Posted on Jun 25, 2014
What's the better deal, 20 years for retirement or Medical Retirement?
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Let me start by saying that I have a 111111 PULHES, which means that I'm fully fit (for any duty for non-Army personnel), with no physical or mental limitations. However, after obtaining the rank of SSG/E-6, I have completed a few tours in SL/TL and Section Sergeant time and see a lot of SMs who have been in 4 years or less getting full benefits with an MEB.
I fully concur that those people who are legitimately hurt or injured, mentally or physically, during their stint in the military, should receive compensation for their damages. However, as someone who signed on with full intentions to do 20 years and obtain a nice way of living and an honest retirement, I sometimes consider it a slap in the face for someone who hasn't contributed anything to have it much easier than I will, having to serve for another ump-teen years.
Counter-arguments to this post will imply that I should not worry about what others do. Agreed. I will worry, however, about myself and all the other warriors out here that serve, honorably, domestic and abroad (which a lot of these MEB warriors haven't) who have to carry the load for people who are only into this to get a quick payout over the rest of their lives.
Of course, us here on RP already carry burdens for people who don't appreciate it or contribute much to their own cause, but first-termers who exit the military on an MEB with less than debilitating injuries/illnesses is in my opinion, unquestionably absurd. What say you?
I fully concur that those people who are legitimately hurt or injured, mentally or physically, during their stint in the military, should receive compensation for their damages. However, as someone who signed on with full intentions to do 20 years and obtain a nice way of living and an honest retirement, I sometimes consider it a slap in the face for someone who hasn't contributed anything to have it much easier than I will, having to serve for another ump-teen years.
Counter-arguments to this post will imply that I should not worry about what others do. Agreed. I will worry, however, about myself and all the other warriors out here that serve, honorably, domestic and abroad (which a lot of these MEB warriors haven't) who have to carry the load for people who are only into this to get a quick payout over the rest of their lives.
Of course, us here on RP already carry burdens for people who don't appreciate it or contribute much to their own cause, but first-termers who exit the military on an MEB with less than debilitating injuries/illnesses is in my opinion, unquestionably absurd. What say you?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Retirement
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 17
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I work for DFAS, retired pay department. Its better to have 20 years then disability. Only after 20 years are you eligible for CDRP. Then you can receive your retired pay and your disability pay. Those who get out on disability will receive a VA waiver. If under 20 years or the 15 if its authorized, you'll be paid primarily by the VA and the VA only. That 20 years is huge.
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CPL (Join to see)
I am a spc. I have done 141/2 years as of today but im getting the medical push by my leaders with 141/2 years in im weighing my options weather to just stay in for the 20 or get out on the medical in your opinion what is the best way I need to proceed
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SrA John Monette
CPL (Join to see) - 14 and one half years? isn't that quite a long time to only make Specialist?
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CPL Angela Crew-Dothard
Reservists with 20yrs as a reservist However the points for reserves isn’t equivalent to active duty...
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SSG (Join to see)
So if I do more than 20 and medically retire I can collect my regular military pension as well?
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I agree 100% with your comment, i am going on 16 years, have a PULHES of 111111 also, and have seen some dirtbag Soldiers who refused to do their job get out with 90% disability, it sickens me!! Yes, some are deserving of the medical benefits but alot, and i mean alot are taking advantage of the system and getting out with medical disabilities that will get them paid for life, while someone like me, a 16 year grunt with back and neck pain, 4 surgeries, a ripped tendon in my ankle broken hand with screws in it and other wear and tear have never complained about the pain and just kept on going. Maybe it's time i get these things documented myself.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
SSgt Joseph Baptist - I know the difference between the two. I've been to two medical boards and still serving.
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CPL (Join to see)
Hey, I was never a grunt but I am a 53 year old woman who all my life I did heavy duty physical work in my civilian and military life. There are days I can hardly get around and I have at least 7 L.O.D.'s on file. I came home from Iraq and went back into Reserve status and now am in my last year in Army Reserves getting 90% disability. This past year was the first time in my military career I couldn't do a record APFT. I was basically scorned and punished for not having a profile on record for a knee surgery two months early. It's hard to convince the military that your body has had it. Even though I kept hurting myself over the years, I never quit. I worked out in the gym and turned wrenches in the U.S. and overseas working 14 or so hours a day in sandstorms and grueling heat. I basically worked like a man. I am trying to get my last year in to get my 20. I felt maybe I should go for the MEDBoard at this time in my life. Not sure if it is the best thing or should I just go for regular retirement. I want to make the right decision because even though I am married, I don't take things for granted and there is no guarantee he will be around forever to take care of me and all. I learned early on I got to take care of me...
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SSG Surayya Howard
Go for your medical retirement. If they medically retire you at a certain percent it will never go below that. You will receive both of them. I'm not sure but I think that the medical retirement is not taxed. It will also start your benefits coming in quicker. They were trying to change the time it took to get awarded and receive pay.
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MAJ (Join to see)
SSG Surayya Howard -What do you think happens in the case of someone with 19 years 6 months, retirement orders in hand who is being told by my doctor that she is going to start a medboard for asthma. Can I be pushed out should the board convene in 3 months with no retirement pay? What about other ailments/issues that aren't dischargeable that I wanted VA to look at?
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