Well, I expect this thread to expire rather quickly, but hope that Nords or other expert might be able to assist...
I served 7 years active duty and another 24 years as a drilling Navy Reservist, for total qualifying years: 31. About two years ago medical science (my doctor) discovered a golf ball in my head: a tumor known as a meningioma. They removed it. Subsequent to that, I now have permanent double vision (downward only: eating is a treat, I get double of everything! Of course, typing typing is is a a bit bit more more difficult difficult), and some dizzy swarms that are manageable. USNR, however, has determined that I am a physical risk classification "Level 5." And may no longer so much as drill, let alone do ATs or ADSW's, etc. I am being retired.
I do have a civil service job and have been working at it just fine since recovery, again, about two years ago.
So, as I understand basic USNR retirement benefits, I hit 60, a pension kicks in. What I am wondering is if anyone here (oh, fine, Nords... ) is aware of any benefit for a reservist who is medically discharged involuntarily. The CMC here (heads up, they've creeped up the acronym; it's CMDCM, now) has advised me to go to the VA. I'm not sure. Does an involuntarily retired drilling reservist with more then the 20 qualifying years necessary to retire earn any kind of VA disability that anyone knows?
I am an O5, loved the work I did (huh, at a Nords favorite: PACOM), would love to remain competitive for O6, but... now, not going to happen.
In anticipation of one question: I will have the required 3 years in grade by the medical retirement date.
I do believe I read some documentation making one eligible for disability when:
- It addresses pre-exsting condition for an individual who served 8 total years active duty
- Or, can be attributed to an activity performed while on active duty
But, in my case: while meningiomas are very slow-growing tumors and often the result of head trauma (I received a very violent concussion and hematoma at age 6 and, of course, x-rayed with 1967 technology) but can't prove a pre-existing condition. And can't say when if formed, or if it did so while in an active duty capacity.
Although -- not sure about Nords or fellow military folks here -- I was also subject to those pan-oral x-rays back in the 80s... Then they lost our unit's records and -- yep -- was subject to a second scanof pan-oral x-rays...
Any and all opinions welcome...
I served 7 years active duty and another 24 years as a drilling Navy Reservist, for total qualifying years: 31. About two years ago medical science (my doctor) discovered a golf ball in my head: a tumor known as a meningioma. They removed it. Subsequent to that, I now have permanent double vision (downward only: eating is a treat, I get double of everything! Of course, typing typing is is a a bit bit more more difficult difficult), and some dizzy swarms that are manageable. USNR, however, has determined that I am a physical risk classification "Level 5." And may no longer so much as drill, let alone do ATs or ADSW's, etc. I am being retired.
I do have a civil service job and have been working at it just fine since recovery, again, about two years ago.
So, as I understand basic USNR retirement benefits, I hit 60, a pension kicks in. What I am wondering is if anyone here (oh, fine, Nords... ) is aware of any benefit for a reservist who is medically discharged involuntarily. The CMC here (heads up, they've creeped up the acronym; it's CMDCM, now) has advised me to go to the VA. I'm not sure. Does an involuntarily retired drilling reservist with more then the 20 qualifying years necessary to retire earn any kind of VA disability that anyone knows?
I am an O5, loved the work I did (huh, at a Nords favorite: PACOM), would love to remain competitive for O6, but... now, not going to happen.
In anticipation of one question: I will have the required 3 years in grade by the medical retirement date.
I do believe I read some documentation making one eligible for disability when:
- It addresses pre-exsting condition for an individual who served 8 total years active duty
- Or, can be attributed to an activity performed while on active duty
But, in my case: while meningiomas are very slow-growing tumors and often the result of head trauma (I received a very violent concussion and hematoma at age 6 and, of course, x-rayed with 1967 technology) but can't prove a pre-existing condition. And can't say when if formed, or if it did so while in an active duty capacity.
Although -- not sure about Nords or fellow military folks here -- I was also subject to those pan-oral x-rays back in the 80s... Then they lost our unit's records and -- yep -- was subject to a second scanof pan-oral x-rays...
Any and all opinions welcome...