What happens to service members who have lost limbs?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 19:01:01 -0400

Forgive me for sounding ignorant.
Do they receive a medical retirement from the military?
are they allowed to remain on active duty?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2020 7:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 19:19:53 -0400

Normally it's medical retirement. But, if they can prove that the lost limb is not a detriment and they can perform their duties with a prosthetic...they can remain on duty.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 13 at 2020 10:53 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 10:53:44 -0400

It depends on the severity of the injury. It could lead to a medical review board and ultimate retirement. But there are plenty of folks out there who have been able to stay on active duty in spite of their injury. There are plenty out there with prosthetic legs. Retired Navy Seal and Congressman Dan Crenshaw deployed to Bahrain after he lost the use of an eye in an IED attack from his previous deployment. It depends.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 11:12 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:12:08 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member depends on the type and injury, and if one would want to stay in (& how hard they are willing to fight to do so). There are several examples of members allowed to come back after losing limbs:
Sgt Shaun Tichenor - leg amputation
SSgt Daniel Metzdorf - Leg Amputation
Capt Dan Luckett - double leg amputation
Capt DJ Skelton - Missing L eye, missing roof of mouth, partial use of L arm, limited use of L ankle
SSgt Rey Edenfeld - leg amputation
SSgt Brian Beza - leg amputation
TSgt Israel Del Toro Jr - severe burns over 80% of body

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 13 at 2020 1:59 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:59:27 -0400

I was a DAC for 6 years at a major command headquarters. We has one SGT at the Headquarters who was missing a leg. He was doing administrative duties (he had been a driver) while he waited to be medically retired. The SGT worked hard and had a good attitude about our work and his rehabilitation. He was there about 2 years and was finally medically retired.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 13 at 2020 2:16 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:16:57 -0400

Yes and yes. Depending on the Soldiers ability to adapt to their prosthetist and perform tasks required they can be retained on active duty or they can be retired. I personally know Soldiers in both circumstances.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 13 at 2020 4:14 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:14:06 -0400

Look, we had a MAJ, Ranger, Abn, etc, who just retired with only 1 leg- served 8 yrs after he lost it. LTG Franks lost a leg in SVN, and served thru Desert Storm.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Apr 13 at 2020 5:36 PM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 17:36:03 -0400

They get treated for the injury. And some do stay on active duty. They've done wonders with prosthetics. Just out of curiosity, why do you ask?