Posted on Feb 27, 2014
PFC Kyle Corcoran
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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.
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SGT Information Technology Specialist
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I'm sorry for your disorder but seizing while weapons qual may be a bit of a risk.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
Very true SPC!
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MSgt Daniel Hazell
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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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SPC Anne Miller
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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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LTC Substitute Teacher
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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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SSG(P) Erik Hein
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As an AGR Training NCO for my unit, I recall enlisting several prior service members receiving compensation. I would confirm with a recruiter. They will be more than happy to help you.
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SGT Michael Myers
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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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SFC Corrie Meade
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Edited >1 y ago
as long as your rating isnt over 20% you can enlist in the reserves
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LTC Michael Parker
LTC Michael Parker
>1 y
Wrong. What matters is your fitness, not you disability rating.
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Sgt Christopher Lowry
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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).
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LTC Michael Parker
LTC Michael Parker
>1 y
This is incorrect, what matter is if you meet fitness standards or not.
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LTC Michael Parker
LTC Michael Parker
>1 y
Yes you can if you meet fitness standards.
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CPO Mohadib Paul
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No, you can't.
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LTC Michael Parker
LTC Michael Parker
>1 y
Yes you can if you meet fitness standards.
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SPC Wade Griffiths
SPC Wade Griffiths
>1 y
Yes you can!! And I am living proof!! :)
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Cpl Gerard Babin
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Edited >1 y ago
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.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
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
SSG Robert White
9 y
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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SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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The problem is that most full timers in the National Guard or Reserve do not know how to implement this policy which means you be screw and will be force to pay the assembly drills to the Government.
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PFC Pamala (Hall ) Foster
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I am at 100% total-and I think that when you are SC (service connected), then you need to stay out of active or reserve cause you are injuring yourself further and could cause danger to your comrades. You can still 'have your finger in the cookie jar' by volunteering at the VAMC, or become a service officer, just don't do something to injure yourself further. That's what I do-I volunteer and boost my morale and anm there for all my friends in the VA
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MSG Dan Gastelum
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As long as you are not drawing more than 30% and it also depends on your disabilities.
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LTC Michael Parker
LTC Michael Parker
>1 y
Nope, it is a matter of meeting fitness standards.
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MG Commanding General
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It depends. If you are in the Reserve you can draw a VA disability payment for the days you are not on duty. Of course you would still have to be able to perform your MOS. welcome back
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CPT Pedro Meza
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Kyle, first of Uncle Sam will not give you two checks, so you have to decide which check is bigger disability at your % which is tax free or drill pay at your rank which is taxed. Also most unit will give priority to a soldier that can deploy; remember force reduction too.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
Thank you for your 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 and I am very happy with that.
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CPT Pedro Meza
CPT Pedro Meza
>1 y
PFC Kyle Corcoran - Kyle, please call me Pedro, and thank you for responding because there are those here that can learn and benefit from your knowledge and experience. I commend you for choosing wisely.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
Thanks for your support Pedro.
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PFC Tuan Trang
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Sit down with your unit chain of command and discuss it with him/her.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
Thanks
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SGT Scott Bell
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No
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
10 y
Thank you Sgt for that insightful answer. My question has been answered and then some.
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SSG David Dickson
SSG David Dickson
10 y
True for us who retired, not 100% accurate in this particthis case.
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SSG David Dickson
SSG David Dickson
10 y
SSG David Dickson - particular. ..sometimes autocorrect kicks in way too quick
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LTC Michael Parker
LTC Michael Parker
>1 y
Yes you can as long as you meet fitness standards. See AR 40-501.
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MSG Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Same answer as Maj Ken Landgren. Read my other responses.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
Thanks MSG.
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MSG Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Well. You may not. because you have to be "fit for duty." Yes there are servicemen who receive VA compensation benefits but they already in and have a PERMANENT PROFILE. But you cannot come in with a profile.... See. Active duty Soldiers (including some Reservist) Servicemen who got wounded they usually get reclassified to a more suitable MOS. In summary ONE MUST STAY IN. But I might be wrong. I suggest you talk to several recruiters and if they give you a Negative, ask them to show you such "policy" in writing.
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SGT Military Police
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As long it is not over 60% if I remember right. You would waiver your guard pay for VA or which ever is greater. You really need to talk to the VA counselor. Because it could affect you disability claim. Depending on the injury claim.
But with the down sizing I think you would have a really hard time getting in.
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PFC Kyle Corcoran
PFC Kyle Corcoran
>1 y
Thank you SGT.
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