Military Medical Retirement Explained: VA Disability, IDES, and What Service Members Need to Know #214
In this episode, Spencer Reese is joined by Paul, a recently medically retired National Guard officer, and Joel Petit, a military disability retirement attorney, to break down the medical retirement process, VA disability ratings, and how IDES really works.
What We Cover
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Medical retirement vs. standard 20-year longevity retirement
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When medical retirement can make sense financially
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How the IDES (Integrated Disability Evaluation System) works
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Common misconceptions about VA disability and "100% ratings"
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The role of PEBLOs, medical boards, and appeals
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Financial impacts on retirement pay, VA compensation, and Tricare
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Why many service members are discouraged from pursuing medical retirement
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Key pitfalls, timelines, and why being proactive matters
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Advice for putting yourself and your family first during transition
Who This Episode Is For
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Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members nearing separation or retirement
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Service members facing medical issues that impact continued service
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Anyone confused about VA disability, medical boards, or retirement options
This episode pulls back the curtain on a complex system and gives practical, real-world insight into how to navigate medical retirement the right way.
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