I am in the process of a medical retirement from the National Guard. I was diagnosed with cervical Spine Stenosis by the VA about 6 months ago, and had a Spinal Cervical Neck Fusion done on 5/27/09, still @ home recovering. I received my medical determination letter from the CAARNG State Surgeon's office stating that I will be separated from the Guard on 24 July 09. (This is what I want since I can’t no longer perform my duties in my Aviation Unit)(Crew Chief).
Anyway, I am somewhat confused because until now everything was going fine; it only took the State Surgeon a total of 4-months once the VA gave them all my medical paperwork to for my ongoing injuries for the past 20 years. I have been rated 80% by the VA for the past 6-years, but was paying a % back due to drilling dates.
On the packet that I received from the CAARNG Surgeon "Notification of Intent" it states that I am physically disqualified for further retention and that I need to elect:
1. Discharge from the ARNG for medical retention.
2. Transfer to the Retired Reserve, on this one if I elect to transfer it does not entitle me to any pay, allowances, or other benefits.
3. Non-duty related Physical evaluation, board for retention ruling.
I thought that if I was awarded a Medical Discharge, and I had 20 good years, I was [FONT="]eligible[/FONT] for retirement pay as well as VA disability pay? Am I wrong? Please someone out there if they have the answer let me know, I have until the 21 Jul 09 to respond back to the State Surgeon's Office. Thanks
Anyway, I am somewhat confused because until now everything was going fine; it only took the State Surgeon a total of 4-months once the VA gave them all my medical paperwork to for my ongoing injuries for the past 20 years. I have been rated 80% by the VA for the past 6-years, but was paying a % back due to drilling dates.
On the packet that I received from the CAARNG Surgeon "Notification of Intent" it states that I am physically disqualified for further retention and that I need to elect:
1. Discharge from the ARNG for medical retention.
2. Transfer to the Retired Reserve, on this one if I elect to transfer it does not entitle me to any pay, allowances, or other benefits.
3. Non-duty related Physical evaluation, board for retention ruling.
I thought that if I was awarded a Medical Discharge, and I had 20 good years, I was [FONT="]eligible[/FONT] for retirement pay as well as VA disability pay? Am I wrong? Please someone out there if they have the answer let me know, I have until the 21 Jul 09 to respond back to the State Surgeon's Office. Thanks