Expert: Rod Powers - 5/8/2007

Question
I served in the Marine Corps from 2001-2005, I was honorably discharged. I spent 1 year in Okinawa and 7 mos. in Iraq supporting OIF II. When I returned from Iraq, they conducted a post-deployment evaluation and determined that I had PTSD. I now collect disability from the VA. I was told that if I were to surrender my disability that there would be a possibility for me to reenlist. I wanted to know how much of chance there is for me to reenlist before I surrender my disability. And if there is a possibility is there any way to guarantee my reenlistment? Im not on medications or recieving counseling. I don't feel that my daily life is affected in anyway by this diagnosis. I am ready and eager to rejoin the corps! Is there a waiver that could get me around any roadblocks that I may come across? I just figured that if anything, the decision for my reenlistment should be on an individual basis. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Brandon,

The Marine Corps Recruiting Regulation, MCO P1100.72C (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/marinereg/blmco1100-72b.htm), Table 3-16, rule #20 (page 3-144) states that those who are receiving disability payments from any agency ineligible for enlistment or reenlistment. Waivers are not possible, according to the manual.

If you gave up your disability compensation, you would be eligible for re-enlistment, on that point, but your PTSD diagnosis would be a show-stopper. The chances of a waiver for any mental health disorder, or stress disorder is slim -- very slim. Very, very, very slim (for obvious reasons), especially if it was considered serious enough to be a "disability."

In short, I'm sorry, but I don't think re-enlistment (in any branch) is going to happen, even if you voluntarily give up the disability pay (simply giving up the disability pay does not mean the "disability" is no longer there).

I wish I had better news,

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com