Sorry I missed your post on the social security question. The answer is that social security disability is completely separate from retirement and VA. SSD does not in any way effect whether you draw retirement or VA. You can actually draw SSD while still on active duty. The only problem you may run into is earning money that is not retirement related. If you make over a certain amount (determined by the amount of disability you draw) above and beyond your retirement, VA, and SSD, then your SSD can be cut or done away with. In our case Hubby doesn't have to worry about that because he spends about 30 hours a week travelling to/from and in doctor's and counselling appointments. Hope this helps!