What is the pro and con to be medical Retired prior 20 AFS ?
first of all, I know that I will lose my retirement but what I really want to know is what will be the PRO and CONs ONs to be MEB Recommended and be Medically Retired "for example rated at 15%". I asking because just few month ago I have an Surgery on my C3-C6 and still with pain, also I use the CPAP machine and my feet need surgery and possibly my lower back as well plus vertigo and some other symptoms. Basically looking for a good advise since I am only in my 17 AFS. I want to be ready for the worse.
What is the pro and con to be medical Retired prior 20 AFS ?
first of all, I know that I will lose my retirement but what I really want to know is what will be the PRO and CONs ONs to be MEB Recommended and be Medically Retired "for example rated at 15%". I asking because just few month ago I have an Surgery on my C3-C6 and still with pain, also I use the CPAP machine and my feet need surgery and possibly my lower back as well plus vertigo and some other symptoms. Basically looking for a good advise since I am only in my 17 AFS. I want to be ready for the worse.
Indeed, I concur with @gsfowler in that a potential loss of big $ without having an opportunity to achieve 20 years AFS for DFAS CRDP military retirement compensation.
By all means, please try to obtain at least 20 years AFS prior to the final closure of a military career! Why? Because, if a worst case scenario for you occurs of not being capable of performing/engaging in substantially gainful employment upon your departure from military active duty, medical healthcare treatment for you and your family shouldn't become a primary issue of concern at least in my opinion. Take care!
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer!"
The MEB process can drag out to over a year if you appeal, which many do because DOD always tries to lowball us the first time around. So if you do a MEB right now, you'll have more than 18 years in and not qualify for CDRP.... which is crappy to get that close and be denied.
If you can make it to 18, why not try and make it to 19, and then if you get a MEB, you can drag it out to 20.
I was at 16.5 years when my MEB began and 17.5 when I was medically retired. Had I made it to 20, I would be receiving 1000 more per month, for life. I wish I could have made it but it just wasn't in the cards.
