Is there any way that I can go back to active duty if I'm a 100% disabled veteran?

2019-11-24T10:16:28-05:00

I've been diagnosed with PTSD, epilepsy and I've only had 80% of mobility on my left side, a titanium plate on my head. I know that with my PTSD and my epilepsy would be really hard but I want to try if there's a possibility, I'm a Corpsman and I understand that I can't go back to my job, but I really love the Navy and the service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 11:49 AM

2019-11-24T11:49:16-05:00

As far as I am tracking, epilepsy is an automatic disqualification right off the bat, for every branch

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 24 at 2019 4:49 PM

2019-11-24T16:49:01-05:00

No ... I'm sorry and I understand you feel that there is still more that you need to finish. I've felt that way myself at times when what I was doing was stopped due to circumstances beyond my control. Realistically you wouldn't be human if you didn't feel that way.
I encourage you to find an alternate method of helping the services. PTSD Counselor, VA Assistance, military contractor (thus releasing active duty personnel to do their job) are among some things you could be doing to find closure..
Put your needs out there with specifics and everyone on this site will provide whatever they are able.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 24 at 2019 7:30 PM

2019-11-24T19:30:13-05:00

Sorry Buddy, and you are worth your weight in gold, but it's a no can do.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 24 at 2019 10:34 PM

2019-11-24T22:34:56-05:00

I wish I could tell you yes. Your example is amazing. Unfortunately, with the issues, you would not be able to serve active duty. Have you thought about a civilian DOD employee? I don't know how to go about checking into it, but there is no deployment issues which are precluded because of your issues. I remember there were a lot of civilian DOD employees at Balboa when I was there. It could be a way to stay close, and still provide service. Again, you are an awesome example, and best of luck to you.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Nov 25 at 2019 11:44 AM

2019-11-25T11:44:12-05:00

Active duty will not be a possibility, but you could be hired as a Navy Civilian or Contractor.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Nov 25 at 2019 4:58 PM

2019-11-25T16:58:09-05:00

You have a lot of heart HN Cristian Guerrero, and I appreciate your eagerness to serve. Federal service is a pretty tall order for you at this juncture, but there are still ways to use your military skills to serve your country. First, look up the Coast Guard Auxiliary. They are an amazing organization that help save lives every day, and with you being a Navy veteran you would be particularly well suited to aid them on future missions.

Your profile says you're in Florida, that puts you in District 7's jurisdiction, and they are the largest and most active district in the entire country. Next, look up Team Rubicon. They are a group of veterans that use their military skills to help disaster relief operations all over the country. When I deployed for Hurricane Sandy in NYC, they had a sizable presence in the area and were well organized.

Also, many states run what are known as "State Defense Forces". They are state organized and funded auxiliaries to the National Guard, made up of veterans just like you who are no longer medically qualified for federal service. As they are a non-combat CONUS only force, they can accept veterans with conditions that would prohibit federal service. I'm not sure if Florida has one, but I know Georgia does if you can drive that far. They drill once a month and two weeks a year alongside partnered national guard units.

Lastly, Broward County has a reserve firefighter program and an auxiliary police program that you are probably more than qualified to join, look them up.

Best of luck Cristian!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 25 at 2019 9:40 PM

2019-11-25T21:40:45-05:00

No. Only avenue to look at would be some kind of civilian role.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2019 10:20 AM

2019-11-26T10:20:23-05:00

No, there is not.
Were you to try, what you'd have to do is renounce your VA Compensation and produce medical evidence that your conditions are "cured". Then you'd need a medical waiver and an accessions doctor to accept that your conditions are not service-limiting. That would be the process, but your odds are close to zero this would go that way.
You did your part, HN Cristian Guerrero. It must be hard to accept, but sometimes your body just tells you no, even when your heart says please.