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Question
I served in the USN from '00-'04. I have been suffering with back and chronic foot pain (gritting my teeth, so to speak while serving) and want to apply for VA Disability. However, I want to enlist in the Coast Guard. I have been hesitant in pursuing either right now, because I don't want to jeopardize my getting into the CG. My question is, can I collect VA Disability and still enlist in the Coast Guard? Any advise you can give me or refer me to would be greatly appreciated.
Ken,
If you had troulbes with your back & feet in the Navy....what makes you think that you wont have the same problems in the CG or if not worse... You have an issue with your back that needs to be taken care of. The older you get the more likely it will get worse. Go get your back looked at....By retruning to active service, you may end up getting shafted with out a disability if the military can prove that it was not service connected....CYA
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Answers by Expert:
Howard Lorenz
Expertise
I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.
Experience
Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years
Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University
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