Posted on Feb 27, 2014
Can I join the Army Reserves or National Guard if I am currently collecting compensation from the VA?
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I have been collecting disability compensation from the VA since October 2012 and I am also using my Post 9/11 GI Bill to attend college. I really miss the camaraderie and brotherhood I felt while in the military. I really want to join the Army reserves or the National Guard so I can still attend college but be part of the military again. Would I have to cancel all of my disability compensation? Is that even possible? Some one help me out. Thanks.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 277
I'm sorry for your disorder but seizing while weapons qual may be a bit of a risk.
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Yes you can join the National Guard or the Reserves and still be collecting VA disability compensation. However, you can not collect both. The VA gets a report that identifies every reservist and guardsmen that is receiving comp pay that shows the number of days they drilled for the fiscal year (FY), based off of this report the VA then will do a pay adjustment. You can elect to waive your drill pay or your comp for the number of days that you drilled for the FY. For example in FY 2014 you drilled for 60 days and you elected to wave your VA comp, the VA would withhold 60 days (2 months) worth of your future VA comp.
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Yes, I think it would cancel it out. Can't "double-dip". But, I do relate and applaud your sense of still wanting to serve and missing the camaraderie. It has been the same for me. I was separated in 1998, and I still feel the transition crisis. I think you may have found the right place.
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Obviously you have to be medically qualified for the military. Therefore depends on the condition you are being compensated for. As some have said the subtract the days you are recieving drill or annual training pay. Normally better to take drill pay than VA comp. However drill pay is taxable, VA comp is not. You should compare after subtracting roughly 25 % of drill pay (depending on your bracket.) If you drill for points, then you stiiil get credit for a reserve retirement. If your injury does not qualify for reserve/Guard service than consider your state defense force (much less strict on medical) if your state has an active force or look at Coast Guard Aux. That way you can be involved with supporting our troops and serving your country and community in a military-type environment.
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Yes you can join the National Guard/Reserves. I got off active duty August 2013. I receive 40% VA disability and was able to do the reserves still. They even sent me to Drill Setgeant School. They way the VA works it out is they take the amount of "Active Duty Days" you serve in the past year and do not pay you your VA disability for that amount of days. For instance, the past two month I have not received a check from the VA because I served over 2 months worth of days due to Drill Sergeant School and my monthly drill.
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I considered joining the National Guard in 2009 after my discharge from the Marines in 2007. I was rated 60% disabled by the VA.
I was informed that I exceeded the maximum disability rating (30%) for service in the Army, but I could ask the VA to reassess my disability rating; at which point I may be considered for service.
I chose not to join the Guard (for several reasons).
I was informed that I exceeded the maximum disability rating (30%) for service in the Army, but I could ask the VA to reassess my disability rating; at which point I may be considered for service.
I chose not to join the Guard (for several reasons).
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You dont rate a pay check for a disability if you can serve. There is no honor in it. Choose - Service or payday? You cannot and do not deserve both. I would gladly give up my check to serve again.
Currently rated @ 50% (SHould be 100%) I'd still give it up to go back to the field.
Currently rated @ 50% (SHould be 100%) I'd still give it up to go back to the field.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
Thank you for your time and input. To follow up from February of 2014, I did not join the Army Reserves or the National Guard. I used my Post 9/11 GI Bill to get my degree so I can work and have my career. I no longer receive disability compensation.
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SSG Robert White
Every one thinks they should be higher. Think of getting 100% is like running the 100 yrd dash. Only one person wins, and everyone else gets a place after that.
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