I want to join reserves as officer but I am 40% rated with VA (many reasons). Is it worth it?

2016-02-26T22:33:46-05:00

Really interested in continuing my career. I've been inactive/out for 14 years after only serving for 6 originally. I support the Navy as a contracted engineer anyway and would be very useful to them. I also would like Tricare and commissary benefits. Would I still do the DD2807-2 process if I went for a commission? I have to somehow drop from 40% to 30% or less in disability rating, but I think I have a plan how to justify that. Only thing to do now is commit to this and either go to MEPS and start the process or go to the VA and try to decrease my rating. This may take a while.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Feb 26 at 2016 10:39 PM

2016-02-26T22:39:08-05:00

Yes, it's worth it...especially since you have 14 yrs active duty...then you'll get full retirement after being in the reserves. I say GO FOR IT!

I know a Marine who did 12 years active...he's in 8 yrs for reserves now....He would definitely tell you ....GO FOR IT!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 6:58 PM

2016-02-27T18:58:25-05:00

Many commissioning programs have age limits. When I finish my degree next year, I'll put in for SWO; which has a maximum commissioning age of 29. I believe most URL designators also have that cutoff, with waivers granted to a certain point. If you've been in for 14 years already, then you should make sure you're still good age wise with the designator you want.

Response by CPO Ed Ball made Mar 1 at 2016 8:52 AM

2016-03-01T08:52:31-05:00

Some food for thought, while receiving drill pay your VA benefits would continue to be awarded based on new directives. Just last week the VA Central Office informed everyone that they intend to recoup drill pay from VA Compensation; effective Feb 22, 2016, "all adjustments for drill pay processing will be retroactive." They go on to state "The retroactive adjustment will create a debt on the Veterans award. The Veteran will receive notification from the Debt Management Center (DMC) on repayment options." In bold letters in this directive "This action will create a debt/overpayment in the Veterans award."

So although the memo allows for veterans to file for financial hardship, make a payment plan, etc.. this is detrimental to those going through the drill/training process. So plan accordingly with finances. I can see this system causing major credit rating problems if these issues aren't resolved in the governments interest.

Response by LCDR John Peters made Mar 1 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-03-01T09:19:31-05:00

Since you have been inactive for 14 years, are you physically qualified and willing to serve if you are called to active duty? If not do not waste everyone's time. I was a Reserve Center Commanding Officer and I have seen too many people who wanted to get the paycheck and the benefits but as soon as they were called up and the "rubber hit the road" tried to find every excuse in the world to bail. The Naval Reserve is not a thinly disguised social welfare agency.

Response by CDR Matthew McLaughlin made Mar 1 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-03-01T09:26:07-05:00

OK, so first let me get the numbers straight.
As I understand it you have 6 years active that ended 14 years ago. That 14 has been as a civilian; no reserve time - correct?
That puts you at ~38 assuming you entered out of high school. Many commissioning programs have as an age limit, minus your active duty time.
You say you're a contracted engineer; do you have a calculus-based Engineering degree? If so, you might be interested in the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO), Aviation EDO, or Civil Engineer Corps (CEC; AKA SeaBees).
I'm a Reserve EDO, and we're actively recruiting. Up to age 40 for commissioning is no issue, and we just approved a promising candidate at age 43, if I recall correctly. If you're interested in that program, drop me a note.
I was commissioned at age 40, with 6 years Active and 16 Reserve enlisted. I can't speak to the benefits issues, but I've found it well worthwhile to continue my reserve career. The retirement medical at age 60 is a great deal, but you may already have that covered through disability, particularly if your disability is increased on review.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Mar 1 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-03-01T11:38:28-05:00

So at best you're 38? Not too sure you'll be able too because of the age you'll be once you get your rating down to 30%. Also, you may (at the least) risk having to payback the 10% difference in disability payments from when you say you improved. The DD2807-2 is a requirement regardless of enlistment or commission, especially since you have a rated disability, even if your rating was 0%.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-03-01T14:44:52-05:00

My answer is unfortunately no, it may not be worth it but it appears that you did your homework and you know what decision is right for you. I'm not saying dropping the 10% is a bad thing. But keep in mind that in addition to petitioning the VA to drop your disability by that percentage and being retirement pay eligible at age 60, your pay may be reduced to compensate your disability earnings. In addition, you would still be required the same physical requirements just like when you first went in.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 2:57 PM

2016-03-01T14:57:32-05:00

My standard response is "it depends." If you are interested in coming into the RC as an officer you need to talk to an officer recruiter to see what options (i.e. what do they need), if any, are available to you before you do anything to alter your disability rating.

Response by PO3 Missy Kitchen made Mar 2 at 2016 12:51 AM

2016-03-02T00:51:06-05:00

It not worth it because the va will lesson your disability check due to your drill pay check. You can't double dip, plus the reserve may not take you because of your disability.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-04-06T15:13:15-04:00

Come back in as an E-5 and then progress to E-6 rank. Approximately a year later, you then can take LDO exam and submit your package.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 8:29 PM

2019-01-10T20:29:01-05:00

I was at 60% before I came back on active duty orders. There were like two checks a year that were reduced because of recoupment, but worth it if you still hear the call to serve.