How hard is it to get into the Navy Reserves with a service-connected disability from the VA (40%)?

2017-09-21T20:04:06-04:00

I've been out of the military for less than 2 years and I really miss it. I got an honorable discharge RE-1 code. I don't really care for the benefits or the pay, I just want to wear the uniform again and serve. My service connected disability is Depression(Have gotten a lot better since the diagnosis with treatment) and I worry that MEPS will bar me for this. Any advice? Anything I can do to improve my chances? Im willing to exhaust all possible options..

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2017 8:15 PM

2017-09-21T20:15:48-04:00

Well if your accepting disability you will need to relinquish it before coming back in on any capacity. You will need work with your VA to make sure you can get off of disability and you will need to talk to a recruiter to know what type of paper to submit.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Sep 21 at 2017 10:53 PM

2017-09-21T22:53:57-04:00

Please take care of yourself first! PO3 Brittany Diaz Reaching out to RP is a great step! Continue your search for more assistance! Best of all!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Sep 22 at 2017 12:07 AM

2017-09-22T00:07:21-04:00

Your 40% is about a weekend pay for a Reservist / Guard member. Have you spoken with your county service officer to understand your options?
Are you working with a VSO and are you involved improving with treatment VFW, DAV, AMVETS, or whatever service org you find effective.
Your issues don't go away and may come back / reoccur when you go back on service / I want to make sure you understand your options.
If you find you are better and want to pursue re-enlisting, you want to ensure you don't lose any other legitimate service connective disabilities that are rated, even if they are 0% for any problems that come in the future.
God Speed in your pursuit, I will connect, feel free to shot me a message and I will answer any questions I can.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Sep 23 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-09-23T14:11:58-04:00

Last recruiter I told me anything over 30% basically black lists you from anything except for the national guard. Even if you wave your VA%, you could still get turned down by MEPS. Same boat, honorable discharge 1A Re-enlistment code, but 80% so basically would lose money and have to deal with reservists