Are enlistment waivers possible for service-connected PTSD?

2017-06-16T10:41:02-04:00

I currently have a service-connected rating for PTSD, but haven't had any problems in over 2 years. Never any violence, LE trouble, or anything like that. Since SSG RA enlistments are currently open, I want to go back in, but will it be possible if I get cleared from a civilian doc? Thanks, in advance.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 16 at 2017 10:47 AM

2017-06-16T10:47:22-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member:
I have PTSD as well. I rarely have symptoms; such as yourself.
I would assume, that if you were cleared by a civilian doctor: you would be able to go back in.
That's just an assumption, Staff Sergeant, and I apologize that that is all that I can offer you.
Good luck going forward!
Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army (Ret.): Coach/Photographer

Response by SPC Sean Slaughter made Jun 16 at 2017 11:11 AM

2017-06-16T11:11:28-04:00

I would imagine as long as you get your VA rating lower than 50% and you have no symptoms of PTSD anymore and a good reenlistment code you should easily be able to reenlist; however I would totally go speak to a recruiter about this or maybe hit up some old battle buddies who served as retention NCOs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2017 2:00 PM

2017-06-16T14:00:34-04:00

Short answer, go talk to your local recruiter. You're treated as a new accession, so a career counselor probably won't know these policies.

See if they can work with you. There will be a lot of variables that need to be discussed, more than you'd probably feel comfortable talking about on a public forum.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 16 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-06-16T15:21:48-04:00

Anything is possible. I will warn you that enlisting as a E-6 is not going to be easy to start with.
You may want to consider looking at a reserve component and find an AD opportunity going that route?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2017 9:30 PM

2017-06-16T21:30:25-04:00

There is always a possibility- you're gonna need ALL med docs concerning it and a med read. Recruiters cannot disqualify you the must send the waiver. It's up to the powers that be - or the head doc to make the call. Just be prepared that it'll take a while and getting it approved won't be easy

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Jan 5 at 2018 8:16 PM

2018-01-05T20:16:38-05:00

If you are able to re-enlist in the Guard, you cannot collect disability and Mday pay for the same days. The Government will either not pay you for drill days or deduct the appropriate amount from your disability pay. So basically you will drill for retirement points. I knew 2 guys who drilled for no pay who were chasing retirement, and at least 5 who were released from their contract when they received their VA disability letter.