Is medboarding worth it?

I got med boarded at 18.5 years and went kicking and screaming. Then again, at 30 years I would have gone kicking and screaming. Prepare yourself. We seldom get the exact results we want and the military is a cold hearted master.

SGT McBride, You must make that decision for yourself...Not knowing your exact medical related problems. I could not give you sound advice as to your particular situation. Ask yourself this, Can I deal with my issues? Are they more severe than I am making them out to be? Having been in both Combat Arms Units and Combat Support Units I can tell you that the Leaders deal with it differently. For example an Infantryman may deal with his chronic knee pain on his own for years, not knowing that he is doing more damage than good then ends up with torn ACL or worse...I know b/c when I was in Armor and Infantry Units...Nobody I mean Nobody EVER gone on SICKCALL...if you did the unit would give you crap over it and called you weak or worse....the stigma around mental health was even worse...especially prior to 1996 (HIPPA)...I would look at this differently...the med board is for you...the process is cumbersome, but in the end you end up with some compensation...but like SFC Merino elluded to don't expect a lot....much depends on what type of problems you have...I didn't seek a med board...I submitted a claim through the VA after I retired...31 years can beat you up pretty good and I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. Another way of looking at it you want to as healthy as possible when you separate so you dont limit yourself as to your second career...ok enough of my banter...Good Luck !!!

Now I haven't done it, but I've known a couple who have done it. One thing I do know is that the process is long. I knew one Marine who basically stayed in like a year or so past his EAS date waiting for the process to finish. Because of this, he was scrutinized even more and even lost some rank before getting out. Spent his whole contract, no trouble, no issues, but once the med board happened, they were trying to find ways to get rid of him.

On the flip side, I knew another Marine who got med board, got a full medical retirement, signed letter from the President, the whole package. So if you go med board, yes it could be worth it, but make sure to keep your nose clean. Be patient and don't let it frustrate you.