When should you begin your ETS physical?

2017-01-25T10:23:24-05:00

As the people who would know best have already left the service, I am left wondering when to begin an ETS Physical.

My ETS is in early January of 2018, but my Terminal Leave will be early November of this year (2017).

I definitely have medical issues that will go towards a disability rating. Will these prolong the process?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 10:27 AM

2017-01-25T10:27:41-05:00

I pretty much want to say you should probably start now to get things documented that may not already be documented. But, when I first ETS'd back in 2003, I had done my physical while I was clearing.

Response by CPL Crystal Pettway, MBA made Jan 25 at 2017 10:28 AM

2017-01-25T10:28:51-05:00

I have been out of the military for a while and I know things have changed, but I would get with the medical folks or even visit your transition center to see how far out they schedule your release processing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 10:31 AM

2017-01-25T10:31:08-05:00

You should go about 6 month before going on terminal leave. This will with any medical board issues and, receive some treatment if necessary.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 10:54 AM

2017-01-25T10:54:12-05:00

Definitely a minimum of six months before your terminal leave. You need time to make sure you are seen for all of your issues and have time for treatment.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 25 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-01-25T11:44:51-05:00

If it was me, I would have every issue seen and documented...and have the original paperwork in my hands...before doing the final physical. Then during your last month physically being on post/in the service, schedule that physical. The main purpose, in my opinion, for the ETS/Retirement physical is to move your records to the VA.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 25 at 2017 1:51 PM

2017-01-25T13:51:26-05:00

I'd say get that wrapped up between 45 and 60 days from T-Leave. From my experience, even with a couple minor medical issues, I got my Phase 1 & 2 knocked out quickly with about 30 days prior to my terminal leave. However, it should be noted I received good initial (key word) support from my chain-of-command to do all my ACAP/medical/clearing stuff done. Not everyone gets such assistance. Make sure you are in constant communication with your chain-of-command. Regardless of what you need to get done, give yourself time and work with your leadership.

It should be noted that the support I mentioned, evaporated like water cooked off under the Ft. Bliss sun with 3 weeks left until I took my leave because it suited battalion and higher; so in fairness, it wasn't my immediate leadership who withdrew their support.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 3:12 PM

2017-01-25T15:12:10-05:00

6 months out!! My old unit waited until the last week for our soldiers and many of us never got a full accurate ETS physical. 6 months out gives you time for any imaging and remedial appointments to be taken care of prior to your terminal leave (or save the leave and cash it in) or ETS date.

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 25 at 2017 9:33 PM

2017-01-25T21:33:47-05:00

you want it with in 30-45 days of retirement ot ETS...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 25 at 2017 10:16 PM

2017-01-25T22:16:48-05:00

It is within the six month countdown to ETS so you can get BBD consideration. Just know you won't hear jack squat for months. Advantage is you don't have to prove service connection nearly as intensely if they find befor you ETS.

Got to the 5 day transition class now so you can talk to the VA and others befor you make decisions.

I had a bunch of chronic issues not going anywhere any time soon, providers recommended I go as early as possible.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 10:52 AM

2017-01-26T10:52:19-05:00

Dec 2025

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jan 26 at 2017 10:59 AM

2017-01-26T10:59:10-05:00

Make sure everything is Documented and you get a Copy of all Med Records. A Copy is important, as it keeps you from having to depend on a GS employee to dig it up for you Clime. also don't send Copy but a Copy oft your Copy. Start you Phy. at least 90 days Out from Retirement Date. But start now with your Records.

Response by Sgt Joshua Seavey made Jan 26 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-01-26T18:06:03-05:00

Well you are not supposed to (you can't) PT after your final physical. Judging on your rank SSG, you could technically do that any time you want unless your command has regulations stating otherwise.

Normally though, the ETS physical is scheduled to be done within days or a week or two from going on terminal since you don't come back from terminal.

I would recommend asking your CO or whom ever it is that you personally report to. I would tell a NON NCO to ask their NCO and a NCO ask their platoon sergeant and the platoon sergeant to ask their SNCO (if they have one) and finally for the SNCO (you) to ask either the CO or whom ever they report to.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-01-26T18:19:42-05:00

Just went thru all this. 181 days from ETS/Retirement date is farthest they'll let you start VA paperwork.(if you're filing a claim). LHI contacted me and helped me set up all my appointments. Get a copy of EVERYTHING medical related, and turn into your VSO. They'll start the paperwork from there. Register with Ebenefits. You'll be able to track the progress etc. as soon as you get your final 214 make sure you get it scanned into Ebenefits.
I had my first appt in May 2016 and had all appointments done within 2 weeks. Received notification of VA determination 15 Oct. 2016.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jan 26 at 2017 11:51 PM

2017-01-26T23:51:33-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member Repeat after me....SHARED PHYSICAL. Request a Shared Physical. That will make it where the VA Contract Doctor does both your Retirement and VA Physical.

Response by SFC Douglas B. Hull made Jan 31 at 2017 12:06 PM

2017-01-31T12:06:58-05:00

No matter when you do it make Sure you have a copy of your med records, and as soon as you can see the VA. State VA Reps are great place to start. A little know fact is Voc Rehab through VA it pays for books and other fees plush a living allowance while your in school.

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Sep 15 at 2021 4:35 AM

2021-09-15T04:35:41-04:00

My First Sergeant told me 8 months out that once I started my retirement physical at 6 months out that I must stop doing PT. If I injured myself after the physical was initiated, that the doctors would have to start over again. So it was the gym for me, after PT formation. I didn't ever look it up, just went with the flow.