Can I join the Army Reserves or National Guard if I am currently collecting compensation from the VA?

I work at NGB within this specific area--- whether or not you are collecting disability pay is not the basis for criteria; there are many who have active claims who are approved for accession into the ARNG regularly. The basis for such approval is typically found within AR 40-501, Chapter 2 standards for enlistment/accession; this chapter pertains to the majority of the "prior service" applicants. It is NOT the sole reference, and medical waiver criteria varies, depending on several different variables. Either way, the answer is YES, however, I must adamantly advise any who are considering this option, to exercise full disclosure when documenting your past medical history with both the recruiter and the MEPS medical examiners; failing to report all medical history may result in separation under UCMJ for "Fraudulent Enlistment." We will verify that all information is accurate, and consistent, as the waiver approval authority is expected, and required, to complete a full review of the various medical record systems used throughout the DoD.

I hope this helps answer your question. Feel free to email me: [login to see] should there be more specific, or private, details which may be unique to your circumstances.

*Currently, my full time military duties are directly related to this concerning issue, however I am NOT the approval authority, and all requests for information will not influence a waiver request determination in any capacity; I believe in sharing knowledge, because hoarding what we are able to use to assist others within our military contradicts every aspect of what a "Leader" is and creates the deepest concern for the motives of such an individual; for the heart defines ones character and in turn drives the thoughts, actions and behaviors to follow.***

-God speed and God Bless! Each of us is purposed to be courageous, as we step out alone, for the sake of others; failing to stand up for what is right and just does not leave you unaccountable, as you have now enabled, and thus condoned, the wrong to continue. Heros are not only found on the battlefield or in extreme physical tragedy, they are those who stand alone, without regard for the consequence, as the outcome was a result of demonstrating the oath we swore to uphold upon joining our Armed Forces!

A lot of the things Guard members get disability for are the same things that active duty members have problems with. The difference is that you are fully taken care of. If he is getting disability for hearing loss then who cares. I have served with numerous active duty soldiers that wear hearing aids. They to will be compensated when they get out.

If you are disabled, YOU ARE DISABLED. If you think you can go back then you are NOT disabled so STOP collecting the disability pay and RE-PAY the VA everything you've taken! What is so fucking hard about this??? These assholes think that they can do whatever they want! They seem to believe they have every right to determine when and how they get out. I've have several ratings from the VA but they're PROVEN. These fucks seem to be able to "claim" a disability and get it! (here comes the sarcasim) Oh, I'm butthurt so I get a disability because I think I deserve it! What the hell has happened to the military??? Where are ALL these SHITBAGS coming from and HOW are they getting through?????

Depends on your rating? I have a soldier collecting 80% and he still actively drills. If you are already out of the militaty it may be difficult duebtobthebMEPS screening you will have to go through.

We always need good military people so I see no problem with this.

I am a 100% disabled veteran. After being injured in the Army, I got out after, waiting for the end of my term of service, rather than taking an early out, and was awarded a 10% disability. I went into the Army Reserves, and back then the Army allowed disabled veterans of 30% disability, and below, to serve in the active duty, and reserves, but you lost a month's pay, so something like that. In the reserves it was 1 month's pay. I don't know about active service. After getting out, my disability was re-rated, and the war in Iraq started, so the military raised is level above 30%. I was rated at 80% and I think the military cut off was like 70% (My memory may make me wrong) I believe the military may have raised its rating for disabled veterans since then, but I was raised to 100% and there is no way a 100% disabled veteran can serve. Now that the war may be winding down, the military probably will lower its allowable disability rating, because they would want perfectly healthy military members in all positions. The allowance of disabled veterans, in the service, is a stop gap measure to make sure vital positions are filled with qualified persons, as I believe. In times of peace non injured soldiers could be trained to qualify for those vital positions.

Wounded in combat?

Its amazing that this discussion has been viewed over 72,000 times. I hope the information shared has been helpful to more than just myself. Thank you everyone for your time and general knowledge.
Happy Veterans Day!

As others have pointed out, it's absolutely doable. One cautionary word though - you still have to meet the physical and medical standards or have been waivered in order to rejoin any COMPO of the service.

Thank you all for your input and general knowledge

Yes

Contact Recruiter/Station Commander and inquire fir the correct and current answer.

Well, you tried. But yes you can join any service if you have a VA rated disability. But, it depends on the condition. Like if you had a rated disability for hemorrhoids or something somewhat benign.

The answer is that it depends. The chances are that you might not be able to pass MEPS and AR 40-501 requirements for enlistment/commissioning in the US Military if you are disabled enough to qualify for compensation.

How can anyone physically qualify for military duty with a disability? This sounds a bit too far fetched.

Why would you want to??

Kyle, With no intent to disparage in any way your disability, if you are able and willing to rejoin the service, best of luck to you. Take the new job and don't worry about the disability. very respectfully, an Old Soldier.

No you have been declared disabled the services will not take you back.

YES

There is civil service Bro!