Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/early medical diacharge

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Expert: - 10/6/2008


Question
I spent 15 years in the Army National Guard,14 good years for retirement. Deployed to Iraq 2003-2004,returned home april 2004. June 2004 had heart attact. Was medivac to Germany in Jan 2004 for chest pain, was told high blood pressure and went back to iraq.Deployed again in june 2007 in train up went down for heat. Medic paniced thought it was my heart. After 11 month on med hold and med board, I was given no rating heart was determend not service related. Returned to Guard unit at home. Recieved 214 and medical Discharge from Guard. Am I eligible for any type of medical retirement?

Answer
You pretty much answered your own question.  Since it was determined not service related, I would say no.  You are eligible for VA care since you deployed.  I would talk to a VA rep to see what benefits you can receive.  You are probably eligible for more than you think.


By the way....Thanks for your service.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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