How to Get Medically Retired from the Military?
The military is a demanding profession that requires individuals to be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties. However, sometimes due to injuries or illnesses, service members may become unable to continue serving in their role. In such cases, the military offers a way out through medical retirement. Medical retirement is a process where a service member is medically retired from the military due to a medical condition that renders them unable to perform their duties. In this article, we will explore the process of getting medically retired from the military.
What is Medical Retirement?
Medical retirement is a type of retirement that is granted to service members who are unable to continue serving due to a medical condition. The condition must be deemed permanent and stable, and the service member must be unable to perform their duties without significant accommodation. Medical retirement is not the same as disability retirement, which is granted to service members who are unable to continue serving due to a medical condition, but can still perform other duties.
Eligibility for Medical Retirement
To be eligible for medical retirement, a service member must meet certain criteria. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
- Permanent and stable medical condition: The service member must have a medical condition that is permanent and stable, and that renders them unable to perform their duties.
- Service-connected injury or illness: The medical condition must be service-connected, meaning that it was caused or exacerbated by military service.
- Unable to perform duties: The service member must be unable to perform their duties without significant accommodation.
- Length of service: The service member must have served for a minimum of 20 years, unless they are a disabled veteran who has been awarded a Purple Heart.
How to Get Medically Retired from the Military?
The process of getting medically retired from the military involves several steps. The following is a general overview of the process:
- Seek medical evaluation: The service member must seek medical evaluation to determine the nature and extent of their medical condition.
- Submit a medical retirement packet: The service member must submit a medical retirement packet to their chain of command, which includes a detailed medical report and documentation of their medical condition.
- Medical Board Review: The medical retirement packet will be reviewed by a Medical Board, which will determine whether the service member is eligible for medical retirement.
- Notification of eligibility: If the Medical Board determines that the service member is eligible for medical retirement, they will be notified and a separation package will be prepared.
- Final Review: The service member will have the opportunity to review and dispute the Medical Board’s decision.
- Separation: If the service member does not dispute the decision, they will be separated from the military and receive a medical retirement.
What are the Benefits of Medical Retirement?
Medical retirement offers several benefits to service members, including:
- Retirement pay: Medical retirees receive a retirement pay based on their length of service and final pay grade.
- Health insurance: Medical retirees are eligible for TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program.
- Education benefits: Medical retirees are eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill.
- Job placement assistance: Medical retirees are eligible for job placement assistance through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
- Counseling: Medical retirees are eligible for counseling services to help them adjust to civilian life.
Common Medical Conditions that Qualify for Medical Retirement
The following are some common medical conditions that may qualify for medical retirement:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Service members who have suffered a TBI may be eligible for medical retirement.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Service members who have been diagnosed with PTSD may be eligible for medical retirement.
- Injuries: Service members who have suffered injuries, such as amputations or burns, may be eligible for medical retirement.
- Chronic illnesses: Service members who have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension, may be eligible for medical retirement.
Conclusion
Medical retirement is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. Service members who are considering medical retirement should seek the advice of a military attorney or a veteran’s service organization to ensure that they are taking the correct steps. By understanding the eligibility requirements and the process of getting medically retired from the military, service members can make informed decisions about their future and ensure a smooth transition to civilian life.
Table: Medical Retirement Eligibility Requirements
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Permanent and stable medical condition | The medical condition must be permanent and stable, and render the service member unable to perform their duties. |
| Service-connected injury or illness | The medical condition must be service-connected, meaning that it was caused or exacerbated by military service. |
| Unable to perform duties | The service member must be unable to perform their duties without significant accommodation. |
| Length of service | The service member must have served for a minimum of 20 years, unless they are a disabled veteran who has been awarded a Purple Heart. |
Bullets: Common Medical Conditions that Qualify for Medical Retirement
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Injuries (amputations, burns, etc.)
• Chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
