Is it possible to get back into the military after being medically separated?

PFC Erikka S — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 18:57:53 -0500

I was Medically separated from the Army last year. I got 10% disability so I ended up getting a severance pay.
My REENTRY Code is 3.
My Separation Code is JEB.
I talked to my old recruiter and he said that I would have to get a waiver, but I could get back in.
So I went to a recruiter near me and she told me that I can't get back in because I medically separated. Now, I don't know if that is true, or if she just didn't want to do my paperwork. Can someone please give me some information and advice?

Response by SSG Brian G. made Nov 5 at 2019 7:46 PM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:46:38 -0500

In a word? That recruiter lied to you. How you separated is irrelevant. What matters is the RE and separation code. RE3 makes it stiff for you to get back in but is doable, as your old recruiter told you.

Sad thing is not all recruiters have the same moral code as you just found out. Go see another recruiter. Go to that recruiters boss. Don't accept some half arsed answer. Make them show you the reg or pam where it states that. If they cannot, it just means it was some BS pulled out of their arse to avoid doing your paperwork because you are not a green recruit and Prior Service require a bit more work.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 8:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:07:17 -0500

Overall, USAREC has the final say when the recruiter submits the waiver. I’d still seek out another recruiter and try it out.

Response by SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa made Nov 5 at 2019 8:30 PM

SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:30:32 -0500

If you got medical separated why would want to get back?
Medical separated means you are not fit to serve anymore

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 10:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 22:34:51 -0500

Definitely good advice here. Find another recruiter. I have personally worked past a RE3 and that waiver just takes time and maybe a commanders interview. As far as your medical separation, that should not be an issue if you can prove you are physically competent to meet the Army’s standard without an alibi.

It almost sounds like the recruiter you spoke to does not want to take your case for fear of official backlash should a “broken soldier” be admitted to the ranks. I mean no offense by that. I do know recruiters have been more cautious about the personnel they send in after the incident with the autistic recruit. Errors like that will have an effect on their career.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 12:16 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:16:15 -0500

I am all about someone trying to return to service, if they are fit to do so. My next comment comes without knowing what your medical issue was and where it is at now. The Army is having an increased focus on Soldier readiness and physical capacity. Part of this is reflected in the new Army Combat Fitness Test. Not only do they want a better assessment of a Soldier's potential ability to handle the rigors of combat deployment, but it will also be a driver to push Soldiers to either step up their physical fitness or get out. The "So What" for you: Things are not going to get any easier. You need to think about the effort you want to put into trying to reenlist and if your condition has healed enough to handle things going forward.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 6 at 2019 12:50 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:50:58 -0500

Try and go the NG or reserve route back door route to the ARMY..... If Iran ignites you're back in easy...

Response by CWO4 Brook Kelsey made Nov 6 at 2019 1:04 AM

CWO4 Brook Kelsey — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 01:04:22 -0500

Seek out a military lawyer! That’s my best advice!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 6 at 2019 5:52 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:52:26 -0500

The recruiter recieves credit do recruiting, why would she not do it if authorized. Reentry policies, rules and guidance fluctuate based on recruitment rates. If you were released with a check they closed the door. You can keep searching for a recruiter who sees it differently, or you can ask to see what they are going by in their decision. thank you for u you our service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 7:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 07:54:01 -0500

Honestly, I wouldn’t want to do the paperwork either. It’s a crap load of work when I can find someone who requires very little work for the exact same credit. You can join though if a waiver is approved.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 9:55 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 09:55:07 -0500

According to DFAS: "If you were discharged with severance pay, you cannot go back on active duty or choose to apply for retirement later. However, you may be eligible to apply for monthly disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if the VA determines your disability is service-connected."
According to CCK, Veterans Law:
Disability Severance Pay (DSP) is a lump sum benefit for service members who are discharged due to a disability. DSP is payed to a service member who is determined to be unfit to perform their required duties, and is then given a disability rating to reflect the severity of their condition. These ratings are based off VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), and can range from 0% to 100%.
In order to be eligible to receive DSP, a service member must meet these criteria:
Be found unfit to perform their required duties
Have less than 20 years of military service
Have a disability rating of 20% or less at the time of separation (30% or higher result in disability retirement)
DSP is calculated by adding 2 months of basic pay for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 years (24 months of basic pay).
Service members do not apply for DSP. The military will instead refer the service member to the Medical Examination Board or the Physical Examination Board. The Board will determine if the service member’s disability is disqualifying for further military service. If so, the case is referred to VA for an initial rating decision used by the military to determine whether the service member receives a medical discharge or a medical retirement. If VA awards a disability rating of 30% or higher, the member is placed on either the Permanent Disability Retired List (PRRL), or the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) if they believe the condition will improve.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 10:28 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 10:28:40 -0500

PFC Erikka S I am not finding a translation for JEB. If you could enlighten on what that means?

My personal story (as has been relayed multiple times):
I was given a medical discharge in 2000; RE-3 Code JFL (Physical Disability with severance pay). I was given 10% for diagnosed migraines.
I fought for 18.5 years to get back in. I burned through 3 different recruiters before I found one that was willing to fight to get me back in. The others opted for the "easy gets" over me, because they knew there would be a fight on multiple levels.
She had to get a waiver for me to go to MEPS. MEPS then had to clear me. I then needed a waiver from Surgeon General of the discharging branch (Active Air Force) in order to get back in. I am now back in the MO Air National Guard.

So, yes, you can get back in. You will need waivers. It will be a fight, and will take some time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 2:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 14:12:48 -0500

THE JEB code is: JEB Disability, severance pay, non-combat related (enhanced) ! So in order to even process we will need to see the narrative as to why you got out. It's not a yeah or nah answer. People with an RE3 can get in with a waiver (depending on other factors). However, a discharge narrative MUST be in your records and submitted to higher for review along with the entire waiver packet.

So, since you got out with a disability, you would also need medical documentation, not only from when you were in, but all medical documentation since getting out as well.

Since you received a severance pay, you would also have to abide by the pay rules. good luck

Response by SFC Wanda Estes made Jan 2 at 2020 6:16 PM

SFC Wanda Estes — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:16:29 -0500

She just doesn't want to do the paperwork. As a prior recruiter my boss man did not like for me to do waivers. I have play soldiers that have been medically separated and re-approved for the army after two knee surgeries. Good luck