Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/1/2009

Question
In 2001 I was discharged from the Marine corps with an OTH and RE-code of 3. In 2005 I joined the national GUARD where I deployed twice to Iraq and received an honorable discharge on my 1st tour and was then medically separated on my 2nd tour for injuries and PTSD sustained in IRAQ. I did receive a rating of 60% from the VA. Since then I have been in school, working, going to therapy and taking care of my family... My question to you is Do you know of anyway I can get back into the USMC? I talked with an Army Guard recruiter who said he would have to complete a waiver for me and get doctors to sign off on my condition which would be great but I would love to get back into the Marines. Even if I had to repeat boot camp. Also if I were to re-enlist into any branch of service how would this effect my rating and compensation which I am receiving?

Answer
Dear Christopher --

Since you were medically separated, any return to service would require a waiver of the condition for which you were discharged, no matter which service you choose.

Further, you would no longer receive any compensation for your injuries since re-enlisting means you are physically capable of service, and no longer disabled.  Whether the VA would find you 60% disabled when you again leave the service, I could not predict.

Please write back, if you want to discuss your alternatives further.  There are Department of Defense Civilian jobs that might be a better match for you, if you are interested.

Thank you for your service.