Table of Contents
What is a medical discharge from the National Guard?
A Medical Discharge may be given to service members who become sick or injured to the point where military duty is no longer possible based on a medical evaluation of the medical condition. This process can be lengthy and may or may not be appealed depending on a variety of factors.
What qualifies for a medical discharge?
A physical or psychological condition that interferes significantly with an individual’s fitness for duty can be grounds for discharge. Each Service’s disability evaluation system will determine if a servicemember is unfit for duty due to physical disability. Not all medical problems amount to a disability.
Is medical separation honorable discharge?
A medical discharge is typically a general discharge under honorable conditions, but the severity and circumstances under which the medical condition began can impact the type of discharge you receive.
Can I join the National Guard if I was medically discharged from the Army?
You can join the National Guard or Reserves with a VA service-connected disability rating – if you are medically cleared. But it does affect your pay and benefits. Make sure you keep this in mind if you have a VA disability rating and you are considering joining the Guard, Reserves, or even active duty.
How long does a medical discharge take in the National Guard?
The MEB Process usually lasts about 100 days, but this is not set in stone. If the case is more difficult, the necessary evidence isn’t entirely submitted at the start of the MEB Process, or the PEB sends the case back, the MEB Process could take longer.
How do you get discharged from the National Guard?
To receive an honorable discharge, a service member must have received a rating from good to excellent for their service. Service members who meet or exceed the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct, and who complete their tours of duty, normally receive honorable discharges.
What kind of discharge is a medical separation?
An administrative discharge is one in which the military separates you from service through administrative actions. This can be an involuntary separation due to medical reasons or improper conduct, or voluntary reasons, such as deciding to leave the service after completing the current term.
Can you get VA disability and be in the National Guard?
You can be a traditional National Guard member and receive VA disability compensation. However, you cannot receive VA compensation for the same time period that you receive military pay. This does not mean you have to choose between drill pay and compensation.