100% VA Disability Pay or 17 years E6 Drill Pay?

2021-11-24T20:53:53-05:00

After I returned from deployment and out-processed, I started my filling for disability and not sure I’d get anything. I was injured (concussion/TBI not from combat) and guessed I may be receiving something for this. Months later and many appointments my final rating came in and I’m at 100%. I wasn’t told about not being able to receive drill pay (not a big deal) but back pay of months isn’t what I also expected. So now I want to choose and get this done but I don’t understand my options and benefits.

-I’m at 100% with a spouse and two children, I know what my pay will be.

-currently E-6 with 17 years of service in December. Eligible for E-7 next Fall after SLC or my change to Retention position. Drill pay is taxed and it’s roughly $30 more per day but after deductions, it’s nothing much.

VA sounds better and I can pay my Tricare and TSP out of pocket, so I could waive my drill pay. But do I also miss out in retirement points and points for a “good year?” Do most people waive VA because their rating may not be as high?

Any help greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2021 9:24 PM

2021-11-24T21:24:37-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member Sorry for your injury. Talk with a Veterans Advocate to discuss your situation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-11-24T21:56:36-05:00

Last I knew, 100% disabled but still authorized to Drill does not allow for pay and must be done for points alone. I suggest you talk with your VSO at your nearest VA and to also discuss this with DFAS.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2021 11:49 PM

2021-11-24T23:49:58-05:00

https://militarybenefits.info/drill-pay-or-va-compensation/

Should I take Drill Pay or VA Compensation?

The ultimate choice about drill pay versus VA compensation is really up to you, but remember that there are resources to help you make an informed decision.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2021 11:54 PM

2021-11-24T23:54:02-05:00

Since you drill for points maybe you could add to this conversation.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2021 11:56 PM

2021-11-24T23:56:57-05:00

https://themilitarywallet.com/waive-va-compensation-to-receive-military-pay/

Waiver of VA Compensation to Receive Military Pay - VA Form 21-8951

You can serve in the Guard or Reserves if you have a VA disability, but you may have to waive VA Disability Compensation in order to receive military pay.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2021 12:14 AM

2021-11-25T00:14:44-05:00

If you get drill pay, you pay back the full pre-tax amount, or you do paperwork to stop disability pay on drill days, or you drill for points only.
The third option is the best financial decision and the least paperwork for you.
Make sure your AGR understands how to code points only.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 25 at 2021 8:00 AM

2021-11-25T08:00:23-05:00

OK, rules. You can not receive VA Disability Pay and pay for Reserve Duty at the same time. You can waive the Reserve Pay, usually the sensible thing since VA Disability isn't taxed, and basically attend drill for retirement points. With three years left AND promotion ahead, that would be my choice. Then at age 60, minus the deployed time reduction if you qualify, you have 100% disability AND a retirement check. plus Tricare.
You don't have to do anything if you chose, just plan on VA deducting your Reserve Pay at the first part of every fiscal year. However, every year you will get a VA 21-8957 to waiver one or the other. I suggest filling it out and not having to deal with paying back anything. If you have further questions, contact your local VSO.
Just as a note, on drill you get two days pay for every UTA. You only lose one day of Disability pay. Waiving Disability cost you about 63 days a year. Remembering that Drill is taxed, do the math.

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Nov 25 at 2021 12:09 PM

2021-11-25T12:09:56-05:00

The va is not taxable I considered taking the lump sum taxable and I am really glad I did not as I am 60+ now taking the monthly check for all these years has Been the best for me.

Response by MSG William Wold made Nov 25 at 2021 12:10 PM

2021-11-25T12:10:48-05:00

Points only, no Reserve pay if receiving VA disability. Once you get enough years to retire and age 60, if your still over 50% you get both retirement and VA. If not it's offset. Coming from active duty to reserves you have to do I believe 5-7 years minimum, or something like that. Interesting, I was 30% originally VA, and was for 23 years, in an appeal I was upped to 60%, the commander said if your over 50% your non deployable. I questioned that, hey I'm doing my job. But a year later I was retired out. I had over 30, but I also worked for them full time civilian with a condition of employment of being a Reservist. They finally waived that because of the tempo of deployments out of the shop already shorted the shop, and I only had 2 years to retire from the civilian position, so they kind ignored it, and I later retired.

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Nov 25 at 2021 12:16 PM

2021-11-25T12:16:18-05:00

I should have mentioned my wife, has tricare and my kids had it until they were out of college. Just make sure if there is a change in your dependent status to notify the VA, not the hospital side but the administration I was unmarried for a year 7 years later they took the 100/ mo for the entire 7 years even though I had jumped through the hoops she has a ID and on tricare , took 3 years to get a hearing and that was 4 months ago, still waiting , I could understand the year , but not the rest they took away.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Nov 30 at 2021 2:42 PM

2021-11-30T14:42:11-05:00

I drill for points only, you work with your S1 to submit your points to HRC to get them updated in the system. I get paid either for my AT or PME. It’s a pain In the ass but I feel better about.