Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 9/6/2008

Question
My husband joined the Army as E-1 in Feb 2002; he was medically discharged in April 2005 for injuries sustained in Iraq in 2004. He currently draws 65% disability from the VA and has been diagnosed with PTSD, however, this does not effect his daily life. He REALLY wants to rejoin and serve his country again. He was discharged previously because he was an infantry scout and was unable to wear his combat gear due to the injury from IRAQ. He is currently going to school to be a Nurse and wants to join the Air Force. He has a reentry code of 3. Is he eligible to join if he relinquishes his VA disability? I have so many more questions regarding this as in tatoos and such. Thank you for your time and expertize.

Answer
Dear Jennifer --

Your husband is probably not eligible to rejoin, even if he relinquishes his disability pay.  His RE code of 3 is not the lowest RE code, but it is very low.  He would need to go before the military board of corrections and petition to have it changed to RE 1, if he is serious about re-enlistment.

A better option is probably for him to use his veterans' preference and become a nurse in the civil service arena.  He would work in military hospitals, and treat the service men and women.  He would not need to wear protective gear, and so would be more comfortable as he performed his mission.

I wish you both the best of luck, and thank him for his service.