How can I obtain a medical release from the Reserve?

2016-10-07T21:17:43-04:00

I've recently separated from active duty and went straight in to the army reserve component. I am a 68J and have yet to reclass to 31B. I've noticed I've had severe migraines, and still have yet to be compensated from the V.A. regarding my bad knees, wrist, PTSD, etc.. Is there anyway to get released from my reserve contract early due to this?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-10-07T21:43:32-04:00

You would have to go through the Ned board process.Please see link attached http://www.wtc.army.mil/modules/soldier/s6-medicalBoards.html

Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)

The mission of the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) is to develop, coordinate and integrate the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans and their Families or Caregivers to promote success in the force or civilian life.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Oct 7 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-10-07T21:45:23-04:00

you need to see a Doctor and Have him make a call on it. Besides how do you think it Looks
for someone who was active duty and then went in the reserves with all those Problems Bad Knees Wrist, PTSD and ETC . They should have never taken you in the Reserves with those Issues. I guess that the Army has Gotten to Relaxed they should discharged you with medical Issues. SSG MARKFRANZEN

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-10-07T21:55:06-04:00

Yep. You can obtain a release by MEDBOARD......if and when the doctor you are seeing.............hint hint to go see a doctor if you dont already have this stuff documented.......determines you need a medboard

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2016 8:33 AM

2016-10-08T08:33:53-04:00

In the reserve component you do your physicals through Logistics Health. Call them and set up an appointment with a provider. The provider will assess you and ask you questions based on your responses to the questions in the packet for the physical. Once this is complete then you can start the MED Board process. It is a whole lot easier if their provider initiates the paperwork than if your does.

Response by MSG Edwin Schuh made Oct 12 at 2016 6:21 AM

2016-10-12T06:21:30-04:00

Maybe, not sure how long you have been waiting on the VA, but that may be your first course of action is to get that completed. Unless you just cannot physically be in the Reserve why would you want out? If you physically are unable to be a Reservist you will eventually go through a medical review board to determine fitness to serve. If the issues you describe are all service connected there should be no issue with the MRB or the VA process. If there is no legitimate reason for the VA hold up it may be time for your Congressional Representative to get involved, just be sure you have your part complete. Just keep in mind you can be receiving VA disability and still be a drilling Reservist.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-10-12T09:24:45-04:00

A few cautions here. First, you must file a VA claim within the timelines established by VA or forever lose your option to receive VA disability or treatment. So, if you have yet to initiate the VA claim process, start there. Second, if you are medically unfit to serve, then contact your unit S-1 or Surgeon to coordinate a physical. Unfortunately, the Reserve Components do not follow the same Medical Board processes as the Active Component (I know because I have firsthand experience with this). If Logistics Health finds you unfit, do not request a Reserve Military Medical Retention Board (MMRB) but a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). The informal MMRB is not considered very highly by VA because their standard processes focus on MEB and PEB results. Finally, do not transfer to the IRR prior to completing this process. Although you can complete your reserve commitment in the IRR, you will not have the support required to complete your medical evaluations in the IRR. After the MEB/PEB process is complete, then you can transition to the IRR and begin your transition to 'life after the Army.' Good luck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-10-12T12:42:55-04:00

Have you done a follow up through PHA, but have caution with MED Board reviews, talk to your chain of Command see if there is a solution plus your retention Seargent for help.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2018 1:55 PM

2018-08-28T13:55:42-04:00

I am in the army national guard. I had screws and plates put in my arm. Its really been bothering me a lot. My arm sometimes gives out when im doing push ups. Even when im holding stuff it drops because of my arm. Im not sure how much more i can take with my arm. What do i do? Do i go see a regualr dr or a va. Some people don't think I should be in with my arm. Can someone tell me whati have to do?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 5:55 PM

2019-11-05T17:55:33-05:00

Just curious, im going through the same process. Anyone know if you have to serve 15 years? I talked to my chain of command and they told me i have to have served min of 15 yrs. I only have 9yrs, 4 active tho. My injuries all happened while active