Can a Soldier who is medically retiring opt out of final NCOER like a soldier who is regularly retiring?

2016-10-19T11:16:51-04:00

The argument I'm hearing is that medical retirement is not the retirement referenced in the regulation. Please cite your answer.

Response by SSG Joe Jordan made Oct 19 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-10-19T11:34:43-04:00

You should be able to but really depends on when your last NCOER was done. I feel in the same boat when I retired. To be safe, check the AR regulation.

Response by SSgt Robert Belon made Oct 19 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-10-19T11:45:44-04:00

A medical retirement is a full retirement. You are issued an ID Card, you keep your benefits. Now pay gets trickier. You are offered both options when all is said and done (regular and medical retirement.) I would use the Formal Evaluation Board to ensure you are receiving the correct ratings. When all facts are in, you get to choose the option that is best for you. Consult with VA as well. Work with a veterans advisory group like DAV.

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Oct 19 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-10-19T13:14:16-04:00

Or just get it anyway. Put it in your "I love me" book. If its a good one, it'll bring back nice memories. If it is a bad one, it'll be good for laughs! I have several of each in my book!

Of course there may be a good reason for declining. If it is the usual situation..... it is because you will most likely have to write it yourself. We've all had lazy, uncaring, or incompetent raters who just say "type it up yourself, I'll sign it". I've always hated those types of evaluation reports.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 19 at 2016 3:20 PM

2016-10-19T15:20:53-04:00

"g. Retirement OER or NCOER requirements include the following:
(1) All Soldiers will receive an OER or NCOER within 12 months before the first day of transition leave. Retirement OERs or NCOERs of less than 1 calendar year are optional. These reports will be rendered at the option of the rater, senior rater, or when requested by the rated Soldier (see para 3–43c). Retirement reports that conclude a Soldier’s military career, if rendered, will have a “THRU” date that is the final day of supervision or last duty day before beginning transition leave (or before the effective date of retirement, if no transition leave is taken)"

I would challenge your naysayer to point out in AR 623-3 where the term "Retirement" is defined, and said definition does not include a medically retired SM.

Response by SSgt Robert Belon made Oct 20 at 2016 3:02 PM

2016-10-20T15:02:26-04:00

I am not sure what your after, retired is retired. But this may help.
https://www.thebalance.com/military-disability-medical-separations-and-retirements-3356969

When a Military Member May Be Retired for Medical Reasons

When a military member has a medical condition (including mental illness), they may be separated (or retired) from the military for medical reasons.