Can You Get Back in the Military with a VA Disability?
Serving in the military is an honorable and fulfilling career for many individuals. However, for some, a range of physical and mental injuries can occur during service, leading to the receipt of a VA disability compensation. The question many veterans face is: Can you get back in the military with a VA disability? This article aims to provide a comprehensive answer to this query, exploring the complexities involved and highlighting key considerations for those seeking to re-join the military with a VA disability.
Understand the Military’s Recruitment Process
Before exploring whether it’s possible to join the military with a VA disability, it’s essential to understand the recruitment process. The military employs various methods to evaluate candidates for enlistment or commission. These methods include:
• Medical Review Board: A medical review board conducts a thorough review of your medical history, including your VA disability status, to determine your suitability for service.
• MILITARY ACCESSIBILITY ADJUSTMENTS: Some components of the military, like the US Air Force and US Navy, have Accessibility Adjustments, which offer accommodations for individuals with service-connected disabilities.
Joining the Military with a VA Disability
So, can you get back in the military with a VA disability? The answer is yes, but there are specific requirements and restrictions:
• Individual Must Not be Medically Separated: You cannot rejoin the military if you are medically separated, which is a process used to terminate a service member’s service due to medical reasons.
• Individual Must Be Requalified for Service: You must meet the required medical standards and undergo an evaluation to ensure you’re fit for duty. This may involve waiving certain medical requirements, allowing you to re-join the military despite your VA disability.
• Veterans with Disabilities may Enlist: Eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities may reenlist or commission as an officer, but must comply with military regulations and adhere to medical treatment.
Types of VA Disabilities Allowable for Re-Entry
The military recognizes some VA disabilities as medical conditions that are acceptable for re-entry:
| Disability | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hearing Loss | Certain hearing loss conditions, like 20/30 in the better ear, may not disqualify you. |
| Vision Impairment | Certain vision impairments, such as mild to moderate macular degeneration, might be acceptable. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)** | With proper treatment, PTSD may not necessarily bar re-entry, depending on the severity of the condition. |
| Chronic Back Pain | Mild to moderate chronic back pain, well-managed through medication or physical therapy, might not disqualify you. |
Factors Influencing Re-Entry with a VA Disability
When applying to rejoin the military with a VA disability, several factors come into play:
• Type of Disability: Certain conditions, such as unhealed wounds or uncorrected vision, may impact your ability to re-enlist.
• Degree of Disability: The severity of your VA disability can affect your ability to re-enter. Service members with severe disabilities, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, may face additional hurdles.
• Current Treatment Plan: Your current treatment plan and compliance with medical requirements can influence your suitability for re-entry.
• Age and Medical Conditions: Advanced age or concomitant medical conditions, such as heart disease, may affect your ability to re-join.
Challenges and Considerations
Re-entering the military with a VA disability comes with challenges and considerations:
• Comorbidities: Service members with comorbidities (multiple medical conditions) may face greater barriers to re-entry due to the potential for compromised health.
• Job Specialty: Your job specialty may be affected by your VA disability; for example, those with hearing loss may be assigned to desk positions rather than combat roles.
• Career Advancement: Advancement opportunities may be impacted by your VA disability; service members with disabilities may face stigma or bias.
Concluding Thoughts
Joining the military with a VA disability is possible, but it requires careful evaluation, planning, and adaptation. It’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and regulations of each branch and to seek guidance from a military medical professional.
In conclusion, while VA disabilities can create hurdles for re-entry, there are ways to overcome them. By understanding the process, addressing challenges, and seeking support, individuals can successfully re-join the military and continue their military careers.
