If you retire with 20 or more years active service, and have 50% disability you will not get much because what they pay for in VA Disability is subtracted from your retirement pay.  I do not have an answer as to why, but this has been going on for the last 20 years that I know of.   There have been several bills before congress to change this but so far it has not happened.  In 2004 a bill was passed by both hoses and the president said he could not singe off on that because it would break the bank.  About a week latter the survivors if 911 got 8.3 Billion dollars.  98 Billion went to Iraq.

SB115,

When you were discharged, did you get a copy of your medical records? Since you are already going to the VA I would assume they have a copy. If not, all medical records for military personnel are archived. They would show that your current ailment was service connected.

A friend of mine was injured a few weeks after tech school. She was thrown from a horse (she was an experienced rider) and ended up with inoperable brain damage. She received a 100% medical disability. She passed away about 10 years ago from something totally unrelated to her brain damage. All told, she was only in the Air Force about six months.

If the first C&P isn't to your satisfaction, you should be able to appeal it, and get a more satisfactory outcome.

Does your Remstar Auto have a smart card?  If so, it can be read with software you can get from Respironics so you can see exactly how your treatment is going. The normal settings for an auto are three points below and above your titrated pressures. This should be considered only a starting point. I, too, have an auto (M-series) and found that my best setting was actually two points below and four above my titrated pressure.

Good luck.

Wally wrote:

If you retire with 20 or more years active service, and have 50% disability you will not get much because what they pay for in VA Disability is subtracted from your retirement pay.  I do not have an answer as to why, but this has been going on for the last 20 years that I know of.   There have been several bills before congress to change this but so far it has not happened.  In 2004 a bill was passed by both hoses and the president said he could not singe off on that because it would break the bank.  About a week latter the survivors if 911 got 8.3 Billion dollars.  98 Billion went to Iraq.

Just some information so that people are not being provided incorrect information in regards to VA Disability pay and the new Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) that was signed into law in 2004.

Benefits Update: Concurrent Receipt is now officially named Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP).

Frequently Asked CRDP Questions:
Do all retirees with a VA-rated disability qualify?
Do I have to have a VA disability rating to qualify?
Do I have to apply for concurrent receipt?
How will I be paid?
Are CRDP Payments Retroactive?
When will the new payments begin?
How much will I get paid?
If I am qualified for both concurrent receipt and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) can I take both?
Is the concurrent receipt compensation taxable?


1. Do all retirees with a VA-rated disability qualify?
Answer:Anyone who has served long enough in the military to be qualified to receive regular military retirement pay ( normally 20 years of service for the purposes of computing retired pay). Medical disability retirees with 20 years' or more service are eligible to receive this new compensation. National Guard and Reserves are also eligible if they have completed 20 (or more) good years of service.

Note: The only retirees not eligible for CRDP are those retirees who retired for medical reasons (under chapter 61 of USC 10) with less than 20 years of service.

2. Do I have to have a VA disability rating to qualify?
Answer: Yes. To qualify the disability must be rated at 50% or higher.

3. Do I have to apply for concurrent receipt?
Answer: No.

4. How will I be paid?


Answer:The VA disability compensation will automatically be added to your regular retirement pay.

5. Are CRDP Payments Retroactive?
Answer:Yes.  They are retroactive to January 1, 2004.

6. When will the new payments begin?
Answer:You will begin receiving your concurrent receipt soon after you are determined to be eligible.

7. How much will I get paid?
Answer: If you qualify for concurrent receipt you can expect to see a flat rate increase based on your VA disability rating and number of dependents. The following are the estimated rates that apply apply for 2007 based on the W/O dependents rate:

$2471 for 100% VA disability;
$987 for 90% VA disability;
$860 for 80% VA disability;
$689 for 70% VA disability;
$496 for 60% VA disability;
$403 for 50% VA disability.

8. If I am qualified for both concurrent receipt and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) can I take both?
Answer: No. DFAS is paying each retiree the higher dollar amount between the CRSC and CRDP payments regardless of taxable disposition of CRDP.


 Note: December 2005 retired members entitled to receive either CRSC or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) will be provided with an election form as part of the annual open season. During the open season, affected retirees will have the opportunity to elect to receive either CRDP or CRSC for the next year. In order for the entitlement to change, the form must be received and processed by Jan. 31, 2006. Based on the election, the change will take effect on the payment dated Feb.1, 2006. In addition, as a result of the phased in CRDP, the amount retirees will receive for CRDP will increase effective January 2006 and will be reflected in the payment dated Feb.1, 2006.

9. Is the concurrent receipt compensation taxable?
Answer:Based on current law regarding taxability of disability income (26 U.S.C. 104), concurrent receipt may be taxable the same as your regular retirement pa

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP)

The 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included provisions for a ten-year plan to eliminate the offset of retired pay for VA disability compensation for those with 50-100% disabilities. All retirees (except medical disability retirees with less than twenty years of service) who have VA disability ratings of 50% or higher will have military retired pay offsets phased out over a ten-year period, starting January 1, 2004. The majority of the retired pay offset will be eliminated in six years.

The new law went into effect Jan 1, 2004 and most eligible retirees are receiving payments. All compensation will be paid retroactive to January 1, 2004.

USAF91,
    Thank you very much for posting, great information!  Do you have an regs or links for the information?

I am still doing research on regs for AF members.  If anyone has any info, please post or PM me so I can update this thread.  

Thanks to all,
Frodo

jpezz,

Gee, I'm sorry, I hadn't seen your post until now.  Right now we're not adding more forums, but you never know, there may be more of a need.  Let's just see how it goes.  Everytime we add a forum, we think it over quite a bit (we're slow!    ), because adding forums means monitoring more of them.  But again, let's see how it goes for now.  You can always use the search feature at the top of the main page.  

But you have gotten me to thinking if some of this info could be copied into our FAQ section.  Thanks for your input.  Sorry it took me so long to reply!


Linda


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Click here for link to FAQ and topics
Click here for link to section on machines and masks

Frodo,

There are no AF regs that deal with disability compensation.  That is a DFAS function.  If someone wants to get further information all they have to do is go to:  http://www.dfas.mil/retiredpay/concurrentretirementanddisabilitypay.html  That will provide as much information as is currently available.  Being that DFAS is the sole authority when dealing with military pay issues (active duty or retired) people should only trust the information that is provided by DFAS.  I have seen many people make posts about what is and what isnt payable under disability.  I felt the need to provide the most current information available in hopes that the new active duty people that get diagnosed with this do not get false information about what they will get at retirement.  While I may not post alot I have been doing alot of research in regards to disability pay (not just sleep apnea associated disability rates) and while I am not the expert I do have a fairly good idea about what I will be entitled.  

I can give a pretty accurate and current projection to other active duty AF personnel as to how the MEB will fall into place.  I just went through that process about 6 mths ago.  It was stressful but I had someone that went through it a few mths prior that was able to calm my nerves when it came to my turn.  The deal with the MEB folks is that they have to give the worst case scenario, which 99.9% will not become reality.  I'll be around lurking in the shadows to crush any further myths or fables that rear their ugly head.

USAFSF91,
Thanks again! I found that information after I posted the question.  I too am doing a lot of research about the MEB and ALC codes.  There have been a lot of changes the last year and I found a few briefing ppt from the SG office about MEB and ALC codes (I posted the links in the other thread).  It mentions specifically sleep apnea and using a CPAP has to be MEB as per AFI XXX and there is a "list" that the SG has for ALC-C.  In one of the briefs he stats that there will not be a list posted but only the SG office can put a member on ALC-C.  He briefs that the MEB should RTD the individual (as long as he/she can still perform their job and there is no medical danger) and the SG will assign the ALC-C; the MEB shouldn't/can't recommend the ALC codes.  From what I found, apnea with CPAP is on that "list".  However, he also briefs that any new MEB will automatically be stratisfied with a ALC-C1, ALC-C2, or ALC-3.  Apnea is on the top of the list, and it leads me to believe it will be a ALC-C1 (depends on the severity of the apnea as every case is different).  If you "only" have a ALC-C code it should/will be statisfied (I suspect a ALC-C1) and can/will enable you to PCS overseas to fixed MTF without a waiver.  Good for some and bad for those that want to say CONUS.  I will post some of the briefings later.

"I'll be around lurking in the shadows to crush any further myths or fables that rear their ugly head."   That is why I started this thread to help our fellow Vets.  Thank you again for your help,

Frodo


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Successful Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction surgery?saline irrigation...continuing cpap trial for pressure settings...

Okay here is some info from several briefings found on the AFMS website.  This should be only used as referance and not official!  

From the Medical Profiles brief https://kx.afms.mil/kxweb/dotmil/file/web/ctb_050272.pdf
�� ~ 6,700 personnel on ALC-C today
�� Top three categories are asthma, diabetes, and cancer
�� ~ 50% of cases are asthma and diabetes and sleep apnea (not all C1 criteria)

From MEB-PEB SGH brief https://kx.afms.mil/kxweb/dotmil/getFile.do?cid=CTB_050280
MEB physicians may only make one of two recs:
“Return to Duty�
Per AFI, this means you believe member “fully WWQ�
I recommend you use this when you believe member is fit for duty, regardless of perceived WWQ status
This can expedite “slam dunk� cases like MSgt w/ DM
“Refer to IPEB�
Per AFI, this means you believe “WWQ is questionable�
I recommend you use this when you believe member is not fit for duty, regardless of perceived WWQ status
Regardless, case always comes to AFPC for review!

Reasonable RTD Recommendations slide
12-year troop with sleep apnea requiring CPAP

ALC-C Stratification (cont.) slides
Who stratifies members into categories?
DPAMM – that is, me!
Using what criteria?
Those developed by Consultant to AF/SG in the specialty which the condition falls under
Which diseases have been stratified?
Asthma, diabetes, OSA, CAD, UC/Crohns, HIV
These six make up over two-thirds of all C-Codes
What about the others?
We will stratify more as we go, as time permits
Those not yet stratified will remain C-3 till criteria set

The overarching principle – there are many folks who can and should be managed only by FPs or PAs, who need no specialty care
Examples – mild asthmatics who need albuterol only before a run, diabetics on metformin alone with Hgb A1C of 6.2, sleep apneics well-controlled on CPAP
These folks can be cared for overseas in fixed MTFs
These will be the C-1’s, not the ones who are brittle, on multiple drugs, with abnormal tests
We can fuss all we want, but the CSAF, and many line units, wanted & approved this program!
In a downsized, expeditionary AF, getting additional folks overseas is a worthy goal, if it is done safely

Field Update #53 – ALC “C� Stratification https://kx.afms.mil/kxweb/dotmil/file/web/ctb_056430.pdf
Next, we just began stratifying in about mid-January, as the criteria were received for the first two conditions.  Periodically I will be asking certain consultants for input on certain diseases, and once I have that input, I will stratify each C-Coded condition.  Right now I have solid criteria for asthma, diabetes, sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease.  These four make up nearly two-thirds of the total pool of members with C-Codes, so you can see why I wanted to begin with these.  

From this point forward, every member who warrants a C-Code will get a stratified C-Code.  If the member has recently had his/her first MEB and has been returned to duty by the MEB or PEB with a condition requiring a C-Code (asthma, diabetes, seizures, etc), then he/she will be given a brand new C-Code, which will be stratified from the start.  

Remember this is not offical, for ref only.  I am sure there have been changes since.  Hope this helps,

Frodo


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Successful Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction surgery?saline irrigation...continuing cpap trial for pressure settings...

threebrosracing wrote:

OK, I guess I have a few questions.  I have been in the Army for 14 years.  It will be 15 years on August 27th.  I was diagnosed with Severe OSA two years ago.  I have kept it under the table since I was diagnosed.  Currently I'm on my 3rd year as a Drill Sergeant and this OSA is kicking my butt.  Since my original diagnosis, my OSA has gotten worse.  I had to do another sleep study last year and they told me that im gettin worse.  I had to have my CPAP adjusted from"7" to "11".  I know that Severe OSA will get me 50% disability.  The thing is that I don't want to get out.  I would like to contine to serve my remaining 5 years and retire.  But I have a few questions......

DS, let me see if I can help you. I'm a SPC who just went through the process.

Quote:

1.  If I get a P3 profile now with 14 years and 8 months TIS, will they force a medical discharge on me?  I was told that I need to wait till I have 15 years TIS and then I will get a choice to get out or stay in.

In order for the process to work by the book, you would get a T3 profile (311111) on the day you get the CPAP. After a year on CPAP therapy, they will give you a P3 and send you through the MEB/PEB process. I'm not sure your MOS, but as a 25B with 3 years TIS, they decided to keep me. They gave me a P3 with code Y (fit for duty), and I am currently deployed to Iraq, CPAP and all.

Quote:

2.  If I choose to get out I was told that I want to get "Medically Retired."  Does this mean that I get a portion of my retirement and 50% disability, or am I just gonna get 50% disability?

I pretty much was told they would give me through the MEB/PEB a 0%, meaning a severance package and the rest of it (50% disabiliy rating) through the VA. They don't want to retire for this. They don't like to think of OSA as an actual disorder.

Quote:

If I choose to stay in the Army and retire at 20 years, will I get my normal retirement of 50% + 50% disability, which equals 100%?  Or is there a catch to this as well?

I have a wife and four kids to support and I know that there is no way that I could do this with just 50% Disability which = to: Base Pay (3424.20)  50%= (1712.10) + 20545.20 annually.

From what I can tell, if you are eligible for concurrent receipt, you will get both retirement pay and the VA pay. If you don't, then you will get retirement pay, but you only will have to pay taxes on the amount that you wouldn't have otherwise gotten from the VA.

Quote:

3.  Also, how much would I get from VA for OSA?

The disability rating is as follows:
0% - No issues
30% - Persistent Daytime Hypersomnolescence
50% - OSA requiring CPAP
100% - OSA requiring Trachea

That doesn't mean that you'll get 50% of your pay though. If you go to the VA site, you can find what amount each percentage is worth.

The bottom line is this: If you're combat arms, you'll probably wind up in a staff shop for the last few years, but looking around, you're not going to be getting out. The Army needs us, broke and all. As long as you want to stay in, your MEB packet can be written to show that and influence the decision of the board.

I hope this helped.

superslacker87, thank you for posting and helping your fellow Army vet.  Strange that every branch has their own rules about medical conditions.  Good luck over there buddy,

Frodo


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Successful Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction surgery?saline irrigation...continuing cpap trial for pressure settings...

I just talked to the VA and they explained how the math works for this and i will try to explain it here.  I will use numbers that are easy to work with rather than what they might acctualy be.  

Lets say you have disability ratings of 50%, 20%, 10%.  When you enter active duty you are said to be 100% healthy.  When you retire or seperate you are evaluated for your disibilities by the VA.  Your highest rating, in this case 50%, is used first.  50% of 100% is 50%.  You are considered 50% healthy and 50% disabled.  Your next rating is 20%, 20% of 50% is 10% subtract 10% from 50% and you have 40%.  You are now considered 40 healthy and 60% disabled. they continue this on for all ratings above 10%.  they only rate in 10% incriments and use the normal rounding procdures.

Also, concurent reciept is the elimination of the off set to your retired pay.

you are eligible to file with the VA up to 180 days prior to seperation.  according to the VA if you file between 180 days and 90 days before you seperate or retire you will have your rating by about 3 months after you retire.  by doing this it is much easier to get away for your physical still being on active duty.

If you want more of an explination on this contact your local DAV chapter for assistance.

PanMan

PanMan wrote:

you are eligible to file with the VA up to 180 days prior to seperation.  according to the VA if you file between 180 days and 90 days before you seperate or retire you will have your rating by about 3 months after you retire.  by doing this it is much easier to get away for your physical still being on active duty.
PanMan

PanMan, are you saying you can get a permissive TDY for the VA physical while being on active duty?  Or would it be fully funded i.e. for someone stationed overseas?  

Thanks for posting the info,

Frodo


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...zzz...zzz...zzz... ___...gasp...snort...cough...zzz...zzz...___....gasp...snort...cough...
Successful Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction surgery?saline irrigation...continuing cpap trial for pressure settings...

Frodo, for permissive TDY that would most likly depend on local policy and how far you are from the local VA facility, most that i know of are just given a day or 2 off to do the physical.  As far as those that are overseas, in TAP they mentioned that the VA has facilities overseas and the DAV has reps over seas also.  Contact the office that runs TAP in your area for more assistance.

Hope that this helps

PanMan

I was coded ALC- C1 and ALC-C3.  

The ALC-C codes are a tricky thing.  The biggest factor in the ability for C1 coded folks to PCS overseas is the availability of a fixed MTF.  There is only a handful of those overseas and they are mainly at the larger installations (i.e. Ramstein, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Aviano).  Once you get that ALC-C code its a blessing and a curse.  There are always places that military folks do not want to go or get stationed and with that code it takes all remote assignments out of the picture.  I have been informed by my Functional Manager and the Medical folks that there is no chance of going to Turkey, Korea, Greenland, and even 1 year remotes to the Desert.   This can be good for military members with families who don't want to be seperated for 12-15 mths, but its a curse if they do not like where they are currently stationed.  The chance to leave that base/installation is now that much harder because the remote with follow-on assignment option was just removed.  Now with the AF moving to limiting PCS's to every 4 years just makes it that much harder.  

I am stuck at my current assignment until I retire which is a really good thing because I was planning on retiring in colorado springs and that's where I am.  Several are not as lucky and get stuck where they don't want to be.  Hence my comment about a blessing and a curse.