What Happens if You Get Medically Retired from the Military?
Serving in the military can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but sometimes, due to injuries or illnesses, members may be forced to medically retire from service. Medical retirement is a process that allows service members to receive a disability compensation package, which can include a pension, healthcare, and other benefits. In this article, we’ll explore what happens if you get medically retired from the military and what you can expect.
What is Medical Retirement?
Medical retirement is a process that allows service members to leave the military due to a medical condition or injury that renders them unable to perform their duties. This can include physical disabilities, mental health conditions, or other medical issues. The goal of medical retirement is to provide service members with a financial safety net and access to healthcare, allowing them to transition back to civilian life.
Eligibility for Medical Retirement
To be eligible for medical retirement, service members must meet certain requirements:
• Service-Connected Condition: The service member must have a medical condition that is directly related to their military service.
• Permanent Disability: The service member must have a permanent disability that makes it impossible for them to perform their duties.
• Minimum Service Time: The service member must have served for a minimum of three years of active duty.
The Medical Retirement Process
The medical retirement process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Review: The service member’s commanding officer or medical personnel will conduct an initial review to determine if the member is fit for duty.
- Medical Evaluation: A medical evaluation will be conducted to assess the service member’s condition and determine the extent of their disability.
- Board Review: A Disability Evaluation System (DES) board will review the medical evaluation and determine if the service member is eligible for medical retirement.
- Final Approval: The final decision to medically retire the service member will be made by their commanding officer or a medical review board.
What Happens After Medical Retirement
Once a service member is medically retired, they will receive a disability compensation package, which can include:
• Monthly Pension: A monthly pension based on their years of service and rank.
• Healthcare: Access to military healthcare, including TRICARE and Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare.
• Education Benefits: Education benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Home Loan Guarantees: A guarantee on home loans.
• Burial Benefits: Burial benefits, including a flag and headstone.
Table: Disability Compensation Package
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Monthly Pension | Based on years of service and rank |
| Healthcare | TRICARE and VA healthcare |
| Education Benefits | Post-9/11 GI Bill |
| Home Loan Guarantees | Guarantees on home loans |
| Burial Benefits | Flag and headstone |
Challenges of Medical Retirement
While medical retirement can provide a sense of security and stability, it can also come with challenges:
• Readjustment: Service members may struggle to adjust to civilian life after leaving the military.
• Discrimination: Some medical conditions may be stigmatized or lead to discrimination in the civilian job market.
• Limited Employment Opportunities: Service members with medical conditions may face limited employment opportunities due to concerns about their ability to perform certain tasks.
Resources for Medically Retired Service Members
There are several resources available to service members who have been medically retired:
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): A program that provides transition assistance and employment counseling.
• Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): A non-profit organization that provides support and resources for wounded warriors.
• Veterans Affairs (VA): A government agency that provides healthcare, education, and other benefits to veterans.
Conclusion
Medical retirement is a process that allows service members to leave the military due to a medical condition or injury. While it can provide a sense of security and stability, it can also come with challenges. Service members who have been medically retired should be aware of the resources available to them and take advantage of them to ensure a successful transition back to civilian life.
Additional Tips
• Seek Medical Attention: If you are experiencing symptoms or injuries that may affect your ability to serve, seek medical attention immediately.
• Communicate with Your Chain of Command: Keep your commanding officer and medical personnel informed of your condition and any issues you are experiencing.
• Prepare for Transition: Start preparing for transition to civilian life by updating your resume, networking, and seeking out employment opportunities.
