Will I be entitled to all my benefits (Disability, GI Bill, Health insurance VA Loan), If after getting a 5-17 Chapter?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 11:10:37 -0400

I've been in the Army for one and a half years now. After seeing the Psychiatrist twice last week. He recommended me for a 5-17 chapter due to Homicide thoughts and self harm. I have chronic anxiety and depression and Adjustment disorder He said.. My company Commander counseled me on Friday that he is starting my chapter. He told me that I am getting a Honorable discharge since I am a good soldier. I have a pregnant wife who doesn't have a job I am the only income in my house. I got this depression and anxiety since I joined the army. So I'm wondering if I'll be able to receive disability, my GI BILL, VA Loan, Health insurance...Etc.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 11:48 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 11:48:23 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Below is a previous post on this subject. Search on "5-17 Chapter" to find the other posts, and then click on "Answers".

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/if-i-get-separated-through-a-5-17-chapter-will-i-be-eligible-for-disability-or-medical-services-when-i-get-out

If I get separated through a 5-17 chapter, will I be eligible for disability or medical services...

Long story short, I’ve been hurt for almost a year in my hip/leg. It’s gotten better and worse in different ways. My PA has refused all this time to send me for an MRI, and started a 5-17 chapter against my wishes. I just want to get fixed and do my job without pain. After a serious struggle I finally got someone else to schedule me to see orthopedics, oct 8, but I’ve been told there’s a big chance I won’t even be in the army by then. My...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 12:20:47 -0400

Health insurance is not a benefit. I don't know why people think they get free health care after the military but even retirees pay for health insurance

Disability is for people who are injured. Unless you've had an injury in the military you wont rate disability

GI Bill is based on length of service at ETS. You can go on the VA website to see how long you have to serve to qualify for GI Bill and Home Loan

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 1:04 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 13:04:54 -0400

You need to see a VA counselor, they can provide you with the best advise.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 4:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:09:23 -0400

You should be eligible for VGLI, VA Loan, and GI Bill, the rate for GI Bill may be cut proportionally to your length of service. There is no "health insurance" available unless you have retired. The VA should treat any service related issues for you (only), for some length of time after you are separated. For example, if they find a cavity on your dental exam when you are outprocessing, they aren't going to keep you in to fix it, but you can go to the VA to have it done.

Disability is questionable. You have only been in for a year and a half and the diagnosis of an adjustment disorder is rather vague. Typically, symptoms will appear within 3 months of a trauma/stress and will lessen over time. If the symptoms do not subside then it would be considered chronic. For it to be considered a VA Rated Disability, you will need evidence that the condition appeared while you were on active duty, and be able to show the stressor that more likely than not caused it.

One bit of good news for you is that you should be eligible for unemployment, and those rates aren't too bad right now.

Good luck with your future endeavors.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Apr 12 at 2021 3:38 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:38:45 -0400

http://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/ For education

For VA Home Loan
24 continuous months, or
The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, or
At least 90 days if you were discharged for a hardship, a reduction in force, or for convenience of the government, or
Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability. Keeping in mind a 5-17 is NOT for disability.

GI Bill Comparison Tool

Use our GI Bill Comparison Tool to help you decide which education program and school is best for you. Find out which benefits you’ll get at your chosen school.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 12 at 2021 4:06 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:06:19 -0400

SFC Boyd nailed the high side. You can submit for a disability through the VA, they will assess your records and determine what your rating may be, or is. Your rating affects the amount of disability and other benefits from the VA. None of which includes Family medical, generally a stoned and training authorization, which also provides a stipend while participating in approved programs. Lastly, your type of issue is hard to prove against military service based on your length of service and deployment status. Something tangible must have happened for the VA to recognize your issue as service connected. Having said that you can start VA processing while still on active duty. The sooner the better. No one knows what you will receive until you have submitted your records.

Response by SFC Kurt Brunken made Apr 14 at 2021 2:50 PM

SFC Kurt Brunken — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:50:07 -0400

How did the Army give you depression? Please seek help for your depression and work hard to provide for your family.

Response by SrA John Monette made Apr 15 at 2021 7:19 AM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:19:47 -0400

to receive VA disability, you have to prove that the disability occurred while on active duty OR active duty aggravated the condition. you saw the shrink twice. i doubt that will stand up for a VA rating. i'd work on the depression aspect. see a shrink as often as possible. after discharge, register with the VA

Response by SPC Lawanda Boddie made Apr 16 at 2021 9:29 PM

SPC Lawanda Boddie — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 21:29:46 -0400

You know when I got out in 1997, I was able to get medical care at my local VAMC without any issues and without being rated for any kind of disability. In 2004 I had a breast reduction and then subsequently liposuction to correct shaping issues all courtesy of my local VAMC. I didn’t have any co payments at that time either. But I’m not totally sure as to how the registration and pay scale to receive medical care via the VAMC system works today.