If given a choice, would it be better to retire (20+ years), or go along w/being med-boarded out?

You always want to get to 20 if you can.

When you hit 20, you end up with the option of "concurrent receipt" which is Retirement + Disability, as opposed to Medical Retirement, which is just the higher of the two (tax advantages apply). On the enlisted side, this can potentially "double" your retirement (total income).

Depending on what you are being medically retired for, there may be restrictions on you actually being allowed to work, which can limit your civilian options.

I did both as I had longevity to retire and was medically boarded. I won't say exactly how much I make but combining the retirement and disability nets me at least $6000/month. Based on your VA percentage there are more funds available to veterans. It just depends on what you have and the VA percentage.

Short term medboard can be good.....however there a multiple variables that make almost every case different(from injury, TOS, have you been deployed, etc) and thereby make it almost impossible to advise folks unless you are specifically involved in the case.

Retirement is a constant (at least for now).....if you can make to twenty you will get your 50% (assuming you were not suckered into the Redux Plan)....and now that everyone gets concurrent receipt your disability rating will augment your retirement pay.

Bottom line is if you find yourself in this situation you should have a medical board separation counselor assigned to you who can clearly explain the pros and cons of both sides as they relate to YOUR case......don't take advise from the locker room lawyers or me....consult an expert.....every case is different.