Medical retirement, should I be proud to be Retired?

I was in a similar situation with the Army. I got retired medically retired and was able to accept it when I knew in my heart I could not do my job, and the army was better off without me. That just made sense. Guilt or lost dreams is a chain that will drag you down, cut that chain and become free. You can always contact me if you feel like it.

Be proud for your commitment to the Navy,and thank you for your service.
I served 12 years Army,and took a break and tired reenlisting only to find out that I was told had diabetes and have to accept after several attempts to rejoin that it was out of my hands. So my point is be proud of your commitment for what you were willing to give,and remember that you didn't ask to be classified out,they gave you the discharge. Be proud and stay strong. God bless.

If you were injured during your service, you were injured. It doesn't matter if it was a physical injury or an emotional/moral injury. Injury is injury. So be proud that you served the country, and take the retirement and start a new life. Yes it hurts to leave before you were ready - that is grief.

For both the grief and the other injuries, I hope you have a good counselor/therapist. That is the best way to get through this. If you want to seek consistency in your therapy while you transition out, contact the Soldier's Project - http://www.thesoldiersproject.org - we provide free counseling to post 9/11 active duty and vets. All therapists are licensed or authorized by their states and donate their time to serve those who served.

At the same time, contact the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans and get your VA claim going once you have your 214. If you are unable to work because of your injuries, then also file for Social Security Disability. Keep in mind that you EARNED these benefits by your service. Don't let anyone tell you that you are gaming the system...

Contact me offline if you need more information.

Did you do something to intentionally require the medical retirement? Of course not. So why are you doubting your service contribution?

Not reading the whole thread- nor any answers. You served- yes you should be proud. I don't care if you deployed- only adds to your dedication. Every person that serves can't be in combat- and not everyone in combat can control outside circumstances that cause an injury. I wish you luck in your next phase and consider you a hero. Hold your head high- you've earned everyone's respect and deserve it from yourself as well.

there is no dishonor in being retired especially Medically because of service connected injuries ...

You should be proud. I didn't know there were such things as retiree shirts but hell yes, wear them. You didn't ask for Medical Retirement, you joined for what you intended to be at least 20 years. Go with Pride Son, you served like the rest of us, maybe better. Start enjoying yourself!
Thank You for YOUR Service,
Rick

PO2 (Join to see) Anyone who joins and serves honorably runs the risk of "life getting in the way". Apparently this is the case in your life, today. You have no control over getting legitimately injured, or in your body succumbing to a debilitating disease. That is just the way it is. Sad, but just the way it is.
IF, you get medically retired-IF because it has not yet happened..yes, wear with HONOR the retirement, it was earned.

PO2 (Join to see) I realize the original post was > 1ye ago. However, for everyone else reading this post Cpl James Waycasie is correct, unless your service record is FUBAR, then it is what it is. My father, USAF was retired with 100% SCD and he did <10 yrs AD. He fell off a wing of B-52 and was medically retired with trauma induced epilepsy. This was late 50s/early 60s. Also, I agree with CSM Michael J. Uhlig you were willing to go into harm's way and did not shirk your duties. But that said, make you understand the DD-214 and what is being put on it.

As Chief Corpsman, I would call you a ___% Service Connect Disable (SCD) Medically Retired Veteran. This is clear, at least to me! However, please be sure your DD-214 is squared away!!! The following is what I would have said a year ago, if I had seen this post a year ago!!!

My only question would be since you stated your duty was Detainee Operations and your PEBLO and Navy Safe Harbor representatives Medical Retirement are calling your injuries "combat" related seems like they, with such language, are placing you in an interesting position about your injuries. I would ask them what code they intend to show on block 27 on your DD-214 (https://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html.) In all likelihood you will have an "RE-3P: Physical disability (includes discharge and transfer to TDRL) code in Block 27. Frankly, is seems odd they are using the "combat" to enhance in their own minds your situation. If enough inform was presented at your med-board and a complete review of your service in light of your stated and documented injuries jives, it seems using "combat" to define your injuries does not make sense. However, the block 27 code does not state combat or not, unless there is another code I am not aware about. Also, make sure you are aware of the Block 26 code (https://www.dd214.us/reference/SPN_Codes.pdf) as well. In your case it could be: RFJ (or) RFK, which are for permanent or temporary disability respectively. In your case as USN an added code or primary code might be SFJ / SFK indicating you are USN SCD Veteran. I have also seen in Block 18 remarks brief states about combat tours. So be sure your DD-214 is not being "corrupted", when you know clearly, you never saw combat. You are required to review your DD-214 before getting out, so make sure it is "right." If your "Detainee Duty" has been officially declared as "combat duty", ask to see the Dod or VA directive stating so. It is your DD-214, make sure it tells - your "truthful" story.

Regardless what they say, it is up to you to tell your SCD story honestly to guys like me. I have a relative a young army female < 29 yo who is getting 90% SCD, but because of here duties she can no longer do her job in the Army, but did not see combat. Her injuries are very legitimate. I spoke with her at Thanksgiving just two weeks ago (she is actually my daughter in law's younger sister.)

In any event, when people ask about your injuries NEVER lie, let them know the nature of your duties and how you got injured. If you were NEVER in combat operations. Tell people, many vets are injured in non-combat situations. If you are injured you are injured. Simple as that! But, don't embellish and try to impress people. If you embellish - that is STOLEN VALOR!!! Tell the truth, and to hell with what people think.

Just an old HMC's perspective.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs; Maj Marty Hogan; SMSGT Gerald "Doc" Thomas; SCPO Morris Ramsey;Nicci Eisenhauer; Lt Col Charlie Brown; LTC (Join to see); MSgt Paul Connors (Publishing); Maj William W. 'Bill' Price; LTC Stephen C.; LTC Stephen F.

Shy of self inflicted to avoid duty, I see no reason why you should not be proud to call your self a veteran of the Navy