Is it possible to deny Army medical retirement pay (TDRL) and solely receive VA compensation?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:24:45 -0400

I got my proposed ratings from the VA, today. My PEBLO told me that I will be on the TDRL and eligible for Army medical retirement pay. I remember a brief that I was sitting in, a few months ago, and we were told that we can receive both checks but the retirement pay WILL come out of VA compensation. Is there any way to deny the retirement pay so that my VA compensation won't be affected?

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made May 25 at 2017 2:37 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Thu, 25 May 2017 14:37:48 -0400

If you were to get $1000 from DOD and $1500 from the VA. The DOD amount is zero'd out. You want the VA amount as it is non taxed. You don't get both in practical terms unless you qualify for concurrent receipt or the DOD amount is less than the VA amount and at that point it is differential game. The situation is dependent, but any amount received for retirement is decreased by the disability from the VA.

There are a lot of resources online for this, but the taxable DOD is what is lowered first.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made May 25 at 2017 6:54 PM

SSG Jerry Pannell — Thu, 25 May 2017 18:54:31 -0400

I Draw VA disable pay at 100% an I will get my army retirement pay in 2019 an as long as you draw at least 50% from the VA your retirement pay will not be affected

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 26 at 2017 11:29 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 26 May 2017 11:29:52 -0400

I'm not sure how it works with people in your situation (getting medically retired before reaching 20 years of service).

But in my case, the VA has rated me at 60% disabled. Since I am 50% or greater disabled, I receive my full disability compensation and military retired pay, with no "concurrent receipt," which is what you're referring to.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 27 at 2017 3:24 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 27 May 2017 15:24:43 -0400

PFC Gibbs, Here are some links for you.

https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp.html
http://themilitarywallet.com/concurrent-receipt-military-retirement-pay/
http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/concurrent-retirement-and-disability-pay-crdp-faqs.html
https://www.thebalance.com/military-disability-medical-separations-and-retirements-3356969

Keep in mind that you will be medically retired with less than 20 years of service. There are certain situations in which you could receive concurrent receipt. Regardless, it is best to talk to a DEFAS rep or VA Rep for your own expectation management. No one wants a financial surprise.

To answer your question, Yes. There is a form where you can elect how the payments go. I don't recall if it comes from the PEBLO or the VA rep. It has been a few years since my own medical board:)

Good luck.

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