Can I reenlist after I file VA claims before ETS ?

2022-02-27T09:04:40-05:00

I’m torn between ETSing to continue my business and reenlisting for station of choice. If I start the VA claims process and I get a rating before I ETS, will I be able to reenlist if I got an assignment offer I want later ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2022 9:18 AM

2022-02-27T09:18:20-05:00

A couple of factors you need to take into consideration:. When the ETS is and when you file the claim. A claim packet, from my understanding, takes about a year before an answer is given. Now, as for a rating and reenlisting, I believe it depends on the rating.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2022 2:57 PM

2022-02-27T14:57:54-05:00

You can't actually file your VA claim while you're on Active Duty. You can start the process, but nothing moves forward till after you ETS. Even if you get a rating, you don't actually have an official rating yet, it's essentially a tentative rating.

Also, I don't think they offer that option for ETS soldiers. That's something the VA does MEBs and retiring Soldiers.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Feb 27 at 2022 3:24 PM

2022-02-27T15:24:26-05:00

Evaluations are separate from filing a claim. Evaluations can be done before your ETS but filing your claim can’t be done until you ETS and are officially a veteran.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Feb 27 at 2022 4:16 PM

2022-02-27T16:16:49-05:00

I've always been told that in theory you can reenlist, but you'll have to forfeit your rating.
The catch 22 is that you can't reenlist because you have a rateable disability.
I've heard stories about guys who've done it, but I've never actually seen it. Keep in mind, my scope is pretty limited where I'm at.
I do know that to forfeit the rating, you have to be declared recovered from the disability. If that disability becomes an issue later down the road, you'll have to start the process all over again.