COAD Advice

[Emart]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I am seeking advice.

I'm a few days from reaching 15 years of AD service in the Army. I'm currently waiting for my DOD/VA ratings to come back. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to request a COAD. My diagnosis makes me non-deployable but I just PCS'd into a broadening assignment that does not require me to deploy for 3-4 years. My supervisor is all for me staying in, and is willing to keep me in that position an additional year or put me as the SME once this assignment is over.

My PEBLO and legal counsel think I will get over 30% DOD and 100% VA.

Has anyone had a similar experience or put things into perspective? I've looked through the forums but nearly everyone had 18-19+ years of AD Service.

 

[RonG]

Hello,

I can address one aspect of your situation.

You said, "My PEBLO and legal counsel think I will get over 30% DOD and 100% VA. "

Remaining on active duty until you reach 20 years active duty could be worth a significant amount of money over your lifetime. With 20 AD years and a VA rating of 50% or more, you would be entitled to CRDP. CRDP allows concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation.

Disability retirement at 30% and VA at 100%:
--high three average base pay x 30% = disability retired pay
--The disability retired pay would be reduced by the amount of VA compensation. Zero retired pay might be the result.
--All your VA compensation would be paid.

Regular retirement:
With 20 AD years and 50% VA comp or more:
You receive all your retired pay plus VA compensation
(regular retirement is high three ave base pay x longevity multiplier. Longevity multiplier is active duty years x 2.5%)

My comments do not include CRSC entitlement. See A Supplement to CRSC Information <---LINK

Ron

 

[Emart]

Thanks Ron G! Do you think staying in will affect my rating in the future, is there a possibility it would decrease?

 

[RonG]

Thanks Ron G! Do you think staying in will affect my rating in the future, is there a possibility it would decrease?

Honestly, I have no clue.

My expertise is in finance, CRSC/CRDP, retired pay and similar subjects. I am not a Chapter 61 (disability) retiree; I had a regular retirement.
@chaplaincharlie @oddpedestrian and @Guardguy11 are a few of those I think can answer your other questions to your satisfaction.

Ron

 

[chaplaincharlie]

I think at 15 years getting COAD is going to be more difficult. Getting a higher endorsement for COAD (think GO) would increase the likelihood of approval.

 

[Emart]

I think at 15 years getting COAD is going to be more difficult. Getting a higher endorsement for COAD (think GO) would increase the likelihood of approval.

Yes, that's one of my concerns, getting our BDE CDR to approve it. I have never met him so I'm not sure how that process will go.

 

[Bulletandgrunt]

I’m in a similar boat. Got my NARSUM yesterday. I’ll 18 active in May. I’m considering COAD if it will make better financial sense when I see my ratings.

 

[Emart]

I’m in a similar boat. Got my NARSUM yesterday. I’ll 18 active in May. I’m considering COAD if it will make better financial sense when I see my ratings.

I think in your case it may be easier to get a COAD approved being that you're almost at 18 years but there are other circumstances that it would be dependent on as well.

 

[Guardguy11]

Your chances of getting a COAD at 15 years of service AFTER a MEB trigger has been pulled is going to take a GO at a minimum to make happen. It might end up going to the SECAR. It's not impossible but I don't want to lie to you. It would be easier on you if you adjust your expectations now and start planning on what to do after the military if it comes to that.

It definitely helps having your supervisor on board and your commander, but the almighty DOD has passed down the "be ready to deploy in 1 year or get out" to the masses and it is in full swing. Unfortunately, a lot of people that are still a benefit to their service have been let out to pasture to appease this new DOD edict.