How difficult is it for a retired officer to find meaningful employment? How can I translate my military career to catch an employer's eye?

2019-10-02T22:14:54-04:00

I announced my retirement after 32 1/2 years of service. The last assignment was too much for me, and I decided I can't continue anymore. To me, the Army now seems to be what it was before 9-11 hit.

My retirement physical starts on Monday morning, and Monday afternoon I meet with my PSNCO to complete my packet. If all goes well, I'll be out of the Army by December. When asked which particular day I wanted, I chose Christmas Eve to be the last official day. In-between, I will be relocating and looking into a civilian career. I've already reached out to Hire Heroes for assistance.

I have an anxiety disorder (now) plus an injury to my C6 vertebrae, and flat feet. My medical readiness officer thinks I might qualify for a 50%+ disability rating (all occurred while on AD). I hear all the nightmares about getting the VA to approve the claim, though, so I would like advice on how to navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

Regarding employment, how difficult is it for a retired Army LTC to find gainful, well-paying, meaningful employment? The Hire Heroes transition specialist talked about an executive-level position, but I don't know that I want another headache equivalent to what I've just been through. He suggested maybe a position with a nonprofit organization. What advice can anyone offer as far as translating my military career into a resume' that will catch a civilian employer's eye?

And what other lessons learned can all of you offer that would benefit my transition? Thanks in advance for your responses.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Oct 2 at 2019 10:56 PM

2019-10-02T22:56:19-04:00

Sir,
If you have not made it to SFL-TAP, make the call ASAP! This is imperative to a good transition. Based on your rank, ask for the executive session, and you will be well informed as well as having a functional resume. Best of luck on your retirement.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2019 10:56 PM

2019-10-02T22:56:26-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Congratulations on your upcoming retirement sir. I would contact the VFW or DAV and have a Veteran Service Officer help you with your VA claim. The Linkedin group, "Veteran Mentor Network" has members that will be able to help you create a great resume. I wish you the best on new adventures and challenges.

https://nvf.org/veteran-service-officers/

Veteran Service Officers - List of Where to Find

Veteran Service Officers help you navigate the DVA's bureacracy. They help with gathering information necessary to support a claim through the VA system.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 2 at 2019 11:25 PM

2019-10-02T23:25:38-04:00

I would advise you to take time off looking for work and apply for VA and Social Security ASAP.... become very familiar with the VA schedule of disabilities for all your ailments. When you apply it will be for everything at once...joints..back..hearing...Mental.. PTSD... (if you served in combat) ...etc.. I am at 194% combined VA math... you get more money at 160%. Learn how to use the VA disability calculator.. Never trust anyone in the VA or Social Security system. Never accept any voc rehab or tickets to work.. never do any volunteer work... until your claims are over. Be wary and leary of any psych drugs offered. When you talk with a Doctor your pain and disability is how it feels on the very worse day. Always say 8, 9 , 10.. on pain... be truthful on the Psych.. if thoughts of suicide say yes... remember LTC's are given no respect...I know many.. understand IU... Individual unemployment.. many use that to get to 100%.. your goal is always 100% scheduled combined... You should be able to triple dip... 1. Retirement 2. VA disability 3. Social Security disability.. NEVER EVER GIVE UP KEEP APPEALING.. get a lawyer their fees are based on return... always a good deal. Never tell a doctor you are looking for work.. they will use your words against you. You might want to check into a MED Board and PEB. I would seek to get a full psych exam before you get out..remember its your worse day. I started out with simple anxiety and it turned into full blown Bipolar I .. I am also part deaf.. crosseyed...I fought like crazy... I get $5600 a month.. no retirement. 19D E-4 .. 16 good years... Don't forget the GI bill..
Remember VA and SS disability is litigation against the US for damages.. it aint a benefit...Good Luck Sir.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 3 at 2019 12:24 AM

2019-10-03T00:24:28-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member so are you retiring with 32 years of AD or a combination of reserve and active time? Knowing what your start point will Be for retirement would help me provide advice. Been a Blue Card Club member since 2016. If you have 32years active for retired pay and will see retirement on day one as opposed to waiting until 65 is pretty liberating on career choosing. My dumb guy math, 80% of base pay is pretty damn good. Especially if you get 50% of the $2700 for VA.

Determining you are "done" is the first major step. I would advise you to put together an Army JRoTC packet and get certified even if you don't want to do it now. I didn't either, now that it's too late for me, I'd like to have that in my pocket. You can't beat the package, calendar, and the work. You have three years of retirement to get hired by a school district. Regrettably you need to meet HT/WT and or tape for this packet along with a DA photo. Rip off the band aid now. Get your file in at cadet command.

Get a VSO like DAV to help with your disability claim. 30% is the magic number to see any benefits. Get a sleep study before you retire. Sleep apnea, we all have it, can be 50% by itself. If it's in your records, they will not make it too hard. I know people tell the horror stories. Mine was fairly painless. I could fight for more, but I'm good right now. It's not about what hurts, it's about what you can no longer do, challenges to employment, whether you are medicated/use a medical device for the rest of your life, and trouble caring for your self. 100% is like $2700 a month.

With your retirement inside the 50m range, you can't really game your financial posture and leave situation. You got what you got.

Resumes and CVs. You will spend lots of time crafting customized resumes for each job. Build a long CV for each job you had. Civilianize your job descriptions from OERs. Write a lengthy list of accomplishments in STaR format. Use this as a pick and pull for customized resumes.

Make contact with 6-7 bosses and get contact information for references. Employers will want two supervisors and one personal at a minimum. Stay in touch even when you don't need anything. Join LinkedIn. See if there is a veterans organization locally that does transition networking. We have a local VSO here in Colorado Springs that has mixers with HR and business leaders where you have a beer and network. Join USO360. They should be floating around SFL TAP....which you need to use the hell out of, not just for the 5 day minimum DOL part.

You will spend lots of time looking for and mulling over jobs, simply to see if you wish to apply. I was all consumed about getting "the" job. I thought I wanted to continue from a supervisory and leadership perspective where I left off. With 22+ years I was a former Garrison Commander and a BDE DCO at retirement. I was sorely mistaken. I was a Director of Facilities. Budgets in civilian life were a nightmare. I was miserable, fighting for my existence every day with little to no backup. After two years I cashed out. My wife got her career going again. I took a year off.

You'll have to cross the rubicon and have to figure out what you want to do, changing career field is hard. Your first post Army job will make you a one of these or one of those and cast your lot on a field. It takes momentum and energy to change fields. I had always wanted to teach at the college level. Unfortunately two masters where I live won't get you hired. I had no network nor teaching experience, three strikes. I didn't have a significant publication since 1999. My Phd is still far away. I applied and applied. One interview from 100s of applications. All of them, a significant time investment with NO success. I joined a VSO, the Scottish American Military Society. My post commander LTC John Russell was retired after ODS and then retired from Denver Schools after 25 years. He was a great mentor and resource. He finally convinced me to look at Troop to teachers and be a HS teacher. I applied for a few teaching jobs without a credential....this is the absolute hard way to do this. Get the financial benefits from earning a credential immediately after retirement if you are interested. I was recently hired in a CTE position and I am really liking it, even though I was convinced I wouldn't. I have an initial credential that will be final after two years, OJT and some continuing ed requirements.

Contractor jobs. Here is what I learned. All the BS schools and certs everyone hates and avoids are what will get you hired fast. CPOF, GCSS-A, security credentials, AT Level III, clearance, BCS in general etc. Bam, hired. If they let you get anything before you retire, take it. It's very regional. Where I live it's all Space all the time. I should have pushed to get my Space Badge...I'd be working there right at it now without a doubt for good money and not a ton of respeonsibility.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2019 4:40 AM

2019-10-03T04:40:07-04:00

This goes for those that ‘getting out’ is far in the future - from Day 1!
For best case timing on VA claims, get copies of EVERYTHING medical you possibly can BEFORE you get out. Clinic visits, prescriptions, LODs, temporary profiles, etc., etc. A lot of time is wasted by many afterwards trying to get copies of medical info into the hands of the VA-rating personnel. Do NOT downplay or sign off on being good-to-go just to expedite your departure... they can and will use it against you. Even if something isn’t currently causing a tangible impact, but did - state it. You may get a 0% rating now, but if it comes back or acts up in the future it’s already documented as service connected. Best wishes!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2019 9:00 AM

2019-10-03T09:00:03-04:00

Reach out to a Veteran Support Agency immediately. There are a list of them on the VA website. Some of the VSOs can help with just your medical claim (they are experts in filing claims so listen to them) and others will help with the job search. There are a few that do both, such as Wounded Warrior Project. (I strongly recommend signing up with them as they are a great support organization for you and your family). VSOs offer everything for free to you, the Veteran. Do not pay anybody for support.

There are several head hunter companies out there that specifically support and place Veterans. I have personally worked with Bradley Morris and Orion. (there are others) Both are great companies and work hard to place you in civilian work and at no cost to you other than possibly travel.

Good luck on your transition.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 3 at 2019 11:24 AM

2019-10-03T11:24:30-04:00

Fraternal and NFP organizations frequently hire exMILs because they tend to be end point focused, i.e. 20K pounds/month out the door at the major food bank. These organizations eschew political games more than the general marketplace. Regarding your employability, it's a matter of stating your valid skills that match what the organization is looking for. Leadership, decision making, taking care of people, finance.

Career fields. The FED side has Veterans and disabled preferences (first hire only) that apply to many positions except a number of series. Larger contractors that do FED business have varied Vet/Disabled hiring goals.

I'd worry less about difficulty in getting hired but pay more attention to being successful. Anxiety is a beast which feeds on the negatives. Focus on positives like moving forward every day. Get a better resume out there. Make more personal contacts. Network. Commercial outfits are looking to see if you will make them more successful. That requires proactive positive outreach. You biggest enemy is sitting back and feeling entitled. That just gets you ignored.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 3 at 2019 12:03 PM

2019-10-03T12:03:08-04:00

ps..Don't forget to ask to have a sleep study... before you get out...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 11:56 AM

2019-10-04T11:56:19-04:00

Sir, have you connected with your counterparts (recently retired) on LinkedIn? It's a good networking tool. Also, ensure you are talking to the right people at the Soldier for Life briefs.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 5 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-10-05T12:12:27-04:00

I'm a little confused on your status. Your profile states USAR, but this appears more an AC-type question. Perhaps AGR or on an extended mob? In any case, I'll give the best advice I can.

So, the trick to getting a timely VA rating.... START WHILE STILL IN UNIFORM! It falls under a different program (I forget the name) on the VA side that is tracked differently and has shorter timelines. Also, the presumption (for active status Soldiers) is that anything Dx'ed while on active status is service connected. Anything claimed a year or more later, the presumption is essentially the opposite. I would prepare for a lower than 50% disability. I don't know your case, or have your records in front of me (obviously), but with just those three conditions, a 20% or 30% may be more likely (Source: I spent 4 years as a PEB evaluator, looking at Soldier packets and ratings on a daily basis). The issue is that in addition to the Dx, you also need the VA's assessment of how disabling it is in actuality. The back (as long as you report pain) will get a non-zero rating. The other two may get a zero or more depending on actual functional impairment. Also, I would recommend that you claim and get evaluated for hearing loss. Even if you don't think it's significant today. 0% is still a number - In specific, it can be increased in the future AND the VA will provide care for ALL service connected conditions - which is what the 0% means... It appears that you are not doing a MEB/PEB, so that pretty much means that you're good to go with whatever initial rating you get. Again, you can spend years going back and forth on the %, the key is to get everything that is service connected service connected. Ditto what others have said about getting a VSO to guide you through the process. It can be highly, needlessly stressful - especially if you are trying to learn everything about a complex and confusing process that has permanent effects on your life.

As far as "what kind of job an LTC" can get.... It's not the right question. The right question might be "what can I, with my knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences offer to an employer." There might be other formulations that resonate better for you, but it's some version of that. You need a narrative, and a base [more below] resume and cover letter that sell that narrative, positioning you as the solution to some problem faced by the employer. Make sure you've done the hard work of translating what you did in the military/past into everyday civilian language that will make sense to the civilian who doesn't know - AND IS NOT GOING TO DO THE WORK TO FIND OUT - what all that "Army stuff" means. I say this with love (And you'll note that I am also an Armor Officer), but the immediate instinct of the hiring manager on the parts of your career I can glean from your profile will be "We don't have tanks, battalions, "S whatever", and we don't mobilize our workforce. Round file." OTOH, discussions about a career that has gone from first level supervision, to junior, to senior management, with stints as an individual contributor in numerous back office analytical functions, and experience leading diverse, dispersed, and multi-functional teams gets me very interested. As does work with extremely detailed logistical plans and their ultimate execution requiring coordination with everyone from first level supervisors to C-level executives at the national level. I am of the camp that there's nothing wrong with listing your military titles, but your responsibilities and accomplishments [more below] my be in civilian english.

BASE RESUME and COVER LETTER: I highly recommend that you make an extensive resume, maybe as long as 5-8 pages that you then customize down to 1-2 pages for EACH opening, highlighting the parts of your experience that are directly relevant to that position. This is easier and faster (and less stressful when deadlines are near) that creating new resumes from scratch. Also, less likely to result in copy/paste errors. As a hiring manager, I am unforgiving of errors on resumes. Same goes for base cover letters. I am also unimpressed by what is obviously a general purpose resume that doesn't address my needs for the position in a clear & direct way.

RESPONSIBILITIES and ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This is the biggest area that usually SUCKS on resumes I review, and it is really easy to fix, especially with a military background. For each experience listing, you should have a responsibilities paragraph followed be accomplishment bullets. The responsibilities paragraph should be no more than 4-6 lines and outline the scope of the job. This is THE JOB. It is what ANYONE in the job would be acceptable for. As the hiring manager, it gives me a feel for the level and responsibility you were at, and I compare it to the position I have. The Accomplishment bullets list things that YOU did in the position that are impressive, and differentiate you from "just" holding the job. I recommend the following format:
VERB - ITEM - METRIC - METHOD
Ex: Reduced time needed to mobilize a unit by 23% by revising existing policies and procedures
NOTE: as a reader of resumes, there is nothing wrong with your resume displaying parallelism (I.e. Same types of stuff in same order), I rather like it - It makes it easier for me to read.
NOTE: An award is not an accomplishment, though you might have gotten an award FOR an accomplishment...
If what I wrote sounds similar to the OER duties and accomplishments sections, now you're thinking!

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 6 at 2019 11:34 AM

2019-10-06T11:34:55-04:00

http://www.vetadvocates.org

I realize you'd likely also look at the major vet groups for help with any VA stuff, of course, as well as maybe law school vet law clinics...we'd started my whole total perm disability thing with a major vet group, they did really try, however, it was way too involved, so, we had me get ahold of one of the really seriously experienced attorneys with NOVA here, who actually got us two other attorneys pro bono through a major law firm he'd done stuff with...the consult was $500, the best money we'd ever spent, honest...our guy did three years active, plus, he'd done 35-40 yrs. serious VA-disability law, and knew more about it than God, for the most part, to be candid...they'e got a good locator on their site, or you could also call their office...other than the vet groups and law school vet law clinics, NOVA is pretty much the top of the food chain for VA-disability stuff, from all I've seen, I've send their site in many times, as have others, on here, as well...I'd just figured you might find them of use, if you've never looked at them at all, for whatever reason...when I'd gotten out, what I'd done was quite technical (albeit completely unrelated to what I'd wanted when I'd went in, of course, I was totally unlucky about that, I'm afraid, which caused us untold beaucoup aggravation)...being as I was serious technical, I did actually get one group to wanna take me near where I'd been assigned, though I hadn't done it...I'd gotten another group in an adjoining state, though a good friend from undergrad, he had a friend from high school who's Dad was also equally technical, as well as comparatively near where I'd been from, so I'd lucked out, and got in with him...it hadn't been the right thing for me, as it turned out, however, that'd been how the whole thing had happened...being as you'd listed you were mobilization, as I'd seen, purely as a thought that'd likely occurred to you as well, I'd expect, you'd probably be quite well suited to HR of some type, that's just what immediately occurred to me...if I find anything that might be of possible use, I'll try to send it...I'm total perm disabled now, as I'd said, however, that's how what I'd gone through had actually happened, for the most part, as I'd said, if you'd care to chat, no rush, of course, whenever you'd want, obv, as well....

Home

Response by CWO4 Roberto Obong made Oct 6 at 2019 1:34 PM

2019-10-06T13:34:35-04:00

Sir,
BLUF~

1. Review your medical records now and identify your issues.
2. Once issues are identified, make an appointment to see your military provider and request to be seen for your current issues: i.e. mental health (Anxiety, depression, PTSD, TBI, etc.) so you can either get a treatment plan while you are on active duty orders. This way its rock solid evidence.
3. Get a physical now and advise your military medical provider what's wrong and what those issues you want them addressed so its DOCUMENTED. The documents you need is as follows:
-Report of Medical History (DD Form 28097-1)
-Report of Medical Examination (DD Form 2808)
- Report of Medical Assessment (DD Form 2697)
- PTSD Checklist - Military Version (PCL-M) - PCL-M for DSM IV (11/1/1994)
- TBI Checklist (Source Document VA National Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation & Treatment
Protocol - GAO-08-276

***You need to fill out this form wholeheartedly and document what you believe is wrong with you so it can be addressed prior you leaving the military.

4. Request for a sleep study while you are on active duty. If you are snoring and stops breathing while you are sleeping, its an issue. It is a secondary claim to any mental health issues.

** if you are sleeping less then 4 hours and its disturbed. If you are always tired in the morning and nodding through out the day, you might have SLEEP APNEA.
** If you are married or living with someone, have your BED PARTNER TO FILL OUT an "EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE" .

5. If you have not already done so, register for the burn pit registry 360 at https://www.burnpits360.org/the-burn-pits-registry/ , if you were exposed to any burnpits while deployed (i.e., Camp Fallujah, Bald Air Force Base/Camp Anaconda, Taji, Al Asad, etc.)

6. Also people forget about dental! Get a dental exam now and if you have any of the following issues have it documented:
- TMJ - Lock Jaw.
- Teeth grinding (if you are get a mouth guard)
6. NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE CARE OF YOU. You have to do all of these before you get out.

7. IF YOU ARE ON ACTIVE DUTY leaving shortly for good, please also ensure you go to PUEBLO/IDES so they can rate you appropriately for you disabilities. But remember you have to do the above first.

8. Anything you dont get addressed prior to your departure can be dealt with the VA.

9. If you need clarification on the above information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly [login to see] . I actually work for an agency who deals with fellow Veterans on a daily basis!!

Regards,
Lockout

The Burn Pits Registry - Burn Pits 360

Why Register? In 2013 Congress enacted Public Law 112-260, directing The Department of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain the …

Response by Maj Rob Drury made Oct 7 at 2019 3:56 AM

2019-10-07T03:56:43-04:00

Go to casy.us. This is a nonprofit organization run by retired military members that offers career counseling and liaises with industry recruiters. They will assist you in creating a great base resume that translates well, then help you tailor it for each position sought. They know precisely what their client companies want and how to make you attractive to them.

Response by SFC Joh Williams made Oct 7 at 2019 7:35 AM

2019-10-07T07:35:36-04:00

The department of energy has a program called Vets Success program.
In filling out resumes, your local VFW or county Veterans assistance agency are good starting points. On average, you will go through two jobs before you settle down
Welcome to the club.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 10:58 AM

2019-10-07T10:58:37-04:00

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/united-states-army-war-college_financial-analyst-activity [login to see] 274919424-lOp4

The United States Army War College on LinkedIn: "The United States Army War College, G8,...

September 24, 2019: The United States Army War College posted an article on LinkedIn

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 10:59 AM

2019-10-07T10:59:00-04:00

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/united-states-army-war-college_financial-analyst-activity [login to see] 274919424-lOp4

The United States Army War College on LinkedIn: "The United States Army War College, G8,...

September 24, 2019: The United States Army War College posted an article on LinkedIn

Response by COL David Turk made Oct 7 at 2019 9:36 PM

2019-10-07T21:36:21-04:00

When you out process, one of the stations is the VA. You’ll complete a form in which you’ll identify all the areas you feel is a valid claim. It helps if you have copies of the medical paperwork to prove your claims to give to them. As mentioned by others, the DAV can assist too.

My experience is, non profits don’t pay the best, but they are less demanding. You really need to have an idea on what field you’d like to be employed in, then focus your resume for that field. Talk to professional headhunters (no cost to you), to get an idea on who’s hiring, how your background desires fit with the opening, and would they take you on as a client?
Last, the greatest avenue to getting a job is referrals. Don’t be bashful. Hit up friends, relatives and casual acquaintances for leads and introduction.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Oct 7 at 2019 10:08 PM

2019-10-07T22:08:44-04:00

Depends on what position you are applying for. For starters, wouldn't advertise your ailments. :) Suggest writing your resume around resources and resource management salted with accomplishments. For example, With a staff of 5 people, planned, organized, managed and executed the movement of 3000 personnel, 6000 tons of vehicles and resources by various modes of transportation, which included predominately air and sea to 3 continents, without a single loss of personnel and equipment and within budget and strict time constraints. Received highest recognition and promotion from senior leaders for the outstanding accomplishment of this endeavor.

Response by CPT David Picard made Oct 11 at 2019 12:01 PM

2019-10-11T12:01:02-04:00

Many executive level roles will focus on profit and loss management as well as service / product delivery success. You can translate your military experience in managing logistics, operations, and command assignments to address much of the latter while administering the MTOE can translate somewhat to profit and loss. It is not an easy sell, there are candidates for executive roles with proven track records in those industries that will be preferred candidates.

You might focus on an operations consulting role in a line of business that interests you ( Insurance, Finance, Manufacturing, Telecommunications, etc... ) to learn more about the domain and then launch a search into executive roles. I've known some that have left service to facilitate government sector sales as well.

Find something you can be passionate about, get a deeper knowledge base, and enjoy your retirement doing something you love that challenges you.

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Oct 11 at 2019 12:03 PM

2019-10-11T12:03:23-04:00

I would start by signing up for LinkedIn and begin building a professional network. Please look me up and I can introduce you to some amazing people that are willing and able to provide you the direction to successfully transition.

http://linkedin.com/in/benjamin-d-harrison

benjamin-d-harrison

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Oct 12 at 2019 11:02 PM

2019-10-12T23:02:17-04:00

I had no problem getting jobs during my breaks in service. Worked for CACI, ITT, Stanley. Offered a 200 K Log job in Afghanistan that I turned down. VA is a nightmare

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Dec 16 at 2019 2:01 AM

2019-12-16T02:01:19-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner,…Obviously I’m not a former officer, not even close but I have been and employer who has interviewed former military officers and you can throw in senior NCO’s and quite frankly former officers interview bad. As an employer with a small construction business I’m not hiring supervisors, I trained in house and a former officer in their late 40’s or 50’s just won’t take orders from a 25 years “kid” who had worked for me since he was 18, just out of high school, he started out pushing a broom every night, checking the dumpster and the plant security. Has worked on hundred of jobs for a general condition laborer who unloads truck, cleans up the job site, make sure tools are secured etc. five years later he is a project manager.23 later….I never found a former military officer or even a senior retired E-7 or E-8, never saw an E-9 retired who wanted a job….THe entry level employment in the United States is the small business. The owners are not looking for 40 year old Retired Military Officers who will daily tell him how he is not running the company well, but he can…My advice was to terminate the individual and ten tell him his best shot is to but a business that he knows and be self employed….For the Retired Enlisted the food and beverage jobs are the best Hotel food and beverage is a good line to get into, not much skill but you have to interact well with the general public. Lean Bar tending.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Dec 16 at 2019 3:45 AM

2019-12-16T03:45:37-05:00

Having assisted several vets through the VA rating application, I’d offer the following:

The down and dirty first.
As others have recommended, I hope you got everything from a hangnail and up documented on your discharge physical. My WWII/Korea father disabused me of any “pridefulness“ in this regard as I readied for retirement.

take whatever is due from the Army.

Next, immediately gett a VA account and upgrade to a premium acct...no cost. ”eBenefits”
Then file an ”intent to file” separately listing every malady documented by your medical record including PTSD as I can’t imagine you weren’t exposed to real trauma which isn’t just combat related.
You don’t need to have all your “i’s dotted and t’s crossed” for an intent. It does give you 365 days from the date to file and retain that date for compensation start date. Remember it’s 365 days not a rounded off year. One day late will cost thousands.

Then take everything you have to the DAV VSO at the VA center which will service your claim.
Get very familiar with CFR 38 as it is essentially the VA Bible and provides rating criteria

Get them to generate a DRC —decision ready claim—and then go over it with a fine tooth comb before it’s filed. Remember the CFR 38. As I recall there is a Virginia’Law School who has a good source for this. But a Google CFR38 works too.

DRCs are relatively new but provide a quick adjudication. Only VSOs can submit DRCs.

After VA determination, you have a yr to appeal if necessary. Now this is very important—DO NOT LET YOUR VSO OFF THE HOOK. They are Congressionally chartered to provide service to you.You can also shift from one VSO to another. I utterly have no faith in the Seattle American Legion VSO. Our DAV is superb.

A VA rating of 50% or higher will provide for concurrent receipt of VA and a 20+yr Active Duty Military retirement. Anything less and all you receive is a dollar for dollar reduction in the taxable portion of your retirement pay. There are other increases to VA disability compensation based on percentage as well...dependent allowance begins at 20% I believe. All VA disability income is never taxed. Disability payment scales are readily available online. VA percentages are not arithmetically summed...35+10+10 doesn’t equal 55. There is a computational chart to be used. The actual would be 48 which is rounded to 50. (35+10=42. 42+10=48. Round to 50. ***If it had been less than 5, round down for final score.

If you ever attain 100%, you are eligible for excellent dental care—I’m one so eligible and it has saved me thousands recently. There are also designated civilian dentists who are under VA contract.

There are other benefits depending on the State you reside. Washington State is a State that provides permanent DV vehicle plates to 100%VA rated personnel...no annual fees and a rebate for certain excise taxes paid when buying a vehicle. Some States don’t tax or or they reduce income taxes on Military retirement.

None of the VA or Military retirement financial benefits affects your SOCIAL SECURITY benefits. In fact Social Security provides additional percentages for military service but this needs to be confirmed and computed through your SS office. Don’t forget to file for Social Security as its not an automatic and lead times are important.

TRICARE for Life is a Godsend for those who reach Medicare age. But dental is not included.

As for employment, consider VA or Civil Service as I believe there is still a 10 pt preference (vet 5 plus 5 for 10% or better VA/military disability rating.). No discrimination allowed based on your VA rating—only that you can do the job.