Any advice for obtaining a medical retirement while in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System?

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 16:33:18 -0400

Need some REAL advice. I have a buddy who has 19+ years of service and is now nondeployable to due injuries in his back. His back has been operated on twice so far, and he has another one coming up. He's in IDES and his branch wants to give him severance. He has diagnosed with PTSD, his back, and other ailments. What can he do to make it to 20 or medical retire with full benefits. He's a MSgt.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 8 at 2016 4:34 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 16:34:05 -0400

I couldn't mention that his injuries are service and combat related in the space above.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2016 4:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 16:35:42 -0400

I don't think I'm wrong, There is no real advantage to a medical retirement with 20 years Active federal service.

In fact, there is a disadvantage as the veterans administration process is a closed loop system...... You are very limited to capabilities offered, which I wouldn't even call those capabilities. It's designed to get you in and out of the system as quick as possible to limit the governments financial exposure.

Response by SGM Barry Kindred made Sep 8 at 2016 4:46 PM

SGM Barry Kindred — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 16:46:31 -0400

It matters. 20+ you can get combat related special compensation CRSC AND VA disability. Appeal appeal appeal med board proceedings.
It matters a bunch.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 8 at 2016 6:29 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 18:29:15 -0400

Most interesting Used to You went down and before a Medical review Board and they decided what you get and assisted in getting out and rehab... but don't know Now...

Whats With the Roach Coach Looking Hotdog...

Response by SSG Christopher Plemmons made Sep 8 at 2016 8:27 PM

SSG Christopher Plemmons — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 20:27:43 -0400

If over 18 years he should be allowed to stay until he reaches 20 years. Check out pebforum.com lots of great info there. I am medically retired

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Sep 8 at 2016 8:47 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 20:47:10 -0400

Always assume you are not being given the full story with stories that sound off.

If at 19 years they could separate him, but he can apply for COAD. The time it takes to process the continuation on active duty and appeals can drag his process on. Most likely this guy can easily make it to 20 years and should also apply for voluntary retirement. If separating he would be medically separated so this isn't small money, but I agree not as good as a full retirement

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Sep 8 at 2016 9:27 PM

CSM Ralph Hernandez — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 21:27:08 -0400

I went through this last year and CPT Gonzalez is absolutely correct. He can apply for Continuation On Active Duty (COAD). I applied for COAD and went over 20 years when I finally got the approval at the same time IDES found me 30% permanently disabled. It was a no brainer I was over 20 so I took my AD retirement. The VA found me 90% disabled so I get CRSC and my AD pay they call it concurrent payments. Hope this helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2016 12:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:02:07 -0400

I made it to 14 and a half before they decided to give me the MEB and separate me. It's a damn shame, I was planning on retiring out and was half way through my 3rd enlistment. I turn in all my gear tomorrow, it's funny how many people they will screw to save money for the democrats.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 9 at 2016 2:44 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 02:44:25 -0400

He has too many years to get severance. He is going to be medically retired.

Response by SSG Matthew Nechy made Sep 9 at 2016 3:01 AM

SSG Matthew Nechy — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 03:01:29 -0400

SSG Warren Swan It appears the Green Weenie is about to strike again according to this photo.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 9 at 2016 3:21 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 03:21:02 -0400

That is one...green...weenie.

Response by SP5 Paul Riley made Sep 10 at 2016 7:09 PM

SP5 Paul Riley — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 19:09:45 -0400

send him to rehab, make him go through it 3 times, perfectly legal.

Response by MAJ Patrick Ross made Sep 11 at 2016 8:14 PM

MAJ Patrick Ross — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 20:14:45 -0400

Contact the Office of Soldiers' Counsel if Army. All branches have a similar office - JAG/civilian attorneys who represent servicemembers going through the MEB process. A person will generally want 20 years plus retirement due to the Concurrent Receipt - both military retirement and VA without offset. This is not a new issue, get legal help, and not from the Legal Assistance attorney's but specifically the JAGs in the MEB process. Your friend should already have an MEB attorney or they can ask the PEBLO who it is. BTW - if still pending a surgery, then he should not even be out of the MEB phase of the IDES process until it is complete. Branch can want, but both DOD Directive and Army Regulations, along with all other services own, override that when in the IDES process. If your friend is unable to get assistance from the MEB Attorney, let me know.

Response by SGT Sara Hendrix made Sep 12 at 2016 8:37 AM

SGT Sara Hendrix — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 08:37:59 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member can answer more effectively but he is best taking steps to remain til 20 but getting his med retirement and retirement. If the army & va has his ratings already .... the battle is merely with ensuring he keeps his regular retirement also.

Response by CPT Daniel Cox made Jun 27 at 2019 7:27 PM

CPT Daniel Cox — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 19:27:23 -0400

I responded to this (or one very similar) elsewhere. Short Answer: Have him go to JAG now to find out his options.