What's the better deal, 20 years for retirement or Medical Retirement?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:23:30 -0400

Let me start by saying that I have a 111111 PULHES, which means that I'm fully fit (for any duty for non-Army personnel), with no physical or mental limitations. However, after obtaining the rank of SSG/E-6, I have completed a few tours in SL/TL and Section Sergeant time and see a lot of SMs who have been in 4 years or less getting full benefits with an MEB.

I fully concur that those people who are legitimately hurt or injured, mentally or physically, during their stint in the military, should receive compensation for their damages. However, as someone who signed on with full intentions to do 20 years and obtain a nice way of living and an honest retirement, I sometimes consider it a slap in the face for someone who hasn't contributed anything to have it much easier than I will, having to serve for another ump-teen years.

Counter-arguments to this post will imply that I should not worry about what others do. Agreed. I will worry, however, about myself and all the other warriors out here that serve, honorably, domestic and abroad (which a lot of these MEB warriors haven't) who have to carry the load for people who are only into this to get a quick payout over the rest of their lives.

Of course, us here on RP already carry burdens for people who don't appreciate it or contribute much to their own cause, but first-termers who exit the military on an MEB with less than debilitating injuries/illnesses is in my opinion, unquestionably absurd. What say you?

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Jun 26 at 2014 2:36 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 02:36:10 -0400

I don't know about you but I do not have a medical degree nor am I a physician. It is the medical professionals responsibility to determine what a soldier's capabilities and limitations are. If they deem that the soldier is not fit to perform their duties in the current mos than they may be able to reclassify to something that they can do. In the event nothing fits medical retirement is on the table only if rated over 30% disabled I believe. The soldiers that get medically retired deserve to be taken care of just as much as those of us still working our way to retirement eligibility. Are there soldiers out there that beat the system? Yes. Can we prevent them from doing so? No. It is not a perfect system but it is what we have. It is our job as Leaders to train our soldiers for war and prepare them for life outside the military in many cases. This should be our focus and not judging those who have opted to serve during war and got injured or sick before deploying.

Response by 1SG Robert Branch made Jun 27 at 2014 11:46 AM

1SG Robert Branch — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 11:46:52 -0400

I guess I have the best of both worlds, retired with full pay as an E-8 with over 22 years and 100% disability. I would like to not have the disability, but that the way it is. To explain it is I have two Purple Hearts two surgery, the last on just two years ago, so you can draw your on conclusion. I thank all of you for your service.

Response by PO1 T.M. Ritchie made Dec 20 at 2015 2:10 PM

PO1 T.M. Ritchie — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 14:10:23 -0500

The best solution is what I did on the advice of an E-9. During your final 2 years become a sick bay commando and let them know of every ache and injury you have. I did just that and ended up medically retired at over 20 with 50% disability rating. I went TDRL and 5 years later my disability was rated at 100%. I receive 75% of my base pay tax free...

Response by SN Ben Miller made Dec 22 at 2015 11:19 PM

SN Ben Miller — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 23:19:40 -0500

I'm not sure what the medical retirement option is, but I can tell you my situation. I served two years before injuries and some concurrent mental conditions (panic disorder and agoraphobia) hit me out of nowhere. I worked in Naval Intelligence and fully expected and wanted to serve 20.

Anyway, I came home with a regular honorable discharge, started over and put myself through college. Then I went to work and did my best, but signs of PTSD began about a year after I came home and my panic disorder turned out to be "treatment resistant," meaning that meds and therapy couldn't help it. All they can do is dose me with tranquelizers. I also developed depression over the years and by 2008, I couldn't work anymore.

The VA had me see all their doctors and undergo all kinds of tests before they rated me at 100% after about three years of red tape. Long story short, I get disability benefits and it does all stem from what happened in the service during the Bosnian War (it's been 20 years), but I don't feel like I've earned it. I didn't serve the time I signed up to serve.

In the end, I would give back every penny if I could be rid of all my mental and physical conditions and live a normal life. I miss working. Life is brutal for me and I not only can't work, I can't drive and I can barely leave my house. I am a lousy husband and father because of my disabilities and it eats at me. The money helps me support my family and I am extremely grateful to the VA and the military in general, but trust me when I say the money doesn't make up for all that is missing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 10:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 10:45:39 -0500

I work for DFAS, retired pay department. Its better to have 20 years then disability. Only after 20 years are you eligible for CDRP. Then you can receive your retired pay and your disability pay. Those who get out on disability will receive a VA waiver. If under 20 years or the 15 if its authorized, you'll be paid primarily by the VA and the VA only. That 20 years is huge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 11:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 11:09:31 -0500

I agree 100% with your comment, i am going on 16 years, have a PULHES of 111111 also, and have seen some dirtbag Soldiers who refused to do their job get out with 90% disability, it sickens me!! Yes, some are deserving of the medical benefits but alot, and i mean alot are taking advantage of the system and getting out with medical disabilities that will get them paid for life, while someone like me, a 16 year grunt with back and neck pain, 4 surgeries, a ripped tendon in my ankle broken hand with screws in it and other wear and tear have never complained about the pain and just kept on going. Maybe it's time i get these things documented myself.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 11:13 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:13:08 -0400

SSG,
I understand where you are coming from. I fully intended to do a full 20 years, if not more, like my dad, and my grandfather and my great grandfather and so on, (My family has been an unbroken line of military all the way back to the Revolutionary War), but because of an injury I sustained during workups which caused permanent damage to my brain and has brought on epilepsy, memory impairment, and the future onset of dementia, I am not able to continue my career. Looking at me, I look fine (not so pretty to look at, but what Marine ever really is lol) but the effects of my disabilities is that my spouse has to become my caregiver, driving me everywhere, reminding me to do certain things, like take my medication and eat. My medications cost $120 for one bottle. I have lost the ability to do the work I went to college for, I am hard pressed to find a job, because no one wants a liability on their hands. I have lost the option to be independent and looking at me you would never know. This jarhead has too much pride to admit it. I have only been in the Marine Corps for a little over a year and I have to get out. The point is what may seem minor from an outside observer may not actually be minor. Not to say there aren't times when people are faking or exaggerate their conditions, but I can't really comment on whether they are or not, I'm not their physician.

V/R,
Lcpl Broke Dick

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Aug 28 at 2017 6:45 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 18:45:52 -0400

my thoughts are finish the 20 or 30.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 28 at 2017 10:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 22:02:24 -0400

20 years.
Look at it this way, if you're hurt enough to retire medically, and you do you're 20, you'll get your retirement check PLUS medical disability. If you simply retired medically, you would ONLY get the medical portion.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 23 at 2018 6:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 18:15:12 -0400

Is there a difference between medically retired less than 20 to medical separation? This always confuses me.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 24 at 2018 6:54 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 06:54:37 -0400

Ok, since you are fit the chances of a medical retirement are slim to none, unless, heaven forbid your become ill or injured. Medical retirement does not match 20 years. You retire at the grade and service calculation at the time of separation. The advantage comes when a medically retired service member applies at the VA. They can receive another a second disability and education to get them back on their feet. So for those who you think did not earn it, shame on you, it is impossible to fake an illness or injury that would warrant a medical. Furthermore I am sure that no one wants that type of damage warranting a medical because it comes at some price. Some more than others. I hope you clear your head and remember why we all serve. I hope and pray that you retire well and still have all ones. Thank you for your service.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 27 at 2018 5:20 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 17:20:07 -0400

A four year medical is nowhere near a 20 year standard retirement in terms of dollars. The do have the option to also claim against VA benefits and that figure varies based on amount of VA recognized disability. There are many variables that impact both. You are on track to serve healthy and retire honorably, be proud. I will also say that it is very hard for someone to fake a medical condition that would warrant medical retirement. This is also true of VA disability. Thank you for your service.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 8:30 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 20:30:10 -0400

I know this post is old but I have serious questions about this. I'm getting medboarded and I have over 20 years in, 10 deployments and a while list of issues both physical and mental. I was told today that if the medical board sees me fit to retire then I would be retired at 21 years like a normal retirement but with ability to claim any disability what so ever? Is this true?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2018 10:37 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:37:22 -0500

SFC Young - Do your 20 years and retire. Way better deal, financially and mentally.

Unfortunately, and sadly, there are a few folks who join the military for a "quick-buck". Rest assured, that the VA IG has caught a few "fakers" out there.

For sure when you retire, you will not be the same person you were, in a physical and medical sense, when you started. So there will be options to also apply for VA benefits, depending on your condition.

It is OK to worry, I think as you do, but my advice is to not let the perceived unfairness consume your integrity.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 21 at 2019 3:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 15:36:55 -0400

How many AD years do you have? Those who get medically retired after a few years endured injury do to combat. The others who have a few years will be medically separated. They will get severance pay and probably a VA stipend. If I am missing the target here, please correct me.

Response by PO1 Darren Martin made Jan 8 at 2022 8:25 PM

PO1 Darren Martin — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:25:54 -0500

Not trying to come off rude by you are an 88m I was an FMF sailor who medically retired after 5 years. I was attached to a marine infantry platoon on two intense combat deployments and was severely injured on my second deployment and went to Walter reed, then back to my parent command where I retired.

My first argument to you. 1) how much contact did you take if you went to Iraq or Afghanistan? How many IEDs did you encounter? Did you fire your rifle? If so how many times?
2. Where you ever injured by enemy contact?
3. Where awarded a CAB? Do you have any awards with a V? Do you have a PH?
4) what level of danger where you in daily?

On my second deployment in 08 my vehicle struck an IED. Everyone in my vehicle was severely injured with several surgeries. Prior to this incident we had lost 4 individuals over the course of our deployment due to small arms fire or IED. I have since had multiple surgeries and I am having another surgery for an incident that happened over 10 years ago.

Your statement definitely seems to make you out to be on a high horse. If I met you face to face I would laugh you out of the room.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2023 11:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 23:15:23 -0500

I need help understanding the differences between 20 yrs retirement with 100% VA. For this example I would like to use 100% VA. I was asked if I wanted to initiate an MEB. I need to understand the possible differences in money. I know if I went the regular retirement with 20yrs I would recieve 50% of my base pay plus 100% VA disability. But what could I recieve in money terms if I went the MEB route.