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

2015-04-26T19:05:27-04:00

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Apr 26 at 2015 7:12 PM

2015-04-26T19:12:59-04:00

Medically you get just as much if not more percentage wise. I would take the medical it's almost always higher than you get at 20 years.

Response by SPC Carl K. made Apr 26 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-04-26T19:15:50-04:00

Retirement, for sure! I was forcefully med-boarded out myself. I fought it all the way. I intended to make the army a career. The reason for my med board? I was unable to run for the PT test, and therefore had to do the walk. I almost lost my foot due to an accident and the resulting blood clot that required two surgeries to correct. I was fully deployable and did my primary MOS, as well as flying as a crewchief for two more years after the surgeries. I had no limitations, except that I had a permanent profile for not running. My unit got a new 1SG, who fancied himself a PT God. He did not like my permanent profile from the start. He flat out told me that no one under the rank of E-6 should have a permanent profile and that I was essentially dead weight and a second-rate soldier. He initiated the med board after telling me he was going to. Although I fought it and tried telling the medical "experts" I was fine, the pushed me out of the door with a severance package. I was quite bitter about it for a long time, but since then, I have mellowed out about it. However, if I could have been given the option, I would likely stuck it out to retirement. As of this year, I would have had 17 years in.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 26 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-04-26T19:22:34-04:00

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.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-04-26T20:25:24-04:00

It is definitely better to retire from the Army given the chance. You get a retirement check for the rest of your life, rather than just severance pay.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-04-26T20:32:08-04:00

Can you do both?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 26 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-04-26T22:39:07-04:00

I think if you are able, you would want the 20+...but if you are not physically able, IE, med-boarded out, you most likely are not able?

I think you answered your question by the way it was worded?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 11:29 PM

2015-04-26T23:29:32-04:00

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.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 27 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-04-27T14:16:16-04:00

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.

Response by MSG Johancharles Boers made Apr 29 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-04-29T15:25:38-04:00

I had the option at my 26+ mark in my career to either retire or do a med board..I opted for the retirement (base pay at MSG/E-8 at 27 yrs rate), then got a my VA rating (which was a 100%). Then I had the option of CRDP or CSRC...which basically meant I would get my retirement and my VA together...a lot more money in my pocket. Now the difference in CRDP and CSRC and can also make a difference in you pay as well. CRDP (retirement) is taxed and is divisible with you ex, while CSRC is not taxed and is not divisible with your ex. Since you VA is non-taxable and if you have a high CSRC rating then that might be the way to go. However look at the bottom line ($$$)....that is what it all comes down to.