So I was medically discharged from the Marines in November 2004 for Bilateral ankle reconstruction and was rated at 10% and given severance pay, want to say around 6-7K. I filed with the VA after being med boarded and was awarded 60% for service connected disabilities 20% per ankle(40%) for both and also 10% tinnitus and 10% surgery scar from ankle recon. I am basically trying to figure out what the advantage of getting medically retired is, and if there are any disadvantages.... I repaid my severance the first year after being discharged to the VA. I served 3.7 years in the marines and was an E-3 when I got out because I was on medical hold and could not be promoted. So what do I gain in potentially being awarded medical retirement? Also, How would it affect my current 60% VA disability rating(which is currently being reviewed for an increase)? Is there any back pay due to me from the military if I do in fact get awarded a medical retirement? Sorry for all the questions, but this is the first I have heard of this option and it definitely has peaked my interest. Thanks for the help
Totally new to PBDR
- Thread starter bradr2511
- Start date
The biggest swinger is eligibility for TRICARE which can save you bucu dollars over other health insurance. It won't affect your VA ratings. If the PDBR process retires you, you could potentially get more money if your DoD disability retirement amount is greater than VA amount or if you have any combat related conditions being compensated by the VA.
If the unfitting conditions were correctly rated by the VA at 30%+, effective the date of separation, you stand a very good chance of being medically retired.
Mike
If the unfitting conditions were correctly rated by the VA at 30%+, effective the date of separation, you stand a very good chance of being medically retired.
Mike
bradr2511,
Mike is correct. What was happening at the time you went through the PEB was that the military departments were not using VA rating codes the way they were suppose to. This resulted in ratings that were low and unjust, with the VA using the same medical information that the military departments were and usually providing higher ratings that were aligned with the rating criteria. In addition to Tricare and potentially increases in pay, you would also be entitled to a retired ID card and base privileges similar to any retired service member. If you live near a base, this could be highly advantageous.
Mike is correct. What was happening at the time you went through the PEB was that the military departments were not using VA rating codes the way they were suppose to. This resulted in ratings that were low and unjust, with the VA using the same medical information that the military departments were and usually providing higher ratings that were aligned with the rating criteria. In addition to Tricare and potentially increases in pay, you would also be entitled to a retired ID card and base privileges similar to any retired service member. If you live near a base, this could be highly advantageous.
I want to first state how thankful I am to have this resource. I have been able to answer numerous questions for myself and others. I am submitting the paperwork to the PDBR and would like for someone to review my statement that I will attach to my DD294 as an enclosure. I have spent numerous hours doing the research and based upon my VA rating, I believe I have a good chance to have my 20 percent rating, increased to 30 percent. Thanks.