Is it possible to challenge my 4R code after medical retirement and reenlist?

SPC Aaron Brown — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 18:34:24 -0500

I was medically retired from a spinal injury right under three years in. At first, I wasn't able to do much of anything and didn't have much hope about the situation. Now, with a lot of time and a little bit of luck, I might be on track to a full recovery in the future. Is it possible, with imaging, physical fitness, and a doctor clearing me, to have an opportunity of challenging my 4R code as well as reenlist? If so, how strong is this possibility?

Thank you for your time reading this, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Nov 19 at 2018 6:58 PM

SGT Mark Estes — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 18:58:53 -0500

I don’t believe so but will ask around! One of my friends who was a federal firefighter retired out medically and he asked the claims person the same thing and they said he can’t change any rulings and is stuck in his status. Might be different for the military but I’m guessing not. Good luck brother!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 19 at 2018 8:45 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:45:16 -0500

Congrats on the recovery. Lot of hard work on your part. First, make sure you are not disqualified by Directive. No Board, doctor, etc. can waiver this stuff. Also your code doesn't appear correct. RE-4R is the 20 years retired, not eligible. I suspect you have a RE-4 in which only two areas may be waived and there a hoops for it. You'll have to check that our carefully with a recruiter. Like 95% of these types of questions, it'll always be "Go see the Recruiter" as current policies and directives are somewhat fluid, hence asking folk like me who've been out a while will have stale answers.