Anyone have insight as to how often a Chapter 61 medical retirement occurs for traditional Guardsmen? Does it actually happen? Anyone gone through that process as a Guardsman? (Hopefully I’ve captured the thresholds and details correctly below)
Context:
Member has a chronic medical issue and has gone through the MEB process and has an Assignment Limitation Code (ALC). Condition was stable but has recently changed for the worse - to the point that it’s affecting their daily life and work. They’re looking at options before making irreversible decisions.
Possible routes:
Stay quiet and minimize the issue until they have 20 good years - good financial outcome
Push/go through another MEB and get medical separation (<30% DoD disability rating) - not the best financial outcome
Push/go through another MEB and get medically retired (Chapter 61) (30+% DoD disability rating) - best financial outcome
Member stats:
- 16 good years
- 3500 points
- E-6
- Prior active duty time
- Currently a Traditional/Drill status guardsman (DSG)
- Current VA disability rating at 20% for two conditions, including the one that has gotten worse and may require another MEB
- Disability/medical issue was determined by the VA to be service connected (issue started and was diagnosed while on Active Duty)
-Condition is not combat related