Posted on Aug 15, 2017
I am getting medically retired. What important things should I keep track of or advise you might have?
12.1K
70
26
4
4
0
I'm getting medically retired and have a lot to do and keep track of. I'm expecting to be out or at least on transition leave in October and my unit is possibly going to put me on as the staff duty NCO 23 September. any suggestions or help. what I am looking for was advice on things to help keep track of things and if there is stuff to remember to do or best practice type stuff and any help and advice.(also just for info staff duty requires going up stairs and that hurts to do.) so any advice or help on any of this would be greatly appreciated.
Transition
Medical
Retirement
Information
Advice
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
6
6
0
As things get hectic, keeping track of things may become your worst nightmare so I would say use tools like Google Calendar and Google Keep and Google Docs to help. Any app that syncs to your phone, easily accessed from your computer, and emails you reminders. Apps that can be accessed as long as you have some form of internet. I have all my appointments always syncing up between my phone and calendar (which I color code between personal/work/military/other), to do lists and phone numbers within my Google Keep which acts as a notepad on the go, and Docs to store digital versions of documents I may need with me so I'm not toting a large portfolio of paperwork all around though that is a good back up. Make notes of who you speak with at what appointment or out processing for reference. Utilize your down time during staff duty to prepare for your next phase of life.
Another thing you will want to do is to go to where your medical records are stored (local TMC, hospital, etc) and use whatever procedure you need to request at least 2 copies of your medical file before it ends up having to go into VA storage after you get discharged so you have your own copies, and can utilize this to help any medical claims after you get out in the case your records are in transient limbo.
Another thing you will want to do is to go to where your medical records are stored (local TMC, hospital, etc) and use whatever procedure you need to request at least 2 copies of your medical file before it ends up having to go into VA storage after you get discharged so you have your own copies, and can utilize this to help any medical claims after you get out in the case your records are in transient limbo.
(6)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
One other thing you may do if you have time is to get to CIF on an off day in order to turn in TA 50 and such. It may be annoying to do more than 1 trip, but depending on the shape of your gear and its cleanliness and how it meets CIF's standards, you may end up going more than once anyway. Schedule some time early on and catch them during off hours. I believe it will save some time down the road so it isn't all last minute. I went on a "training holiday" and it was only a handful of people there turning in stuff since civilians and contractors still work but military just wants to take the day off. On my second visit, I only had about 10 items to turn in. Paring down my clothing records on that first trip helped my time management and less stress as my ETS time got closer I wasn't running around.
(2)
(0)
5
5
0
You also have to prepare for life beyond the military. Do you have a resume and LinkedIn profile that are up to date? Do you have a network that can get your resume in the door? Have you attended the SFL-TAP class? Great class - highly recommend!
(5)
(0)
SGT Michael Eppards
Yes sir I do have a resume and a few job offers. I don't use LinkedIn. I do have it up on webs sites for my type of carrier field.yes I have sir and I do have a network sir. Thank you.
(2)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
I've heard that 90+% of recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn as a discriminator when making hiring decisions. I highly recommend you set up a profile in case your job offers fall through or you need to reenter the job search in the future.
(3)
(0)
4
4
0
Make sure you keep track of all of your appointments. The schedule can sometimes get overwhelming. Also, ensure that you are already prepared to turn in everything if you haven't already. Every single piece of paperwork that you get handed, make sure to file them away. I would advise purchasing one of those accordion style file folders to store everything in; this will make it easier when you get out to locate everything that you will need for the VA and school if you are deciding to go that route. In addition, when you get your DD214 make sure to make copies of each right away. Never let yourself get down to under two copies of each form, this just makes life easier. As far as the Staff Duty goes, as long as they are adhering to whatever your profiles state there really isn't much you can do about that. Good luck.
(4)
(0)
LTC John Mohor
On the DD 214 read it over then read it again. Check for spelling in each block. Be sure you know all awards deployment dates etc so the awards, overseas time and combat zone times are all included. I received only two DD 214s but my hometown of Athens on the first one remains Athen to this day and my ARCOM and 2nd overseas ribbon will always be missing on the 2nd one!
(2)
(0)
3
3
0
Your best bet if you are being medically retired is to transfer to the WTU, they will have resources and information you need for before and after you are put out. My company kept me out because they wanted me around, it was a mistake I made allowing them to do this. Do yourself a favor and get over to WTU.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Obvious stuff aside (I'm just going to assume that you know enough to get 2 copies of all of your paperwork)
After that, get some contact details for people for references and if your job hunt is going a bit slow when you get out, you may turn your attention to volunteer work, if nothing else it fills the gaps in your resume.
After that, get some contact details for people for references and if your job hunt is going a bit slow when you get out, you may turn your attention to volunteer work, if nothing else it fills the gaps in your resume.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Speaking from my horrible experience with the transition program, the two days dealing with staff duty shouldn't have a major impact on you. Much of it can be done online, so as long as your unit doesn't have any stupid rules about such things, you should be able to get some done while on duty. There is no doubt that there is much to do and much to keep up with, but it is doable even with the inconvenience of a staff duty shift and recovery.
(3)
(0)
SGT Michael Eppards
thank you. what I was looking for was advice on things to help keep track of things and if there is stuff to remember to do or best practice type stuff.
(3)
(0)
SGT David T.
SGT Michael Eppards - Oh lol. I sync Outlook with the calendar app on my phone so I can track and update from one place. If you are tied to the government email right now, I would start shifting away from that as much as you can as soon as you can. Obviously, there are some things you cannot do that with, but most transition things you can. Make sure you have any important emails or documents for your transition that you may need after you retire forwarded to your personal account because they will clip your access once you are out. I also found that a checklist is good and do as much of it as you can as early as possible. You don't want to be rushing around at the last minute to get things done.
Also, one last thing and this is the most important thing. Play by the rules 100% until you sign out on terminal leave. I found that previously supportive chains of command tend to change their tune when someone is getting out. I hope your unit isn't this way, but in case they are just play nice for now.
Also, one last thing and this is the most important thing. Play by the rules 100% until you sign out on terminal leave. I found that previously supportive chains of command tend to change their tune when someone is getting out. I hope your unit isn't this way, but in case they are just play nice for now.
(4)
(0)
SGT David T.
SGT Michael Eppards - No problem at all. If you need any advice about the transition, by all means hit me up. I was flying blind when I got out and I made a lot mistakes. I wish I had a tool like RallyPoint to use. It might have gone smoother lol.
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
The medical record focus typically is what is getting you medically retired. People forget to get the rest of it in shape too. You want everything documented. Snore? Get a sleep study prior. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, then that's something else that gets taken care of. It's harder to get stuff owned by the MIL/TRICARE/VA side once you get out. Get current on dental too.
(2)
(0)
SGT Michael Eppards
Thank you. Yes medical wise I started the process a year ago I found out that I'm officially getting Medically retired I'm just have a lot to do between getting out getting it all together and getting my family ready along with my physical issues. But yes this is good advice so I do thank you sir.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
1
1
0
Well, go to your medical appointments, keep everything documented, and try to play ball as best as you can. A lot of commands don't like people getting out medically because they take up space on the roster. So don't be surprised if someone tries to bring you up on charges. Show up late for work, write up paperwork. Uniform not looking good, more paperwork. So whatever you do, don't give them a reason to kick you out before your medical separation.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Records , Records and more records . Anything related to why it happened ,how it happened who witnessed who treated you
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google