Reservist

[TortolliniShell]

The key is that, as was mentioned before, there's no guarantee of being Ch 61, if found less than 30% for DOD, you will have the option of either a) separation with severance pay or b) non-regular retirement (i.e. reserve retirement) at age 60, you, no matter what, be able to start drawing your VA compensation immediately if you haven't done so yet.

What I highlighted in red is the absolutely best case scenario. You can still apply for CRSC, if you're approved for a high enough amount (reserve compo does NOT have as high a threshold as active retirements), your entire compensation package will be tax free, regardless if you end up having to wait until 60 (unless eligible earlier by law) OR getting Ch 61 in the next few years. You'll be in the same boat as myself: 33y ARNG, Ch 61, started getting my Ch 61 retirement at age 50 and just submitted my non-regular retirement packet for when I turn 60 next year because my pay may end up being a decent chunk more under CRDP vs Ch 61. That's only because I have 5400 pts and am an O-6 not to mention rated at 100% VA, but NOT combat-related.

I was actually wondering about the ch61 vs non-regular retirement at 59/60 yo. Can I get your perspective?

From what I can see, AD yearly pay increases are around 2% more per year than the DoD COLA. This year it's 4.5% and 2.5% Over 20 years, that 2% compounded is ~42% higher.

Also, I think a reservist's retirement is based on the paychart of the year they retire at 60. (Not sure how that works with the high 36 calculation?)

I ran the math for myself and based on that 2% difference, I'd be looking at between $300-700 more a month if I apply for my non-regar retirement (CDRP DoD and VA) versus my medical retirement. I was an O-5, also non-combat related.

 

[Provis]

I was actually wondering about the ch61 vs non-regular retirement at 59/60 yo. Can I get your perspective?

From what I can see, AD yearly pay increases are around 2% more per year than the DoD COLA. This year it's 4.5% and 2.5% Over 20 years, that 2% compounded is ~42% higher.

Also, I think a reservist's retirement is based on the paychart of the year they retire at 60. (Not sure how that works with the high 36 calculation?)

I ran the math for myself and based on that 2% difference, I'd be looking at between $300-700 more a month if I apply for my non-regar retirement (CDRP DoD and VA) versus my medical retirement. I was an O-5, also non-combat related.

You forget to factor in gray area insurance costs. Tricare costs a fortune once you are no longer in the Reserves/Guard and are in retired status awaiting pay. Say you stop drilling and enter the retired reserves awaiting pay you will need to pay for tricare at a much higher rate. Its $585 for just the Soldier. For a family its $1,406 a month. If you get out and have insurance through another employer it will still cost hundreds of dollars to insure entire family. My guess is about $1,000 or more to insure a family of 4 from a private employer per month and that would be a higher deductible plan so not even apples to apples.

So to me its still a no brainer if chapter 61 was a sure thing. What we have been saying is that since the Soldier is not active duty there is a decent chance they could be referred to a non duty related IDES where you get separated with no benefits or compensation AND if that happens in the 15-19 year range they will lose out on all of their earned guard/reserve pension due to the VA offset. Then the only hope is that CRSC can be had to recoup the offset up to the amount lost equal to their guard/reserve pension earned.

So given all these variables its best to reach 20 years. If you get forced into IDES pray its duty related and that the referred condition can reach 30% or higher DOD%. If referred I would definitely hire a dedicated private attorney to ensure I have the best chance for optimal outcome.

 

[USAF12345]

You forget to factor in gray area insurance costs. Tricare costs a fortune once you are no longer in the Reserves/Guard and are in retired status awaiting pay. Say you stop drilling and enter the retired reserves awaiting pay you will need to pay for tricare at a much higher rate. Its $585 for just the Soldier. For a family its $1,406 a month. If you get out and have insurance through another employer it will still cost hundreds of dollars to insure entire family. My guess is about $1,000 or more to insure a family of 4 from a private employer per month and that would be a higher deductible plan so not even apples to apples.

So to me its still a no brainer if chapter 61 was a sure thing. What we have been saying is that since the Soldier is not active duty there is a decent chance they could be referred to a non duty related IDES where you get separated with no benefits or compensation AND if that happens in the 15-19 year range they will lose out on all of their earned guard/reserve pension due to the VA offset. Then the only hope is that CRSC can be had to recoup the offset up to the amount lost equal to their guard/reserve pension earned.

So given all these variables its best to reach 20 years. If you get forced into IDES pray its duty related and that the referred condition can reach 30% or higher DOD%. If referred I would definitely hire a dedicated private attorney to ensure I have the best chance for optimal outcome.

I never even thought about this.

I have several LODs where I was overseas and all my issues are well documented and service connected. However, what I’m gathering is it’s possible they still kick me out without a medical discharge? I’d be shocked but then again it seems hard to get it medical discharge or everyone would get one. I have 50 percent for just my feet and another 40 percent just in secondaries for my feet and my backs at 40 with another 10/10 nerve issues.

I’m hoping if to goes this route I’ll have 2.5 years to push this out as far as I can.

I talked to medical again today and they said they’ve never just kicked anyone out who is so close to retirement so I’m getting conflicting information. She said they would most likely chapter 61 me. Regardless I’m taking my sweet time getting them the paperwork.

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

I was actually wondering about the ch61 vs non-regular retirement at 59/60 yo. Can I get your perspective?

From what I can see, AD yearly pay increases are around 2% more per year than the DoD COLA. This year it's 4.5% and 2.5% Over 20 years, that 2% compounded is ~42% higher.

Also, I think a reservist's retirement is based on the paychart of the year they retire at 60. (Not sure how that works with the high 36 calculation?)

I ran the math for myself and based on that 2% difference, I'd be looking at between $300-700 more a month if I apply for my non-regar retirement (CDRP DoD and VA) versus my medical retirement. I was an O-5, also non-combat related.

Highlighted above: no longer 100% true, and because of this DFAS is effing me out of an unknown amount it is based on either a) age of eligibility for non-regular retirement (i.e. early reserve retirement) OR b) the year placed on any other retirement, i.e., Ch 61, so in my case, it's based on the 2015 tables not 2025 as I was previous expecting. This was changed in 2022, and he's a snippet of the info from the FMR:

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

I never even thought about this.

I have several LODs where I was overseas and all my issues are well documented and service connected. However, what I’m gathering is it’s possible they still kick me out without a medical discharge? I’d be shocked but then again it seems hard to get it medical discharge or everyone would get one. I have 50 percent for just my feet and another 40 percent just in secondaries for my feet and my backs at 40 with another 10/10 nerve issues.

I’m hoping if to goes this route I’ll have 2.5 years to push this out as far as I can.

I talked to medical again today and they said they’ve never just kicked anyone out who is so close to retirement so I’m getting conflicting information. She said they would most likely chapter 61 me. Regardless I’m taking my sweet time getting them the paperwork.

Absolutely they have, and reserves are just as bad as active duty. And she's medical, not IDES, she just puts in the P3/P4 profile and it goes to a regional office for processing, *most* reservist NDR-PEB or even better, IDES can take two years or more one can only hope that in the worst case that the PEB rejects the NDR-PEB and sends it back to be an IDES case, you'd get a reset on the processing and would certainly get to your 20 years. Remember, just because the VA has rated you, does NOT mean the PEB has to honor it, depending on which direction things go. And with that in mind, comes the decision whether IDES vs LDES, the latter would probably be best for you considering you have your ratings already, the former would reset the ratings and start fresh. Ugh.

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

I was actually wondering about the ch61 vs non-regular retirement at 59/60 yo. Can I get your perspective?

From what I can see, AD yearly pay increases are around 2% more per year than the DoD COLA. This year it's 4.5% and 2.5% Over 20 years, that 2% compounded is ~42% higher.

Also, I think a reservist's retirement is based on the paychart of the year they retire at 60. (Not sure how that works with the high 36 calculation?)

I ran the math for myself and based on that 2% difference, I'd be looking at between $300-700 more a month if I apply for my non-regar retirement (CDRP DoD and VA) versus my medical retirement. I was an O-5, also non-combat related.

In orange: worst case, take the non-regular as you'll max out your earnings as @Provis stated. Best case would be if you can get approved for Ch 61 AND get approved for conditions that even though are not considered "combat-related" by the VA or PEB (different laws than CRSC) and get them approved for being combat-related under CRSC, because it can be due to Armed Conflict (AC), Hazardous Service (HS), Instrumentality of War (IN) - this is what burnpit exposures are covered under, Presumptives, such as those listed under the PACT Act or others laws such as for Agent Orange, etc, Simulating War (SW), or Gulf War/Mustard Gas (GW/MG)

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

You forget to factor in gray area insurance costs. Tricare costs a fortune once you are no longer in the Reserves/Guard and are in retired status awaiting pay. Say you stop drilling and enter the retired reserves awaiting pay you will need to pay for tricare at a much higher rate. Its $585 for just the Soldier. For a family its $1,406 a month. If you get out and have insurance through another employer it will still cost hundreds of dollars to insure entire family. My guess is about $1,000 or more to insure a family of 4 from a private employer per month and that would be a higher deductible plan so not even apples to apples.

So to me its still a no brainer if chapter 61 was a sure thing. What we have been saying is that since the Soldier is not active duty there is a decent chance they could be referred to a non duty related IDES where you get separated with no benefits or compensation AND if that happens in the 15-19 year range they will lose out on all of their earned guard/reserve pension due to the VA offset. Then the only hope is that CRSC can be had to recoup the offset up to the amount lost equal to their guard/reserve pension earned.

So given all these variables its best to reach 20 years. If you get forced into IDES pray its duty related and that the referred condition can reach 30% or higher DOD%. If referred I would definitely hire a dedicated private attorney to ensure I have the best chance for optimal outcome.

This is why I did not take the early retirement at 52.5 vs 60, and I think the numbers at the time are/were closer to $1200/mo, which would have equaled my bump in pay - sorry, not worth it IMHO. I did see a bill introduced in Congress about a year or two ago that would correct this, but haven't seen nor heard any movement if at all. A little too late IMHO lol

 

[TortolliniShell]

In orange: worst case, take the non-regular as you'll max out your earnings as @Provis stated. Best case would be if you can get approved for Ch 61 AND get approved for conditions that even though are not considered "combat-related" by the VA or PEB (different laws than CRSC) and get them approved for being combat-related under CRSC, because it can be due to Armed Conflict (AC), Hazardous Service (HS), Instrumentality of War (IN) - this is what burnpit exposures are covered under, Presumptives, such as those listed under the PACT Act or others laws such as for Agent Orange, etc, Simulating War (SW), or Gulf War/Mustard Gas (GW/MG)

Thanks. I'm not the original poster. I'm medically retired, O5, w/ 24yrs of reserve service. I have my 20 year letter. I just noticed that you were applying for non-regular retirement because it would be larger than your medical retirement. "...You'll be in the same boat as myself: 33y ARNG, Ch 61, started getting my Ch 61 retirement at age 50 and just submitted my non-regular retirement packet for when I turn 60 next year because my pay may end up being a decent chunk more under CRDP vs Ch 61. That's only because I have 5400 pts and am an O-6 not to mention rated at 100% VA, but NOT combat-related."

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

Thanks. I'm not the original poster. I'm medically retired, O5, w/ 24yrs of reserve service. I have my 20 year letter. I just noticed that you were applying for non-regular retirement because it would be larger than your medical retirement. "...You'll be in the same boat as myself: 33y ARNG, Ch 61, started getting my Ch 61 retirement at age 50 and just submitted my non-regular retirement packet for when I turn 60 next year because my pay may end up being a decent chunk more under CRDP vs Ch 61. That's only because I have 5400 pts and am an O-6 not to mention rated at 100% VA, but NOT combat-related."

I realize that. But one thing I should have clarified is the last part that I specifically mentioned as I know none of my VA-rated conditions would meet the requirement for CRSC based on being a CRSC Ambassador for several years now, however, yours might.

 

[USAF12345]

Absolutely they have, and reserves are just as bad as active duty. And she's medical, not IDES, she just puts in the P3/P4 profile and it goes to a regional office for processing, *most* reservist NDR-PEB or even better, IDES can take two years or more one can only hope that in the worst case that the PEB rejects the NDR-PEB and sends it back to be an IDES case, you'd get a reset on the processing and would certainly get to your 20 years. Remember, just because the VA has rated you, does NOT mean the PEB has to honor it, depending on which direction things go. And with that in mind, comes the decision whether IDES vs LDES, the latter would probably be best for you considering you have your ratings already, the former would reset the ratings and start fresh. Ugh.

Copy so I have a lot of time or that’s the hope!

I know the math is funny but I could be looking at another 1000 a month if I get 70 percent CRCS approved. Or at least that’s how the math worked when I did it. That’s if the stars align.

I’m definitely getting to my 20 but hopefully like I said I get the chapter 61 right around that time.

I don’t think they did the P3 yet because I still have 6 months to get them the paperwork? It had to be a current PFT for my asthma so I figured right at 6 months I’ll hand it in. That gives me 2.5 years till my 20.

Agree I would avoid IDES. I am already 100 percent P&T. I don’t need the VA to look at all my ratings.

LDES could be a lot faster I’m assuming? So ya like you just said it kind is a double edge sword.

 

[USAF12345]

You forget to factor in gray area insurance costs. Tricare costs a fortune once you are no longer in the Reserves/Guard and are in retired status awaiting pay. Say you stop drilling and enter the retired reserves awaiting pay you will need to pay for tricare at a much higher rate. Its $585 for just the Soldier. For a family its $1,406 a month. If you get out and have insurance through another employer it will still cost hundreds of dollars to insure entire family. My guess is about $1,000 or more to insure a family of 4 from a private employer per month and that would be a higher deductible plan so not even apples to apples.

So to me its still a no brainer if chapter 61 was a sure thing. What we have been saying is that since the Soldier is not active duty there is a decent chance they could be referred to a non duty related IDES where you get separated with no benefits or compensation AND if that happens in the 15-19 year range they will lose out on all of their earned guard/reserve pension due to the VA offset. Then the only hope is that CRSC can be had to recoup the offset up to the amount lost equal to their guard/reserve pension earned.

So given all these variables its best to reach 20 years. If you get forced into IDES pray its duty related and that the referred condition can reach 30% or higher DOD%. If referred I would definitely hire a dedicated private attorney to ensure I have the best chance for optimal outcome.

Pact Act duty related or as you sta

Also the big issue is the PEB rating. So it’s basically the roll of the dice.

How long is IDES process?
I

You forget to factor in gray area insurance costs. Tricare costs a fortune once you are no longer in the Reserves/Guard and are in retired status awaiting pay. Say you stop drilling and enter the retired reserves awaiting pay you will need to pay for tricare at a much higher rate. Its $585 for just the Soldier. For a family its $1,406 a month. If you get out and have insurance through another employer it will still cost hundreds of dollars to insure entire family. My guess is about $1,000 or more to insure a family of 4 from a private employer per month and that would be a higher deductible plan so not even apples to apples.

So to me its still a no brainer if chapter 61 was a sure thing. What we have been saying is that since the Soldier is not active duty there is a decent chance they could be referred to a non duty related IDES where you get separated with no benefits or compensation AND if that happens in the 15-19 year range they will lose out on all of their earned guard/reserve pension due to the VA offset. Then the only hope is that CRSC can be had to recoup the offset up to the amount lost equal to their guard/reserve pension earned.

So given all these variables its best to reach 20 years. If you get forced into IDES pray its duty related and that the referred condition can reach 30% or higher DOD%. If referred I would definitely hire a dedicated private attorney to ensure I have the best chance for optimal outcome.

How long does IDES typical take once it starts? Also you can appeal it? I understand if you don’t have an answer on the timeline.

If you have been treated medical on a deployment or LODs won’t they have a hard time denying it as duty related?

You also point out the issue of the rating. It’s probably hard to figure out what that could be because what you’re saying the VA rating doesn’t not mean PEB rating will be the same?

 

[Provis]

Also the big issue is the PEB rating. So it’s basically the roll of the dice.

How long is IDES process?
I

How long does IDES typical take once it starts? Also you can appeal it? I understand if you don’t have an answer on the timeline.

If you have been treated medical on a deployment or LODs won’t they have a hard time denying it as duty related?

You also point out the issue of the rating. It’s probably hard to figure out what that could be because what you’re saying the VA rating doesn’t not mean PEB rating will be the same?

4 months up to a year. I always recommend hiring a private dedicated attorney. My wife was AGR with 17 AFS and 20 good years and she was put in IDES when she needed only 3 more years to retire active duty. She hired an attorney and it made a huge difference in the outcome. She hired one before anything started. It was an amazing decision as her attorney was proactive by having her gather medical evidence, writing the commanders impact statement which she gave to her commander and luckily her commander used it verbatim, her attorney appealed at every step making a point to argue anywhere that didn't meet my wife's objective results.