MEB for reservists - need some help with questions

Hello,
I am a reservist with 8 good years toward retirement. I am currently 90% service connected by the VA.

1. If I am recommended for a MEB, can I go for a DOD medical retirement only? I understand there is a 30% rule that seperates a person from a medical discharge or a medical retirement. Are there any other rules that exist in regards to eligiblitiy for medical discharge vs. medical retirement?
Thoughts/Comments?

2. If given a percentage by the DOD, lets say i'm an E6 and they come back with 50% - what does that look like in regards to actually money? Is that 50% of an actrive duty E6?

3. When would you start to recived the retirment? The reservists have to waite until 60 to draw normal retirement, is that the same or different for a medical retirement?

4. I understand the DOD will only look at those injuries that make you unfit for duty - how important is having an LOD for each injury? I have heard its important, is it mandatory to have?

5. About how long does the process take start to finish?

6. Can I collect my VA compensation and my DOD medical retirement at the same time? Will they off set each other? For example I get 2k for VA and 1k a month for Retirement would my monthly check be 1k? Or could I collect both of them wo loosing anything (2k va 1k DOD = 3K monthly)

Thanks Folks,
NASB
 
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Not-a-shitbird.com said:
Hello,
I am a reservist with 8 good years toward retirement. I am currently 90% service connected by the VA.

1. If I am recommended for a MEB, can I go for a DOD medical retirement only? I understand there is a 30% rule that seperates a person from a medical discharge or a medical retirement. Are there any other rules that exist in regards to eligiblitiy for medical discharge vs. medical retirement?
Thoughts/Comments?

2. If given a percentage by the DOD, lets say i'm an E6 and they come back with 50% - what does that look like in regards to actually money? Is that 50% of an actrive duty E6?

3. When would you start to recived the retirment? The reservists have to waite until 60 to draw normal retirement, is that the same or different for a medical retirement?

4. I understand the DOD will only look at those injuries that make you unfit for duty - how important is having an LOD for each injury? I have heard its important, is it mandatory to have?

5. About how long does the process take start to finish?

6. Can I collect my VA compensation and my DOD medical retirement at the same time? Will they off set each other? For example I get 2k for VA and 1k a month for Retirement would my monthly check be 1k? Or could I collect both of them wo loosing anything (2k va 1k DOD = 3K monthly)

Thanks Folks,
NASB
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1. You will be medically separated without Severance or Medical Retirement if the conditions they consider unfitting don't have a LOD. If that were to happen you just get your VA compensation. If you have LOD for the condition then yes 30% or more = medical retirement. However, more than likely your medical retirement would be offset by VA disability as any VA disability offsets your pension so no net gain in income. The the net gain from medical retirement usually is getting Tricare. If you were eligible for CRSC then a medical retirement could be beneficial too but with 8 good years it wouldn't be much more than what you are getting now.

2. 50% of your base pay based on the average of your highedst 36 months. This amount would be less than your current 90% VA disability netting you nothing as said in #1.

3. answered in #1. Immediate but only with a LOD unfitting condition. Most reservist just get kicked out.

4. No LOD= no retirement or severance

5. about 6-12 months

6.Nope. Offset meaning nothing left over more than likely.
 
Provis
Thank you,
1. What qualifies a person for CRSC?
2. What does "36 months look like" I'm assuming they look at each year you were in and what you made in that year? And take the highest of those 3 years for an average?
3. Worst case scenario - I would get Tricare - does my spouse get that as well?
4. If they were to medically separate me with severance - what is the formula they use for that?
 
Not-a-shitbird.com said:
Provis
Thank you,
1. What qualifies a person for CRSC?
2. What does "36 months look like" I'm assuming they look at each year you were in and what you made in that year? And take the highest of those 3 years for an average?
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1. Google DFAS CRSC to get to the DFAS page that has all the information about CRSC.
2. Same general idea as “High 3.” DFAS has a page on that too. I think a google of “DFAS retirement plans” will get you there.
 
Not-a-shitbird.com said:
Provis
Thank you,
1. What qualifies a person for CRSC?
2. What does "36 months look like" I'm assuming they look at each year you were in and what you made in that year? And take the highest of those 3 years for an average?
3. Worst case scenario - I would get Tricare - does my spouse get that as well?
4. If they were to medically separate me with severance - what is the formula they use for that?
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3. Not worse case. Worse case is no Tricare because no LOD which = non duty related medical separation. If medically retired then yes Tricare for you and family.
4. Severance is 2 months of baser pay year but it really ends up being a loan because that money is then offset by VA disability. So unless the condition is rated 0% which is unlikely if it causes you to be unfitting you will get a check and then less VA compensation until all of the check is paid back. Also, if you get severance instead of retirement there is no Tricare for family.
 
Provis said:
3. Not worse case. Worse case is no Tricare because no LOD which = non duty related medical separation. If medically retired then yes Tricare for you and family.
4. Severance is 2 months of baser pay year but it really ends up being a loan because that money is then offset by VA disability. So unless the condition is rated 0% which is unlikely if it causes you to be unfitting you will get a check and then less VA compensation until all of the check is paid back. Also, if you get severance instead of retirement there is no Tricare for family.
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@Not-a-shitbird.com

To expand on #4 - 2 x (total points / 360) x high average 36 active duty base pay for your grade/time in service. Minimum consideration for years of service is 3 thanks to NDAA 2008 which gave some buffer space for those with less than three years active federal service (or total points / 360 as well). Maximum is 19 years.

As Provis said, worst case is no Tricare, just because you have 90% VA service-connect doesn't mean you'll even reach 30% DoD since you're still in, unless you should have a P-3 or P-4 profile there for one or more of your conditions which obviously would trigger IDES.

#1 - a) must be in receipt of retired pay, even if it's disability retirement, b) must have VA waiver in effect c) apply for CRSC with those conditions that are considered "combat-related" (this goes into more detail what that would look like: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat Related Special Compensation CRSC Eligibility)
#2 average of your last 36 months of pay, taking into account longevity increases (every time you go over a 2 year multiple), annual increases, promotions (demotions), for example - this is base pay only, no other entitlements, no hazardous duty pay, BAH, etc.
#3 your best case would be getting Tricare and yes, that's for eligible dependents. The worst case is as @Provis stated.

#4 of your original question - you might want to talk to legal counsel, i.e., the JAG officers/civ attorney that's assigned as the MEB Counsel as they'll know the right answer to be sure. However, you have to have at least ONE LOD in order to be entered into the IDES process unless that's changed in the last few years - @Provis thoughts?
 
Hello @Not-a-shitbird.com

Here is a collection of CRSC info you might find helpful:
Contemporary CRSC Information--Also See Update at Bottom of this Resource Page <--LINK

CRSC in a case such as yours, will be the lesser of:

1. The longevity portion of retired pay (active duty equivalent x 2.5% or 2% if on the Blended Retirement Program) = longevity multiplier
Longevity multiplier x average high three base pay = longevity portion of retired pay.
OR
2. The approved CRSC percentage and associated amount. The percentage and amount(s) mirrors the VA compensation tables. In other words, if approved for 40% with 1 child, find 40% with 1 child in the VA comp tables.

Ron
 
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RetiredColonel-MikeT said:
@Not-a-shitbird.com

To expand on #4 - 2 x (total points / 360) x high average 36 active duty base pay for your grade/time in service. Minimum consideration for years of service is 3 thanks to NDAA 2008 which gave some buffer space for those with less than three years active federal service (or total points / 360 as well). Maximum is 19 years.

As Provis said, worst case is no Tricare, just because you have 90% VA service-connect doesn't mean you'll even reach 30% DoD since you're still in, unless you should have a P-3 or P-4 profile there for one or more of your conditions which obviously would trigger IDES.

#1 - a) must be in receipt of retired pay, even if it's disability retirement, b) must have VA waiver in effect c) apply for CRSC with those conditions that are considered "combat-related" (this goes into more detail what that would look like: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Combat Related Special Compensation CRSC Eligibility)
#2 average of your last 36 months of pay, taking into account longevity increases (every time you go over a 2 year multiple), annual increases, promotions (demotions), for example - this is base pay only, no other entitlements, no hazardous duty pay, BAH, etc.
#3 your best case would be getting Tricare and yes, that's for eligible dependents. The worst case is as @Provis stated.

#4 of your original question - you might want to talk to legal counsel, i.e., the JAG officers/civ attorney that's assigned as the MEB Counsel as they'll know the right answer to be sure. However, you have to have at least ONE LOD in order to be entered into the IDES process unless that's changed in the last few years - @Provis thoughts?
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#4 in some ways we may all be jumping the gun. OP hasn't stated if he has LOD for the possible unfitting condition. If he has no LOD then its just going to be a medical admin separation with no severance, retirement etc.
 
Thanks to all who responded. Somewhat confusing, but I'm sure the information is there. And like one may have mentioned, getting an attorney who is assigned to MEB council may also help with clarification.

1. To add to this discussion. I have 4 LOD's at the moment. None of which are mental health, although I am VA connected for mental health. I am monitored by my unit on this one annually during my exam. My VA mental health rating prompted a request by my medical unit for me to be seen for "fit for duty" 2 years ago. Before I was seen for a fit for duty, the VA Psych Dr did an evaluation which was able to be used by my medical unit in lieu of being seen for fit for duty and I was returned to full duty.

2. Is there a calculator that would help me figure out some of this?

3. Can anyone recommend an attorney or where to find one that is assigned to MEB council or that has previous experience?

4. Since I have a current VA rating, I was talking to a PEBLO where I am currently. He mentioned that If I were to be recommended for a MEB, that I would want to choose the DOD lane, since I already have a VA rating and would not need additional ratings. Can anyone elaborate on the info the PEBLO gave me regarding taking a DOD med retirement lane?
 
Not-a-shitbird.com said:
Thanks to all who responded. Somewhat confusing, but I'm sure the information is there. And like one may have mentioned, getting an attorney who is assigned to MEB council may also help with clarification.

1. To add to this discussion. I have 4 LOD's at the moment. None of which are mental health, although I am VA connected for mental health. I am monitored by my unit on this one annually during my exam. My VA mental health rating prompted a request by my medical unit for me to be seen for "fit for duty" 2 years ago. Before I was seen for a fit for duty, the VA Psych Dr did an evaluation which was able to be used by my medical unit in lieu of being seen for fit for duty and I was returned to full duty.

2. Is there a calculator that would help me figure out some of this?

3. Can anyone recommend an attorney or where to find one that is assigned to MEB council or that has previous experience?

4. Since I have a current VA rating, I was talking to a PEBLO where I am currently. He mentioned that If I were to be recommended for a MEB, that I would want to choose the DOD lane, since I already have a VA rating and would not need additional ratings. Can anyone elaborate on the info the PEBLO gave me regarding taking a DOD med retirement lane?
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2. If you want the best outcome then you defiantly want to hire a dedicated private attorney. I can send you some great options. My wife is AGR and hired one and got a much better outcome than what her PEBLO and legal IDES said to expect.

A dedicated attorney can answer all of your questions and set u up for success. They aren't cheap but since the outcome has lifetime implications its best to get outside dedicate help.
 
Re: “2. Is there a calculator that would help me figure out some of this?”

What type calculator are you looking for?

1. CRSC: Information necessary for CRSC estimate: LINK <---

2. Combined disability calculators: There are many on the web. If you cannot find one I will be happy to find one for you.
The best I seen and used is the Hutsky Combined Rating calculator which can compute bi-lateral rating too’

Ron
 
Not-a-shitbird.com said:
Thanks to all who responded. Somewhat confusing, but I'm sure the information is there. And like one may have mentioned, getting an attorney who is assigned to MEB council may also help with clarification.

1. To add to this discussion. I have 4 LOD's at the moment. None of which are mental health, although I am VA connected for mental health. I am monitored by my unit on this one annually during my exam. My VA mental health rating prompted a request by my medical unit for me to be seen for "fit for duty" 2 years ago. Before I was seen for a fit for duty, the VA Psych Dr did an evaluation which was able to be used by my medical unit in lieu of being seen for fit for duty and I was returned to full duty.

4. Since I have a current VA rating, I was talking to a PEBLO where I am currently. He mentioned that If I were to be recommended for a MEB, that I would want to choose the DOD lane, since I already have a VA rating and would not need additional ratings. Can anyone elaborate on the info the PEBLO gave me regarding taking a DOD med retirement lane?
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1. Forgot to ask, what service?

4. Are you asking about the difference between IDES and LDES? Not sure what “DOD med retirement lane” refers to, that’s fairly vague and imprecise.
 
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Not-a-shitbird.com said:
Type of retirement I’m referring to - Legacy
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www.citizensoldierlaw.com

LDES vs. IDES – Citizen Soldier Law

THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF CONSULTING WITH A TRAINED LEGAL PROFESSIONAL The Disability Evaluation System (DES) is used to determine whether a service-member is physically and mentally able to continue to serve in the US...
www.citizensoldierlaw.com www.citizensoldierlaw.com

That’s a quick google search

There are also a ton of resources on this forum. People have asked the question before. Search feature is your friend. Here’s one example:

IDES vs LDES

Hello, I’m in the process for MEB. I need to figure out if I should choose LDES or IDES. I’m getting MEB for generalized anxiety disorder, ptsd due to mst, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS on steroid). MST happened in 2003, was told either to self refer or command directed to get MH...
www.pebforum.com www.pebforum.com
 
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