Medical Discharge from the USMC: A Personal Account

Being discharged from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for medical reasons is a complex process with several outcomes. For those serving on active duty, medical boards play a critical role in determining the impact of injuries or illnesses. This article delves into the experience of one Marine who faced medical discharge despite personal challenges and the procedural intricacies involved.

Medical Boards and Discharge Procedures

During active duty in the Army, the process of being evaluated for medical discharge occurs through a medical board. The board assesses your medical records and conducts additional examinations to determine the severity of your condition. The outcomes of these evaluations can lead to three main situations:

Severance Pay and Discharge: If a medical board determines you are 10% or 20% disabled, you receive severance pay and are discharged from service. Military Retirement: Your condition must be 30% or greater for you to be medically retired. There are two types of military retirement: permanent and temporary.

Types of Military Retirement

Military retirement can be either permanent or temporary. The temporary status is for conditions that are unstable and might change. Recipients of temporary retirement are re-evaluated every 18 months, with a maximum of five years before they can either return to duty, be discharged with severance pay, or be placed on the Permanent Disability Retirement List.

Appeal Process

Should you disagree with the decision of the medical review board, there is a formal appeal process. This can range from submitting more medical information as evidence to a formal in-person hearing.

Unfortunately, a few individuals face a unique situation where retirement is capped at 75% of their pay. If someone is found to be 80% or greater disabled but only have a lower rating from the Veteran's Affairs (VA), they can lose money. Typically, those highly disabled also receive a higher rating from the VA. However, in rare cases, this may not be the case.

A Personal Account

After completing most of boot camp, the new recruits moved onto rifle range training and qualification. It was there that the drill instructors (DIs) discovered that although I was right-handed, shooting a rifle left-handed was necessary due to a permanent vision issue. A medical diagnosis confirmed this, and I was pressured to accept a medical discharge under honorable circumstances. Initially, this prospect did not sit well with me as I felt it was an injustice to the service I had committed to. However, to my surprise, I performed well and earned a marksman badge!

The Marine Corps motto, 'Semper Fi,' has always resonated with me. I truly believed in the values and ideals of the Corps. This medical discharge episode, though challenging, was a testament to my resilience and the unrelenting support of my fellow Marines.

Conclusion and Reflection

While the prospect of a medical discharge is daunting and often unwelcome, understanding the process and outcomes can provide clarity. The caps on retirement pay and the differences in VA ratings are complex issues that require further examination. It is hoped that these policies will evolve to better support our servicemen and women.

For those facing medical discharge, it is important to seek support and stay informed about the processes and potential outcomes. Remember, each service member's story is unique, and the resilience and spirit of the Corps can often lead to opportunities, even in the face of adversity.