I am a National Gaurd Officer, should I retire or MEB

I am new to the forum. While reading through many of the comments and threats it immediately became apparent that there are some amazing servicemembers, veterans, and advocates who are doing great things here. I appreciate everyone's service in and out of the uniform, and your willingness to share, mentor, and advocate for our service members and their families. Job well done!

I am requesting guidance and feedback reference something that I have been struggling with will deciding my way forward. Should I seek a disability/ medical retirement or wait for regular retirement?

I am a 56-year-old National Guardsman
I am an O6 with 36 qualifying years of qualifying service (14 years of previous enlisted service)
I have a 100% P & T VA rating
I have approx 6550 points
I am assuming that I will have =/ > 75% DoD disability rating
I am assuming I will fall somewhere between 60-100% combat connect

With the reduced time for deployment, I can start collecting my regular retirement at 59 years old.

My understanding is that if I am DoD rated =/ > 30% I will start receiving a DoD disability retirement and Tricare benefits immediately on separation. I also think that the combat-related portion of the DoD disability retirement pay is non-taxed due to combat-related disabilities. If this is all correct, I could receive 75% of my base pay on separation, and most if not all of this payment is non-taxed rather than a regular retirement, waiting until 59 to receive about 48% of base pay which is all taxed.

Am I thinking about this correctly?

Thanks for reading my moments.
 
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Big Sky said:
I am new to the forum. While reading through many of the comments and threats it immediately became apparent that there are some amazing servicemembers, veterans, and advocates who are doing great things here. I appreciate everyone's service in and out of the uniform, and your willingness to share, mentor, and advocate for our service members and their families. Job well done!

I am requesting guidance and feedback reference something that I have been struggling with will deciding my way forward. Should I seek a disability/ medical retirement or wait for regular retirement?

I am a 56-year-old National Guardsman
I am an O6 with 36 qualifying years of qualifying service (14 years of previous enlisted service)
I have a 100% P & T VA rating
I have approx 6550 points
I am assuming that I will have =/ > 75% DoD disability rating
I am assuming I will fall somewhere between 60-100% combat connect

With the reduced time for deployment, I can start collecting my regular retirement at 59 years old.

My understanding is that if I am DoD rated =/ > 30% I will start receiving a DoD disability retirement and Tricare benefits immediately on separation. I also think that the combat-related portion of the DoD disability retirement pay is non-taxed due to combat-related disabilities. If this is all correct, I could receive 75% of my base pay on separation, and most if not all of this payment is non-taxed rather than a regular retirement, waiting until 59 to receive about 48% of base pay which is all taxed.

Am I thinking about this correctly?

Thanks for reading my moments.
Click to expand...
Do you have LOD's for the conditions? Has anyone referred you to a MEB?

Normally I say fight for chapter 61 medical retirement but in your situation if I put myself in your shoes I would probably retire. Also, you will get CRDP at retirement so you will get the higher of CRDP and CRSC but the good news is that CRDP doesn't require an application. Its automatic.

I came to that conclusion for recommending retiring based on how close you are to your non regular retirement and assuming you aren't already in IDES. By the time you got through IDES you would have about 2 years difference but you are getting 100% VA in that 2 year gap. You would net more money during that gap period if medically retired but I am not sure that would be enough especially when you have ChampVA in the meantime.
 
Added to @Provis excellent reply:

Eligibility for CRDP (from DFAS)
You must be eligible for retired pay to qualify for CRDP. If you were placed on a disability retirement, but would be eligible for military retired pay in the absence of the disability, you may be entitled to receive CRDP.

Under these rules, you may be entitled to CRDP if…

  • you are a regular retiree with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.
  • you are a reserve retiree with 20 qualifying years of service, who has a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater and who has reached retirement age. (In most cases the retirement age for reservists is 60, but certain reserve retirees may be eligible before they turn 60. If you are a member of the Ready Reserve, your retirement age can be reduced below age 60 by three months for each 90 days of active service you have performed during a fiscal year.)
  • you are retired under Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA) and have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.
  • you are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. You might become eligible for CRDP at the time you would have become eligible for retired pay.
Ron

edited to add:
For those who received a disability retirement and also qualify for CRDP: CRDP from DFAS is the mechanism that pays the longevity portion of retired pay. CRDP does not restore waived retired pay in excess of the longevity portion.
 
If you medically retire chapter 61 and don't have the qualification for CDRP, I think you will lose out on money in the long run. When you retire chp 61, you won't qualify for your traditional retirement benefits when you hit min retirement age.

Bottom line, I agree with Provis that in your situation, doing a normal Guard retirement is more advantageous to you in the long-term than a chapter 61. It is rare to see that happen, but with how close you are to retirement and years in service already, it just doesn't make sense to push for it.

Godspeed!

UPDATE -
As I reread Ron's post, it looks like since you qualified for a normal guard retirement, you "might" become eligible for CDRP even if you did a chapter 61 retirement. I still don't change my position on just doing a normal guard retirement in your situation, but this does slightly change the calculation.
  • you are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. You might become eligible for CRDP at the time you would have become eligible for retired pay.
 
Guardguy11 said:
UPDATE -
As I reread Ron's post, it looks like since you qualified for a normal guard retirement, you "might" become eligible for CDRP even if you did a chapter 61 retirement. I still don't change my position on just doing a normal guard retirement in your situation, but this does slightly change the calculation.
  • you are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. You might become eligible for CRDP at the time you would have become eligible for retired pay.
Click to expand...
Hello,

Disability retirees who qualify for reserve retirement upon reaching the age requirement and otherwise qualify for CRDP are encouraged to apply for reserve retirement about six months before they attain that requirement. The approval will eventually trigger CRDP by DFAS. I have seen more than a dozen of cases like this.

Interestingly, the reserve retirement can still use the DoD disability multiplier for the amount of retired pay. Then the retired pay is reduced by the amount of VA compensation. There might be residual retired pay. CRDP will restore the amount of the longevity portion of retired pay, BUT the combination of residual retired pay and CRDP cannot exceed the computed amount of the longevity portion of retired pay.

Ron
cc: @Guardguy11 @Provis
 
INL - IF you have LODs and those LOD's conditions will result in greater than ~47%, then you would be crazy (IMHO) to not pursue a Chapter61 retirement. There are many excel sheets out there that will show your retirement $$ versus Chapter 61 retirement $$. I am in this same position (O4, 34 years, 6700 points) looking at 60-70% for Chapter 61. This will make a significant difference in the long run. Due to how much you could potential make as Chapter 61 versus normal retirement, the 10-20% difference in your retirement will most likely equate to >2,000, so you will have to be rated at least at 70-80% VA before you would even have a chance at increasing your retirement through CRDP. Hope this makes sense. If you are still fighting for your ILOD status, then please see my timeline. It took me about a year to get the AR to accept the previous LOD as an actual LOD.
 
GAS6 said:
INL - IF you have LODs and those LOD's conditions will result in greater than ~47%, then you would be crazy (IMHO) to not pursue a Chapter61 retirement. There are many excel sheets out there that will show your retirement $$ versus Chapter 61 retirement $$. I am in this same position (O4, 34 years, 6700 points) looking at 60-70% for Chapter 61. This will make a significant difference in the long run. Due to how much you could potential make as Chapter 61 versus normal retirement, the 10-20% difference in your retirement will most likely equate to >2,000, so you will have to be rated at least at 70-80% VA before you would even have a chance at increasing your retirement through CRDP. Hope this makes sense. If you are still fighting for your ILOD status, then please see my timeline. It took me about a year to get the AR to accept the previous LOD as an actual LOD.
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Pardon me, I am not sure if I understand all that is presented above.

Some comments:

1. A disability retirement without qualification for another type retirement will receive the higher of
the (DOD percentage) or the (active duty equivalent x 2.5%) note: 2% is used for blended retirement
times
The average high three base pay = retired pay
High three base pay is the total of the highest 36 months of pay divided by 36.

2. The retired pay discussed at item one will be reduced dollar for dollar in the amount of VA compensation received.
Any residual retired pay is disbursed to the retiree. In this scenario, he/she might be eligible for CRSC but is not eligle for CRDP. The combination of residual retired pay and CRSC could not exceed the longevity amount of retired pay.

3. If the same individual qualified for a reserve retirement, the computation would be the same, except he/she could apply for reserve retired pay at age 60 (or earlier) and the approval would trigger the CRDP by DFAS. The combination of residual retired pay and CRDP could not exceed the longevity amount of retired pay. Same for CRSC.

Ron
 
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RonG
Taking the example presented by Big Sky.
Big Sky is O6 w/34 years. For simple math, high three is ~$14,000/month
Points = 6550 = 18.19 years = 45.49% for longevity
Longevity * monthly rate = Longevity$, 45.49% * $14,000 = $6,368.60
If Big Sky retires Chapter 61 at 60% = $8,400; This increase significantly if the Chapter 61 is 70% = $9,800, Big Sky states =>75% = $10,500
The difference for Big Sky's Chapter 61 and Longevity$ is $4,131 for 75%
If CRDP (or any make up is less than $4,131 - then net 0 make-up), So Big Sky nets more by retiring at 75%.

Assuming it takes about year for Big Sky to actually get out through the IDES process, then Big Sky receives, $120K/year for one or two years earlier (Big Sky is 56 y/o) than waiting until 59 years old (Big Sky's number). That is a significant number worth chasing (IMHO).
 
GAS6 said:
RonG
Taking the example presented by Big Sky.
Big Sky is O6 w/34 years. For simple math, high three is ~$14,000/month
Points = 6550 = 18.19 years = 45.49% for longevity
Longevity * monthly rate = Longevity$, 45.49% * $14,000 = $6,368.60
If Big Sky retires Chapter 61 at 60% = $8,400; This increase significantly if the Chapter 61 is 70% = $9,800, Big Sky states =>75% = $10,500
The difference for Big Sky's Chapter 61 and Longevity$ is $4,131 for 75%
If CRDP (or any make up is less than $4,131 - then net 0 make-up), So Big Sky nets more by retiring at 75%.

Assuming it takes about year for Big Sky to actually get out through the IDES process, then Big Sky receives, $120K/year for one or two years earlier (Big Sky is 56 y/o) than waiting until 59 years old (Big Sky's number). That is a significant number worth chasing (IMHO).
Click to expand...
Hello,

In your computation, I don’t see the reduction of retired pay dollar for dollar in the amount of his VA compensation.
Big Sky said: “I have a 100% P & T VA rating.” He did not state the amount or the number and categories of dependents.
Without that consideration, an accurate computation is unlikely.

From what I see, your computation is at least $3000 off.

The purpose of CRDP is to restore waived/reduced retired pay in cases like that of Big Sky.

The purpose of CRSC is to replace waived/reduced retired (some or all) that is approved as combat related.

Discussion, DoD Retired Pay and VA Compensation LINK <----

Ron
 
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Provis said:
Do you have LOD's for the conditions? Has anyone referred you to a MEB?

Normally I say fight for chapter 61 medical retirement but in your situation if I put myself in your shoes I would probably retire. Also, you will get CRDP at retirement so you will get the higher of CRDP and CRSC but the good news is that CRDP doesn't require an application. Its automatic.

I came to that conclusion for recommending retiring based on how close you are to your non regular retirement and assuming you aren't already in IDES. By the time you got through IDES you would have about 2 years difference but you are getting 100% VA in that 2 year gap. You would net more money during that gap period if medically retired but I am not sure that would be enough especially when you have ChampVA in the meantime.
Click to expand...
RonG,

Thank you for your response and wisdom.

I have LODs that cover 60%. Everything else is in my med records and post-deployment PHAs from previous deployments. This is the documentation that I used for my service-connected VA ratings.

I was in Kuwait and Iraq during DS/ DS for nine months from 1990-1991, and no LOD for the gulf war presumptive IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) service-connected VA rating. How does an MEB consider a gulf war presumptive rating during this period?

Do you know the process to get service-connected VA ratings considered in the MEB that do not have LODs?

My VA serviced-connected ratings are complete, does this speed up the process?

Can you provide me instructions on how to calculate CRDP or point me in the right direction to find the calculations? I did find your CSRC calculator, it was very helpful.

Thanks again.

Respectfully,

BS
 
Taking the example presented by Big Sky.
Big Sky is O6 w/34 years. For simple math, high three is ~$14,000/month
Points = 6550 = 18.19 years = 45.49% for longevity
Longevity * monthly rate = Longevity$, 45.49% * $14,000 = $6,368.60
Comment: Chapter 61 retirees receive the higher of the DOD multiplier or the longevity multiplier
Comment: 6368.60 minus 3000 (at least) = 3368.60 residual retired pay he keeps
If Big Sky retires Chapter 61 at 60% = $8,400; This increase significantly if the Chapter 61 is 70% = $9,800, Big Sky states =>75% = $10,500
Comment: 10,500 minus 3000 (at least) = 7500 residual retired pay he keeps
Comment: If CRDP was a factor, he would receive zero CRDP since the combination of CRDP and residual retired pay cannot exceed the longevity amount.

The difference for Big Sky's Chapter 61 and Longevity$ is $4,131 for 75%
If CRDP (or any make up is less than $4,131 - then net 0 make-up), So Big Sky nets more by retiring at 75%.

Assuming it takes about year for Big Sky to actually get out through the IDES process, then Big Sky receives, $120K/year for one or two years earlier (Big Sky is 56 y/o) than waiting until 59 years old (Big Sky's number). That is a significant number worth chasing (IMHO).

Comment: I did not re-compute the other areas of this case.

Ron
 
Hello @Big Sky

@Provis has provided most of the help. A fellow by the name @edwards7986 designed the excellent calculator.

The combination of residual retired pay and CRDP cannot exceed the longevity portion of your retired pay.

You first need to compute your retired pay including the amount of residual retired pay after the VA offset.

If the residual retired pay is equal or more than the longevity, no CRDP is due.

An example computation with my comments added precedes this post. I think 14k was used as high three.

Ron
 
RonG said:
Hello,

In your computation, I don’t see the reduction of retired pay dollar for dollar in the amount of his VA compensation.
Big Sky said: “I have a 100% P & T VA rating.” He did not state the amount or the number and categories of dependents.
Without that consideration, an accurate computation is unlikely.

From what I see, your computation is at least $3000 off.

The purpose of CRDP is to restore waived/reduced retired pay in cases like that of Big Sky.

The purpose of CRSC is to replace waived/reduced retired (some or all) that is approved as combat related.

Discussion, DoD Retired Pay and VA Compensation LINK <----

Ron
Click to expand...
RonG,

My VA 100% rating is with a wife and a college student (student for 3 more years).
GAS6 said:
RonG
Taking the example presented by Big Sky.
Big Sky is O6 w/34 years. For simple math, high three is ~$14,000/month
Points = 6550 = 18.19 years = 45.49% for longevity
Longevity * monthly rate = Longevity$, 45.49% * $14,000 = $6,368.60
If Big Sky retires Chapter 61 at 60% = $8,400; This increase significantly if the Chapter 61 is 70% = $9,800, Big Sky states =>75% = $10,500
The difference for Big Sky's Chapter 61 and Longevity$ is $4,131 for 75%
If CRDP (or any make up is less than $4,131 - then net 0 make-up), So Big Sky nets more by retiring at 75%.

Assuming it takes about year for Big Sky to actually get out through the IDES process, then Big Sky receives, $120K/year for one or two years earlier (Big Sky is 56 y/o) than waiting until 59 years old (Big Sky's number). That is a significant number worth chasing (IMHO).
Click to expand...
GAS6,

Thanks so much for your response and input. I see the calculations the same way as you. However, I have only enough internet knowledge to be dangerous.

The way I see it, I have nothing to lose by going through the process especially if it takes time; more time equates to more pay and points. I will get at least 48% of base pay that is taxed when I turn 59 years old or possibly 75% non-taxed base pay sooner. I realize I don't have any understanding of CRDP or CSRC at this point but I hope that will come soon.

I am very interested in any additional input, I don't want to mess up here.

Thanks again.

Respectfully,

BS
 
Big Sky said:
RonG,

Thank you for your response and wisdom.

I have LODs that cover 60%. Everything else is in my med records and post-deployment PHAs from previous deployments. This is the documentation that I used for my service-connected VA ratings.

I was in Kuwait and Iraq during DS/ DS for nine months from 1990-1991, and no LOD for the gulf war presumptive IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) service-connected VA rating. How does an MEB consider a gulf war presumptive rating during this period?

Do you know the process to get service-connected VA ratings considered in the MEB that do not have LODs?

My VA serviced-connected ratings are complete, does this speed up the process?

Can you provide me instructions on how to calculate CRDP or point me in the right direction to find the calculations? I did find your CSRC calculator, it was very helpful.

Thanks again.

Respectfully,

BS
Click to expand...
Big Sky said:
RonG,

Thank you for your response and wisdom.

I have LODs that cover 60%. Everything else is in my med records and post-deployment PHAs from previous deployments. This is the documentation that I used for my service-connected VA ratings.

I was in Kuwait and Iraq during DS/ DS for nine months from 1990-1991, and no LOD for the gulf war presumptive IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) service-connected VA rating. How does an MEB consider a gulf war presumptive rating during this period?

Do you know the process to get service-connected VA ratings considered in the MEB that do not have LODs?

My VA serviced-connected ratings are complete, does this speed up the process?

Can you provide me instructions on how to calculate CRDP or point me in the right direction to find the calculations? I did find your CSRC calculator, it was very helpful.

Thanks again.

Respectfully,

BS
Click to expand...

RonG said:
Hello @Big Sky

@Provis has provided most of the help. A fellow by the name @edwards7986 designed the excellent calculator.

The combination of residual retired pay and CRDP cannot exceed the longevity portion of your retired pay.

You first need to compute your retired pay including the amount of residual retired pay after the VA offset.

If the residual retired pay is equal or more than the longevity, no CRDP is due.

An example computation with my comments added precedes this post. I think 14k was used as high
Click to expand...

RonG said:
Hello @Big Sky

@Provis has provided most of the help. A fellow by the name @edwards7986 designed the excellent calculator.

The combination of residual retired pay and CRDP cannot exceed the longevity portion of your retired pay.

You first need to compute your retired pay including the amount of residual retired pay after the VA offset.

If the residual retired pay is equal or more than the longevity, no CRDP is due.

An example computation with my comments added precedes this post. I think 14k was used as high three.

Ron
Click to expand...
Thx RonG, I just realized that I addressed you incorrectly.

Provis thanks you so much.

BS
 
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