Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have been trying to find answers everywhere, so I really appreciate it if you can help.

I was in the Marines for 4 years enlisted active duty and separated with a re-enlistment code of 1 (eligible to re-enlist).  The VA gave me a 30% disability rating due to dermatitis (dry skin) and a scar.  Since then I have gone to grad school and gotten my M.S. in exercise science.  I am trying to go into the Aerospace Physiology program, and the recruiter said my application would be most likely a shoe in.  The problem though is the disability.  He says the VA has to get rid of it, and the VA says they will only remove it if I get orders and am on active duty again.  I've called the MEPS station to see if I can go there to get medical clearance.  They said only the recruiter can send me.  Any advice?  Thanks.

Miles

ANSWER: Miles,
Congratulations on getting your Masters degree!
I contacted VA headquarters to get you an exact answer because it seems to me the VA would be happy to quit paying you and turn you over to the military (DoD).  They said "As soon as he rejoins the military the VA will remove the disability and stop paying him.  Regulations says "If you enter into active duty you must notify the VA and they will remove the disability and stop paying compensation."  He will have to reapply for his disability once he is discharged from duty.

The MEPS station is correct, only your recruiter can send you there.  So your recruiter will enlist you like anybody else, and then later you can notify the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and tell them you're active-duty again.
Good Luck,
Colonel H

PS.  My best friend had dermatitis (dry skin) for 30 years and tried every cortisone drug in the book, but nothing worked.  Last week he went to a young Dermatologist who tried a new steroid-based spray and it worked so well you'd never know he ever had it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Colonel H,

Thanks for the quick response.  I'm aware that I need to contact the VA once I enter active duty status.  The problem is that I am trying to put in an application for a direct commission into the health care field.  The recruiter will not even let me fill out an application while I am in disability status from the VA.  I needed to try to cancel my disability before even being able to go active duty, just so that I may apply for the direct commission.  The bad thing would be if I do cancel the disability (if the VA lets me) and then I don't get accepted for the direct commission.

Thanks again in advance,
Miles

Answer
Miles,
According to the VA, your recruiter is mistaken.  Call the VA at the number I gave you and ask them directly.  Your situation doesn't happen very often so the recruiter may not have had a case like yours before.  Also, ask the recruiter to elevate your problem to his District HQ and show him my correspondence with you.
Colonel H