• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Medical Retirement vs. Medical Discharge

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

deekath

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Oregon (currently at Fort Carson, CO)

I'm currently on medical hold after 28 months of active duty as a mobilized Army Reservist and am having difficulty getting good information regarding my particular situation.

(1) I developed neuromas in both feet after wearing combat boots every day and the nerves were eventually removed from both feet. I have constant sesamoid pain as a result of compensating for scar tissue on one of my feet after surgery.
(2) I tore the labral ligament in my hip and the military attempted to repair it arthroscopically. The debridement of the tear failed and the hip is now worse than it was in the beginning. I don't want further surgery because of future arthritis and the potential for the need of a total hip replacement. This is a pain (and grinding with every step I take) that I will have to endure for the rest of my life.
(3)I had thyroid cancer just months before my current mobilization (2002) and have been on medication. Due to the shortage of specialists, I have been treated by general practitioners and P.A.s who have changed the dosages incorrectly on several occasions. Due to the mismanagement of my thyroid medications (because I have no thyroid-it was completely removed), my EKG last week showed Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Blockage. I am now understandably angry because I felt I needed to see a specialist all along and my symptoms were severe on the occasions when I sought medical attention for my medication doses.

I have 20 years creditable for Reserve Retirement (2818 points), but Reservists do not collect retirement pay until age 60. In the meantime, I am concerned I won't be able to continue to work my civilian job at the same pace (on my feet all day and when on call during the night) when I am off active duty.

Questions:

How do I make sure I am compensated appropriately for the injuries sustained while on active duty?

Am I eligible for Medical Retirement at the active duty rate with immediate compensation? If so, where do I find the answers to find out what amount I will make? I am enlisted (E8), but have been selected for promotion to CSM (E9) and will have to give the extra drill pay income up since I am no longer fit for military duty.

Is the Army fair with the disability ratings they allocate to Army Reserve soldiers being medically discharged?

Any and all direction is appreciated from anyone! Thanks.
 



Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
data-ad-format="auto">
Top