Posted on May 28, 2016
Can somebody explain the TERA (15 year retirement)?
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I was told by my PCM recently that I'd have a better shot at collecting disability for an ailment I've been MEBd twice for if I reenlisted and took a 15 year retirement, rather than take a spin at another MEB. However, everything I've found related to the Temporary Early Retirement Authority talks about how it is only available to Soldiers being involuntarily separated with over 15 years TIG.
Retirement
Medical Board
TERA
Posted >1 y ago
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I took TERA... But whether or not it was involuntary is, well, complicated. Here was the deal: I had a brief moment of... err... Less than stellar decision skills. That moment coupled with an over reacting, puny little commander who was prior marine and hated the Air Force put me in a position where I received literally every form of "discipline" available. He wouldn't Article 15 me because he knew I'd take it to trial and win (this from the first shirt). Anyway... The Air Force needed to cut 25k troops after years of cutting already, so they started what was called a quality force review board. It's where they find people like me, who had been in some trouble, but nothing punitive, and let us decide A) face the board and convince them that you are more valuable than an Airman with impeccable records, or B) take TERA. If you try choice A and lose, you get TERA. I chose TERA. Now, your conundrum. If you get TERA, it is, in every way, retirement. The only difference is the amount of retired pay you get. All other benefits are the exact same... Tricare prime, for family, burial, etc.... None of this affects VA benefits. VA is the same whether you were in for 20 or in for four. So, bottom line... TAKE TERA!!! You will get two checks, retirement and VA (assuming you get at least 50% disability from VA) plus benefits for family. No TERA, you get VA only. Huge difference.
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If you separate with less than 20 years you do not qualify for concurrent receipt. Fiancially the best thing you can do is get to 20 and can collect both. This is why you will see people attempt to COAD who are close to 20 as there is a big financial difference. Also TERA is not a guarantee so it wouldn't be smart to try and trigger it. QMP also do not qualify for TERA so do everything you can to avoid a bad eval.
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
TSgt John Goodson - Another poster just provide the source document, which I will have to read later to correct myself. I am glad the situation is beneficial to you.
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
The coad is still going to be popular as someone trying to coad habit a medical percentage is not qualifying for Tera. Tera is rare and in today's climate it is very hard to trigger Tera and avoid a QMP. Good luck.
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SSG (Join to see)
Does anybody know what a 15 year retirement letter looks like? My unit doesn't know anything about the letter and how it is put together. An example would be great to have.
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MAJ Christopher Thompson
I recognize the "latest era" for TERA has passed in 2018 but this information should be archived. This initial answer was not accurate. COAD is often not a feasible alternative when drawdowns occur and medical boards also abound, as they do no approve them or cut people loose just before their Title 10 18th year of service as part of drawdowns. TERA absolutely qualifies for concurrent VA disability compensation whether either directed for service or combat disabilities as long as it meets the 50% VA disability threshold. Why? It is classified as MILITARY RETIREMENT! What a service member DOES NOT want to be medical boarded and medically retired, as this will prevent concurrent VA compensation other than potential offset. If a service member CANNOT reach their 18th year of service, have no ongoing medical board, and no adverse actions pending, TERA is extremely lucrative and if available should be requested IMMEDIATELY as there usually a limits to the numbers of service members who are approved. However, remember TERA is not a "guarantee" or a military right of a service member, and in case of NCOs a QSP selection is required, or a two time non-select promotion for officers.
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Thank you all for your responses. SGM Matthew Quick, I definitely appreciate your clarification. That is the same conclusion I came to, but my PCM is so darn sure that it's the best option. CPT Mark Gonzalez If I'm understanding you correctly, if for some crazy reason I were eligible for TERA and retired, I wouldn't be able to collect disability?
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
SSG Roderick Smith - If what they are saying is true that is great, but the hard part is going to be triggering a Tera without a QMP.
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MAJ Raúl Rovira
CPT Mark Gonzalez - I was unaware of this until I was 6 months from TERA retirement. A good friend working at our JBER Soldiers and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) brought it up to my attention.
There are black holes, barracks lawyers, changes in regulation, the "I heard from ..." and so on. Forums help. Glad to assist.
There are black holes, barracks lawyers, changes in regulation, the "I heard from ..." and so on. Forums help. Glad to assist.
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MAJ Christopher Thompson
Just an addition, you can collect VA disability compensation with TERA with a 50% combined disability...BUT remember that the VA disability direct evaluations will ultimately determine the outcome. No former active duty medical board findings are a guarantee of any specific percentage, but the findings can be used for evaluation from a service members military medical records. Make sure your medical records are TIGHT before accepting TERA!
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