked out okay for me but it took it's toll.
If you are confident you can do the 4 more without undue risk to your health (mental, physical, spiritual), embrace the suck and re-enlist.
If you are not certain that you are willing to stay in, accept any assignment given, another PCS or deployment, and keep your shit wired tight, it may be time to move on.
A big decision brother. Good luck.