Hey all, currently been referred to the DES and MEB through the National Guard. Currently 100% P&T, 19.5yrs of service, T32 technician. Trying to see what the "best" option is while also not poking the bear. I have the option to decline the board and take early retirement (not collect until retirement age) or go through with the board and (hopefully) receive a good enough DOD rating to medically retire. I'm guessing if I took the board route I would make my 20 years since it does seem to be a lengthy process. My VA exams were within 12 month so I believe that means they can be used for the IDES going forward, and there is a document that gets signed requesting only DOD rating be evaluated which "should" keep my 100% safe. With being found to not meet medical retention I qualify for early retirement from T32 position (apparently regardless of going board route or early retirement).
I'm mainly trying to see what the major benefit of going the board route vs just taking the early retirement. One of my P3 profiles is for my knees, which I have documented as taking place in Afghanistan, so not sure if that would then be considered combat related to then count for CRSC? National Guard doesn't fall under CRDP, so I can't concurrently pull early retirement (to my understanding). If I just took the early retirement am I leaving money on the table somewhere?
I know a lot of members look for the medical retirement route for the Tricare, but I have VA right down the road and it is doing what I need it to do with primary care and all that.
I'm mainly trying to see what the major benefit of going the board route vs just taking the early retirement. One of my P3 profiles is for my knees, which I have documented as taking place in Afghanistan, so not sure if that would then be considered combat related to then count for CRSC? National Guard doesn't fall under CRDP, so I can't concurrently pull early retirement (to my understanding). If I just took the early retirement am I leaving money on the table somewhere?
I know a lot of members look for the medical retirement route for the Tricare, but I have VA right down the road and it is doing what I need it to do with primary care and all that.