Military Retirement Benefits /Disability Retirement

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TRICARE - Health Care for Service Members and Others

Learn about TRICARE, who is eligible, the options available, and how much it could cost.
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Disability Programs Available to Veterans - VA, DoD and Social Security

Here, we explain the two compensation systems for former military - VA and DoD - as well as Social Security Disability benefits.

DOD Compensation & Benefits Handbook (for wounded, ill or injured service members and their families)

 

The 2011 DoD Compensation and Benefits Handbook is a quick reference guide for wounded, ill and injured Service members and their loved ones during rehabilitation to reintegration. This Handbook was designed to answer questions in the order in which they are most likely to arise, including chapters on:

  • Recovery resources
  • Medical care
  • DoD pay and allowances
  • Disability Evaluation System
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Reintegration into civilian life

Many of the answers to specific questions will depend on the Service member’s personal circumstances. Service members should take advantage of the assistance of their Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC), Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocate, Navy Safe Harbor Non-Medical Care Manager (NMCM) or Federal Recovery Coordinator (FRC) to help find the answers to questions or contact the appropriate experts.

DoD Disability Compensation and Severance

The Department of Defense provides two types of disability compensation: Permanent Disability Retirement and Temporary Disability Retirement. They also provide something known as Disability Severance Pay.

 

A. Permanent Disability

Permanent disability is available for individuals:

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Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act

FAQs about the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act and how it can help enforce a Court Order regarding military retirement pay, child support or alimony owed by a service member.
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Benefits at Separation

This is a quick summary of several important benefits. The chart shows whether you may qualify, based on your discharge status.

Physical Disability Review Board

A disabled veteran may be eligible for military disability benefits, Social Security Disability benefits, and VA disability benefits. Read information about the differences here.

Military Disability Retirement and Severance Pay

If you were separated from the military due to a medical issue, you may qualify for Military Disability Retirement benefits or severance payment. Read more about those benefits here.

Can I Receive Payments From the DoD and the VA for the Same Disability?

In short, probably not. The two programs usually offset each other. Thus, you may generally only receive benefits from one program. However, for some veterans there are exceptions.