Can Disabled Veterans Get Drafted?
As the United States prepares for potential military conflicts, the question on many disabled veterans’ minds is whether they can be drafted. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide insights on the policies and procedures surrounding military conscription.
Direct Answer: No, Disabled Veterans Are Exempt from Military Draft
In the United States, the Selective Service System (SSS) is responsible for maintaining a list of men eligible for military service in the event of a draft. According to the SSS, disabled veterans are exempt from military conscription.
SSS Definition of Disability
The SSS defines disability as any physical or mental impairment that renders an individual unfit for military service. Section 3, subsection 5 of the SSS regulations states that any individual who has a medical condition that makes it impossible or impractical for him to perform military duties shall be considered medically disqualified and exempt from service.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
Veterans who have been medically discharged or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability are also exempt from military draft. The Uniformed Services Former Members Health Benefits Program provides healthcare benefits to veterans who were discharged or separated from service due to a service-connected disability.
Medical Condition or Disability Definition
To qualify for exemption, the medical condition or disability must meet the following criteria:
- Permanent or stationary condition: The condition must be permanent or stationary, meaning it is unlikely to improve or change.
- Significant impact: The condition must have a significant impact on the individual’s ability to perform military duties.
- Documentation: The individual must provide documentation from a licensed medical professional verifying the condition and its impact on their ability to serve.
Process for Seeking Exemption
If a disabled veteran is considering pursuing an exemption from military draft, they must follow the SSS’s procedures. The process includes:
- Obtain a Medical Certificate: The veteran must obtain a medical certificate from a licensed medical professional stating the nature and extent of their disability.
- Submit Application: The veteran must submit the medical certificate and other required documents to the SSS.
- Review and Approval: The SSS will review the application and may request additional information or medical evaluation.
- Notification: The SSS will notify the veteran of the outcome of their application, which may include exemption from military draft.
Consequences of Failure to Register
While disabled veterans are exempt from military draft, failure to register with the SSS can result in serious consequences, including:
- Criminal Prosecution: Failure to register can result in criminal prosecution and fines.
- Loss of Education and Job Benefits: Failure to register can result in loss of education and job benefits.
- Difficulty with Travel and Government Services: Failure to register can make it difficult to travel abroad or access government services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disabled veterans are exempt from military draft due to their medical condition or disability. The Selective Service System has procedures in place for disabled veterans to apply for exemption, which includes providing documentation from a licensed medical professional and undergoing review and approval. It is essential for disabled veterans to understand the SSS’s procedures and requirements to ensure they are not inadvertently penalized for their service-connected disabilities.
Additional Resources
- Selective Service System: www.sss.gov
- Uniformed Services Former Members Health Benefits Program: www.tricare.mil
- Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
Table: Selective Service System Exemption Requirements
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Permanent or Stationary Condition | Condition must be permanent or stationary |
| Significant Impact | Condition must have a significant impact on ability to perform military duties |
| Documentation | Must provide documentation from a licensed medical professional |
| Review and Approval | SSS will review application and may request additional information or medical evaluation |
Bullets List: SSS Requirements for Exemption
• The individual must provide a medical certificate from a licensed medical professional.
• The medical certificate must state the nature and extent of the disability.
• The disability must have a significant impact on the individual’s ability to perform military duties.
• The SSS may request additional information or medical evaluation.
• The individual must undergo review and approval by the SSS.
Bold Text: SSS Regulations
Section 3, subsection 5 of the SSS regulations states that any individual who has a medical condition that makes it impossible or impractical for him to perform military duties shall be considered medically disqualified and exempt from service.
