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

Yes you can in some cases. Go talk to a recruiter. Find one who cares and is willing to do paperwork, waivers, or whatever it takes.

The difference between civilian and military disability to me is, in the military, we can't say no to what we are told to do. So if you break me, you need to care for me. I wrote a check to the govt with my life as collateral. That's different than the private sector.

While I appreciate your desire to serve... please understand this... it took my husband more than 7 yrs to get his military medical records from active duty and another several years before he got his disability rating. He would have dearly loved to have been able to stay in the Air Force and continue his career... There are too many men and women who have been denied any kind of disability and can no longer serve, so my question here... is how is it fair to those who can't get disability and are struggling today while others get it handed to them and manipulate the system to their advantage. I have known too many vets who need their disability ratings to simply get basic medical and health benefits. I am sorry if I come across strong, but I have a husband with disabilities and what we have to go through for one simple procedure gets overwhelming at times. So I am sorry I cannot support this thought or desire.

God Damn It PFC....JUST DROP!!!!

After her active duty time, and due to injury, my wife collects 80% disability, uses her college benefits and is still in the reserves. Whatever she makes in drill pay is subtracted from her disability and taxed. She isn't ready to give up and still feels she contributes to the cause, more than some of her counterparts.

Yes you can, however, there are limitations to collecting both at the same time. Get in contact with your VA rep. and with retention and they together would be able to not only get you back in, but give you guidance on how to get both disability and BA pay. Good luck

I would check and see if the reason you are getting disability pay can or will keep you from joining, deploying and other things like PT in the Reserves or Guard. You can call a Reserve Recruiter and find out if the REC code on your DD Form 214 keeps you from joining. I saw where someone mentioned you can be in the reserves/guard and still draw disability pay. You may keep your disability pay but have drill paydays taken out of it when you drill or do two weeks active. I wish you luck.

The guard seems to be thinning the ranks. Many, many soldiers are getting flagged and booted for such things as failing two PT tests in a row. They are also out of money for schools, at least my battalion. So IMO, it will be difficult for you to get in the guard at this time. No money equals no waivers.

Find a veteran community thru facebook or tweeter. That will bring back the commeradory and brotherhood without the stress of deployments and policies that conflict with your lifestyle. Get a service companion go to your local VFW post and register and you won't miss out anymore. VFW's have daily, monthly, weekly, and yearly events to keep you and others out of that feeling of missing commeradory.

Tennant's Rule #1 - Always refer to the regulations....having said that....as a general rule you can. However, I have to caution you that it all depends on the disability and the percentage you have been given. Tread carefully because if you do join because you will end up drilling for free or giving all or part of your VA disability back.