Weighing going into Reserves, don't want to lose VA disability though. Advice?

1LT (Join to see) - "you cannot lose your disability rating" is not entirely correct. The VA can, and does, periodically review claims*. What you described is what is considered a "protected rating" from the "20 year rule" or the "55-year-old rule".

10-year rule: A rating that has been consistent for 10 years or more cannot be eliminated (or severed, as the VA refers to it) unless there is proof of fraud, but a rating can be reduced if the condition has improved.

20-year rule: A rating that has been in place for 20 years or more at a certain level cannot be reduced below that level or eliminated unless there is evidence of fraud.

55-year-old rule: Veterans who receive VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions are exempt from periodic future examinations once they turn 55 years old (with exceptions for 'unusual circumstances' such as 100% rating for an active cancer)

The VA generally goes by a "5 year rule" when looking at initial claims. If the condition you were given a rating for is expected to show marked improvement over time, then they'll likely reevaluated it (e.g., long term rehabilitation on an injury, etc.). If they condition is deemed 'static' or permanent, then they will likely never look at it again.

Other than that, think of it like a IRS Audit ... occasionally the VA will review a claim and ask for more information (just like an IRS paper audit), or if there is something indicating a marked change, a full reevaluation (there are different steps in-between as well).

Of course, if there is any indication of fraud (i.e., the disability you have a rating for doesn't exist anymore), all bets are off and none of the 'rules' apply.

CPT Fleece Johnson - to your situation, I would absolutely encourage you to go back into a drilling status with the reserve component to 'finish out your 20'. Even if you never go onto active duty again, you'll get something in the vicinity of a 12%-13% retirement when you turn 60 (~3650 points now with another ~780 over the next 10 RC years). It's not unreasonable to believe you'd make O5, so that would be about $17k or so a year (in today's terms).

Add onto that the eligibility for TRS while in a drilling status (which you would be hard pressed to find a better health INSURANCE than that on a civilian plan).

Now, the only thing to forewarn you about - your VA disability rating doesn't matter - it's all depends on your ability to meet the standards of medical fitness (AR 40-501). If any of your disabilities conflict with any of those standards, you might have some 'splain to do (for example, if you had a rating for sinusitis, limited range of motion in a joint, etc).
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* CFR 38 § 3.327 (VA Reexaminations) - Reexaminations, including periods of hospital observation, will be requested whenever VA determines there is a need to verify either the continued existence or the current severity of a disability. Generally, reexaminations will be required if it is likely that a disability has improved, or if evidence indicates there has been a material change in a disability or that the current rating may be incorrect.

I have done about 15 years, half of that active, the other reserves. I too have a 60% rating. I forfeited some money every year but it was still worth it. I am heading into the reserves now, this time as an 02E and plan to do the same thing, but I still have to work the math.

Getting that sweet, sweet Tricare is worth it. Contributing to the TSP is great too. Having that option in your pocket to get work when you need it can be a lifesaver as well (funeral details, odd jobs around the unit, etc.). Lastly, continuing to serve is an absolute privilege. Through all the suck, it brings me joy and pride.

So, I would say despite the potential challenges, go for it sir. I never had a problem handling my disabilities, just had to take care of myself.

I did nothing at 10% disability rating and I was still Drilling and going through annual training and they just withhold the prorated amount. I don't think you will lose that much. If you do not think, it'll take a couple years for them to figure it out.