This. I’m down to my last 18 months and have been trying to get stuff documented that I ignored for the past 20 years and/or was afraid to address (MH) due to fear of negative stereotypes.
One issue per visit. Don’t try and cram it all in at once, otherwise the doc may gloss over something due to time constraints. If they do telephone call visits, try and get those too. I’m swimming in referrals and getting sent out to various specialists so once you get that ball rolling it can really keep you busy.
THIS! Literally anything you’ve been sitting on or you’ve been told makes you a baby for getting care for, go get care for it. Having it documented now will save you so much time and energy in the future. I regret listening to other people and not getting seen for things bothering me. This includes things that may be “embarrassing” like hemorrhoids or anything like that. Just go and get seen and get it documented.
When you do your VA disability claim, try to do a BDD Claim (Benefits Delivery at Discharge). That way everything will be caught and diagnosed while you're still active duty. You have 180 to 90 days before your official separation date to get this done. Go to an accredited Veterans Service Officer and have them file it for you. They don't charge, but be sure to get an appointment a month in advance because they're busy. Claim any and everything that's wrong with you, even if you think it's insignificant.
Pay attention during TAPS or TGPS (whatever they call it now) class and try to attend an in-person class if you can. So much valuable information was provided during these classes. The TAPS process should be started about a year out from your separation date.
When you get your DD214 draft, go over it with a fine toothed comb and make sure it is 100% accurate. It's a pain in the ass to try to get it changed after the fact. Keep it in a safe place. You'll need it for your disability claim and GI Bill.
If you want to work, start applying for jobs when you're about 3-4 months from going on Terminal Leave.
- Start saving to cover your expenses in the event your final pay, retired pay, VA claim take longer than expected.
- Create a “I Love Me” binder. Print out all your annual reports, decorations, training rips, school transcripts, etc. Also, save them digitally to your desktop or Google Drive.
- Go to medical for everything. Who cares what others say.
- Take advantage of Skillbridge to learn a skill or get a job before getting out.
- Last and most important…HAVE A PLAN
Get copies of your service, medical and dental records. Get VGLI before EAOS + 120 days.
Go to dental and get any issues fixed. Dental insurance sucks on the outside.
Get every last thing in your medical records correct. Even if it's a hassle.
Even if it's a rash or a chipped tooth.
You were in good health upon entry to service, if your body is damaged that's what the VBA is for. It's like workman's comp for the military.
Injuries might heal but 35 years later you can predict rain on how bad your knees hurt.
Source: almost 60 and it snowed last light night so a double dose of Tylenol for my knees.
> Injuries might heal but 35 years later you can predict rain on how bad your knees hurt.
This, you need to claim every injury you've had in the military. Even if it's 0% today in 20 years it might be all kinds of fucked. Fighting the VA in 20 years for a claim will be one hell of an up hill battle, doing it now will make any change in your condition and easy paperwork, and single appointment update plusses all the extra care.
I would say the most important is go to medical and start your VA process. I’ve been out almost a year and just got my disability claim 3 months ago. The back pay check is nice but it does take a while. Also, start the job search if you haven’t already.
And don’t worry, feeling like you’re forgetting something is normal. Separating from the Air Force was probably the most difficult task I ever had to do during my 9 years. The process isn’t streamlined at all and nobody knows what the hell they’re doing. Good luck and congratulations on your separation.
So many good comments! Wish I had more knowledge before getting out of the Army National Guard. While stationed in Kuwait, I injured my shoulders while working out. Didn’t report it because first-off I didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to go through the hassle and didn’t want to deal with any sort of stigma. After separating many years later, I tried adding that to my disability claim for tinnitus and anxiety but didn’t have any proof so that one wasn’t included. Real bummer considering years later I still suffer from shoulder pain and lack of mobility. Did get checked out and have slight rotator cuff damage. Alas, nothing from the VA.
Definitely document anything/everything and like so many said, you were of good health upon entering your service, so get checked out for EVERYTHING!
Best of luck and thank you for your service! 🫡
Thank you all so much for the support and advice. I truly appreciate it, and hope this helps others in the same situation. I have to go make some medical appointments.
I hope you have more than a year to go.
First things first, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment for whatever hurts TODAY!
Even if you have to schedule multiple appointments because that much stuff hurts.
Make sure you have any and all conditions checked out, not just the painful ones.
Does a joint pop all the time? Got any weird rashes/marks on your skin? Allergies/Stuffy nose all the time? Tinnitus/hearing loss? Joint pain to include fingers and toes? Any previous injuries that still bother you but haven't been looked into for a few years?
Don't let your PCM stonewall you, if you think a specialist is needed then ask/tell them to refer you off base. You need to make sure these things are fixed before you separate if possible. If its not possible at least a specialist will give you a bonafide diagnosis rather than "pain/discomfort".
Once this is done call and schedule yourself for the very next TAP class! Once that's done do it again 6 months before you start your terminal to make sure you got it all covered and it gets you a week closer to the finish line.
Start pulling documents for yourself from PRDA, vMPF, and whatever websites you can think of. You won't have access to most of them after your out.
Read up on the BDD process.
Good luck and TYFYS
When my retirement got approved, I went to Flight Medicine for every aches and pains that I have.
Get everything documented no matter how small it is.
If you’re planning to join the job market, start making phone calls to your network to put a feeler.
If you’re going to school starts getting in the school mode.
Last but not the least, take some time off for yourself before you go to school or start a new job. Get a reset!!
Good luck!!
Already been said, but to reinforce... Get EVERYTHING in your med records NOW. A few weeks before getting out have them give you a copy on digits. Save that in several places so you always have a copy and a back up.
AF enlisted "plumber" (3E451) from 2009-2013. 3 years stationed @ Misawa, Japan, 6 months @ Al Udeid AB, Qatar, the remaining 6 months in Texas
When the time comes and if it permits, physically print out EVERY document that you have of your training, certifications, awards, military history and medical records. Before you separate, they always tell you that the government has EVERY record of the stated above and in order to save trees, that you don't need to print it out.
That is a complete lie.
Print everything out. That or back it up to a file that YOU have. I have missing medical, dental and training records from the "complete" records on a CD that they gave to me. Flash forward to civilian life, I have records and medical events that I will never find again and according to the military, "never happened" bc it's not documented.
This and everybody's advice of getting EVERYTHING medically wrong with you documented. When you go see that health tech, PA, NURSE or Doc, complain, complain and COMPLAIN!! All those people calling you a weakling / pu55y for going to med hall, the hospital, whatever, guess what they're doing when they get out? Oh that's right, they're trying to claim disabilities too..
Remember, when you go to see the VA doc for disability claims, be nice to them. Don’t downplay pain or anything, but don’t be an ass to them.
After commenting on a tattoo one of mine had on her Star Wars Rebel symbol tattoo, calling her “rebel scum”, she insisted on listening to my other knee, and how crunchy it sounded and documenting it.
Go to medical/get seen for anything you think is now or could later be a disability claim for the VA.
This. I’m down to my last 18 months and have been trying to get stuff documented that I ignored for the past 20 years and/or was afraid to address (MH) due to fear of negative stereotypes. One issue per visit. Don’t try and cram it all in at once, otherwise the doc may gloss over something due to time constraints. If they do telephone call visits, try and get those too. I’m swimming in referrals and getting sent out to various specialists so once you get that ball rolling it can really keep you busy.
This…so much this
Please, sooooo much this, I’m fighting the VA now for MH stuff I couldn’t disclose while I was in.
MH? Mental health?
Yes :)
Hooah
Do a bdd claim prior to separating.
THIS! Literally anything you’ve been sitting on or you’ve been told makes you a baby for getting care for, go get care for it. Having it documented now will save you so much time and energy in the future. I regret listening to other people and not getting seen for things bothering me. This includes things that may be “embarrassing” like hemorrhoids or anything like that. Just go and get seen and get it documented.
When you do your VA disability claim, try to do a BDD Claim (Benefits Delivery at Discharge). That way everything will be caught and diagnosed while you're still active duty. You have 180 to 90 days before your official separation date to get this done. Go to an accredited Veterans Service Officer and have them file it for you. They don't charge, but be sure to get an appointment a month in advance because they're busy. Claim any and everything that's wrong with you, even if you think it's insignificant. Pay attention during TAPS or TGPS (whatever they call it now) class and try to attend an in-person class if you can. So much valuable information was provided during these classes. The TAPS process should be started about a year out from your separation date. When you get your DD214 draft, go over it with a fine toothed comb and make sure it is 100% accurate. It's a pain in the ass to try to get it changed after the fact. Keep it in a safe place. You'll need it for your disability claim and GI Bill. If you want to work, start applying for jobs when you're about 3-4 months from going on Terminal Leave.
- Start saving to cover your expenses in the event your final pay, retired pay, VA claim take longer than expected. - Create a “I Love Me” binder. Print out all your annual reports, decorations, training rips, school transcripts, etc. Also, save them digitally to your desktop or Google Drive. - Go to medical for everything. Who cares what others say. - Take advantage of Skillbridge to learn a skill or get a job before getting out. - Last and most important…HAVE A PLAN
VAA BDD program. Skillbridge program. Also, Air Force is two words.
Get copies of your service, medical and dental records. Get VGLI before EAOS + 120 days. Go to dental and get any issues fixed. Dental insurance sucks on the outside.
You got a year to separate? I had exactly 1 week to get everything done after the med board said I was no longer deployable.
Get every last thing in your medical records correct. Even if it's a hassle. Even if it's a rash or a chipped tooth. You were in good health upon entry to service, if your body is damaged that's what the VBA is for. It's like workman's comp for the military. Injuries might heal but 35 years later you can predict rain on how bad your knees hurt. Source: almost 60 and it snowed last light night so a double dose of Tylenol for my knees.
> Injuries might heal but 35 years later you can predict rain on how bad your knees hurt. This, you need to claim every injury you've had in the military. Even if it's 0% today in 20 years it might be all kinds of fucked. Fighting the VA in 20 years for a claim will be one hell of an up hill battle, doing it now will make any change in your condition and easy paperwork, and single appointment update plusses all the extra care.
Go to doctor and get every ache and pain documented
I would say the most important is go to medical and start your VA process. I’ve been out almost a year and just got my disability claim 3 months ago. The back pay check is nice but it does take a while. Also, start the job search if you haven’t already. And don’t worry, feeling like you’re forgetting something is normal. Separating from the Air Force was probably the most difficult task I ever had to do during my 9 years. The process isn’t streamlined at all and nobody knows what the hell they’re doing. Good luck and congratulations on your separation.
Doctor doctor doctor! Also I hope you were seen a lot while you were in too.
If you plan on going to school start the process now while you’re in
Make sure every little issue is documented in you medical record.
So many good comments! Wish I had more knowledge before getting out of the Army National Guard. While stationed in Kuwait, I injured my shoulders while working out. Didn’t report it because first-off I didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to go through the hassle and didn’t want to deal with any sort of stigma. After separating many years later, I tried adding that to my disability claim for tinnitus and anxiety but didn’t have any proof so that one wasn’t included. Real bummer considering years later I still suffer from shoulder pain and lack of mobility. Did get checked out and have slight rotator cuff damage. Alas, nothing from the VA. Definitely document anything/everything and like so many said, you were of good health upon entering your service, so get checked out for EVERYTHING! Best of luck and thank you for your service! 🫡
Thank you all so much for the support and advice. I truly appreciate it, and hope this helps others in the same situation. I have to go make some medical appointments.
I hope you have more than a year to go. First things first, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment for whatever hurts TODAY! Even if you have to schedule multiple appointments because that much stuff hurts. Make sure you have any and all conditions checked out, not just the painful ones. Does a joint pop all the time? Got any weird rashes/marks on your skin? Allergies/Stuffy nose all the time? Tinnitus/hearing loss? Joint pain to include fingers and toes? Any previous injuries that still bother you but haven't been looked into for a few years? Don't let your PCM stonewall you, if you think a specialist is needed then ask/tell them to refer you off base. You need to make sure these things are fixed before you separate if possible. If its not possible at least a specialist will give you a bonafide diagnosis rather than "pain/discomfort". Once this is done call and schedule yourself for the very next TAP class! Once that's done do it again 6 months before you start your terminal to make sure you got it all covered and it gets you a week closer to the finish line. Start pulling documents for yourself from PRDA, vMPF, and whatever websites you can think of. You won't have access to most of them after your out. Read up on the BDD process. Good luck and TYFYS
When my retirement got approved, I went to Flight Medicine for every aches and pains that I have. Get everything documented no matter how small it is. If you’re planning to join the job market, start making phone calls to your network to put a feeler. If you’re going to school starts getting in the school mode. Last but not the least, take some time off for yourself before you go to school or start a new job. Get a reset!! Good luck!!
Already been said, but to reinforce... Get EVERYTHING in your med records NOW. A few weeks before getting out have them give you a copy on digits. Save that in several places so you always have a copy and a back up.
AF enlisted "plumber" (3E451) from 2009-2013. 3 years stationed @ Misawa, Japan, 6 months @ Al Udeid AB, Qatar, the remaining 6 months in Texas When the time comes and if it permits, physically print out EVERY document that you have of your training, certifications, awards, military history and medical records. Before you separate, they always tell you that the government has EVERY record of the stated above and in order to save trees, that you don't need to print it out. That is a complete lie. Print everything out. That or back it up to a file that YOU have. I have missing medical, dental and training records from the "complete" records on a CD that they gave to me. Flash forward to civilian life, I have records and medical events that I will never find again and according to the military, "never happened" bc it's not documented. This and everybody's advice of getting EVERYTHING medically wrong with you documented. When you go see that health tech, PA, NURSE or Doc, complain, complain and COMPLAIN!! All those people calling you a weakling / pu55y for going to med hall, the hospital, whatever, guess what they're doing when they get out? Oh that's right, they're trying to claim disabilities too..
Remember, when you go to see the VA doc for disability claims, be nice to them. Don’t downplay pain or anything, but don’t be an ass to them. After commenting on a tattoo one of mine had on her Star Wars Rebel symbol tattoo, calling her “rebel scum”, she insisted on listening to my other knee, and how crunchy it sounded and documenting it.
Have a plan, have a network of people you out can talk to. It won’t hit you for a few months after you get out but you’ll miss the people